Participate 1.1.2 Joining a Digital Learning Community Quest

I just did a quick Google search for Digital Learning Communities (DLCs) and I got over 32,000,000 hits. When I narrow that search to science education it gets narrowed down to just over 20,000,000 hits. I don't think I ever realized how many DLCs are out there! I spent quite bit of time exploring them and booked marked several. Here are five in particular that I thought were interesting: 

• 1)National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science Collection of PBL cases on almost every topic in science. 
• Harvard Extension School - Offers free or low cost courses taught my Harvard professors.
• Khan Academy Review subject matter for almost every subject in grades K-12. Resources are great for reteaching, reviewing, or a flipped classroom. 
• Peer-to-Peer University Online courses driven by the values of peer learning, community, and openness.
• Allison  Advance Leaning Interactive Systems Online. ALISON enables anyone, anywhere in the world, to learn new skills and get certified. 

 I think that each of these is a fairly reputable DLC. Depending on what you are wanting to learn, some maybe better than others. I did join Allison mainly because I have never heard or used it before. I was intrigued by the variety of courses they offered - over 500 in total. Many of the courses would allow people to get certifications including project management and human resources. This site is not exclusive for K-12 education, but does have a secondary education area. I feel that the DLC is easy to joint and is appealing for several reasons. First it is a DLC that can be used while in middle or high school and BEYOND the realms of a K-12 education. So getting to know a platform that can be used for a lifetime is appealing. You can also work at your own pace, which is often appealing to learners. The variety of classes is great as well - business, computers, finance, and even languages just to name a few.