Online Learning Communities and Distance Education "Environmentalists note that online learning communities are the 'green' choice of the future, promising a 90% reduction in energy and carbon dioxide emissions due to elimination of travel" (Blom et al., 2013). What are Online Learning Communities? Most online students (graduate and undergraduate) receive their learning materials through online learning communities. The online learning communities are defined as platforms that combine the Internet with learning software (such as Learning Management Systems [LMSs], virtual learning environments [VLEs], learning portals, or e-learning platforms) to create a community of learners, educators, and other experts who congregate for purposes of learning and teaching (Billings & Halstead, 2016). The Grand Canyon University uses proprietary LMS that combines with the Internet to create the LoudCloud online learning community. Technological advances are creatin