Communities of practice (CoPs) are groups of individuals who share a common interest, profession, or passion and come together to learn, collaborate, and improve their skills — and for eLearning designers, they’re among the most valuable career resources available.
Top online communities for eLearning designers
Articulate E-Learning Heroes
Focused on Articulate software products widely used in eLearning design. Provides forums, tutorials, and challenges to help members improve their skills with Articulate Storyline and Rise.
Challenges: Interactive, hands-on tasks that encourage members to showcase creativity and expertise. Cover a wide range of eLearning design scenarios.
Key Topics:
- Best practices in eLearning design
- Troubleshooting and support for Articulate software
- Project showcases and feedback
- Discussion on industry trends and future directions
The iSpring Learning Exchange
A global community bringing together eLearning experts, trendsetters, and enthusiasts. Helps instructional designers, L&D professionals, and trainers exchange expertise and grow their network.
Key Topics:
- Tips and best practices in instructional design
- Top tools for effective online training
- L&D and eLearning industry trends
- AI and eLearning: opportunities and risks
The eLearning Designer’s Academy
Helps new and existing eLearning designers and instructional designers grow their careers focusing on tangible skills. Led by Tim Slade.
Key topics:
- Practical eLearning and instructional design skills
- Eight-week program with over 20 hours of video content
- Full instructional design and eLearning development process
- Building a showcase portfolio
- Personalized guidance including 1:1 coaching
The eLearning Coach
Run by Connie Malamed, a valuable resource offering podcasts, articles, and a blog covering various aspects of eLearning design and development.
Key topics: Instructional Design, eLearning Development, Learning Objectives, Storyboarding, User Interface, Multimedia.
LXD Club — Learning Jam Club
Join for interactive jam sessions focusing on collaborative problem-solving in Learning Experience Design (LXD).
Key topics:
- Interactive discussions on current trends, challenges, and innovations in LXD
- Collaborative problem-solving and brainstorming
- Idea sharing and networking
Global Learning and Development Community (GLDC)
A dynamic and inclusive community of practice focused on fostering networking, peer connections, and collaboration within L&D. Members from diverse backgrounds spanning the globe.
Meetings: Free weekly Zoom meetups scheduled at different times to accommodate global time zones.
Key Topics: Instructional design methodologies, e-learning innovations, employee training strategies, and leadership development.
L&D SHAKERS
International community of practice for L&D professionals dedicated to staying updated on the latest trends, research, and innovations in learning experience design.
Origin: Co-created space where all learning experiences are co-designed and co-delivered by community members, for free, out of a shared passion for learning.
The Learning and Development Collective (LDC Forum)
A dedicated online space for internal L&D professionals to exchange knowledge, ideas, and insights on emerging trends, preferred suppliers, and innovative practices.
Learning and Development Accelerator (LDA)
A vibrant community dedicated to advancing the field of Learning and Development. Hosts regular online meetings and events accommodating global members.
Key Topics: Instructional design methodologies, innovative e-learning, employee training strategies, and leadership skills.
Why join communities of practice?
- Professional development: Continuous learning and skill enhancement through discussions, webinars, and workshops.
- Networking opportunities: Connect with experienced designers, educators, and industry experts for new job prospects and collaborations.
- Access to helpful resources: Templates, tools, tutorials, and resource libraries.
- Problem solving: Seek advice, share experiences, and receive guidance from seasoned professionals.
Key Questions Answered
The most commonly asked questions about this topic, concisely answered.
- Top communities include Articulate E-Learning Heroes (the largest eLearning design community, centered on Articulate tools), The iSpring Learning Exchange (global community for eLearning professionals), The eLearning Designer's Academy (career-focused, led by Tim Slade), The eLearning Coach (resources and podcast by Connie Malamed), LXD Club — Learning Jam Club, and the Global Learning and Development Community (GLDC).
- Articulate E-Learning Heroes is the official online community for users of Articulate software (Storyline and Rise). It is the largest and most active eLearning design community online, featuring forums, tutorials, weekly design challenges, project showcases, and peer feedback. It is invaluable for anyone using Articulate products — from beginners seeking troubleshooting help to experienced designers looking for creative inspiration.
- Communities of Practice (CoPs) are groups of practitioners who share a profession or interest and come together to learn, share knowledge, and improve their skills. For eLearning designers, CoPs provide access to peer feedback, exposure to diverse approaches and tools, industry trend awareness, and professional networking — benefits that are difficult to obtain in isolation. Most top online communities for LXD function as CoPs.
- Community membership benefits include:
- Peer learning from practitioners at different skill levels and contexts
- Portfolio-building through design challenges and project showcases
- Job leads and referrals through professional networks
- Exposure to tools, trends, and methodologies beyond your current role
- Mentoring relationships — both receiving and giving guidance
- Visibility in the professional community that can attract recruiters and collaborators
- The iSpring Learning Exchange is a global LinkedIn-based community for eLearning experts, instructional designers, L&D professionals, and trainers. It covers tips and best practices in instructional design, top eLearning tools, industry trends, and emerging topics like AI in eLearning. It is particularly useful for designers interested in the iSpring ecosystem and for connecting with an international L&D network.
- Yes — many top communities are free to join. Articulate E-Learning Heroes is free and open to all. The Global Learning and Development Community (GLDC) offers free weekly Zoom meetups. The iSpring Learning Exchange is a free LinkedIn group. The eLearning Coach offers free articles and podcasts. Some communities (like The eLearning Designer's Academy) have paid tiers for deeper curriculum and coaching.
- The Global Learning and Development Community (GLDC) is a free, inclusive community of practice focused on networking and peer learning within L&D. It hosts weekly Zoom meetups scheduled at different times to accommodate global time zones, covering instructional design methodologies, eLearning innovations, employee training strategies, and leadership development. It is particularly valuable for practitioners outside major L&D hubs who want international peer connection.
- Design challenges — like those hosted by Articulate E-Learning Heroes — provide structured, time-boxed opportunities to:
- Practice specific tools and techniques outside of client work
- Build portfolio pieces that demonstrate creativity and versatility
- Receive peer feedback in a low-stakes environment
- Develop speed and confidence under constraints
- Engage with the community through commenting on others' work
- The LXD Club — Learning Jam Club is a community focused on interactive jam sessions for collaborative problem-solving in Learning Experience Design. Sessions feature discussions on trends, challenges, and innovations in LXD, collaborative brainstorming, and idea-sharing. It is particularly relevant for practitioners interested in the design and innovation dimensions of LXD rather than pure tool use.
- Consider your primary needs:
- If you use Articulate Storyline or Rise — prioritize E-Learning Heroes
- If you want structured career development — explore The eLearning Designer's Academy
- If you want global peer connection and free meetups — join GLDC
- If you want resources, podcast, and articles — follow The eLearning Coach
- If you're interested in LXD innovation and collaboration — explore the Learning Jam Club
- Several existing communities have developed strong AI-focused sub-conversations: TLDC (The Learning Development Community) regularly covers AI tools and workflows, Articulate E-Learning Heroes has active discussions about AI-assisted course development, and LinkedIn L&D groups frequently share AI tool reviews and prompts. Dedicated AI-in-education communities like the AI for Education network also welcome instructional designers.
- Start by observing conversations to learn the community's norms and vocabulary. Then begin asking specific, well-framed questions — communities respond well to beginners who show genuine effort. Participate in challenges or portfolio reviews (like the Articulate E-Learning Heroes weekly challenges) to build skills with feedback. Share your learning journey — established professionals are often generous with advice when they see genuine engagement.
