Learning greatly benefits from interaction with other people, whether experts in the field, learners at the same stage as yourself or anyone else interested enough to share their learning experiences. The forums below cater for a wide range of computer-related interests and at first sight may seem less than ideal for 'serious' online learning but if used wisely they can play an important part in reinforcing and updating your knowledge.

Resist the temptation to start posting right away until you get the feel of a forum. Previous threads might contain answers that you're looking for and maybe good relations with other members can be established by responding to their queries first. Posts that are very general ("How do computers work?") are less likely to attract intelligent responses than questions that are clear, concise and specific and show that you've made some effort yourself ("Learning C++ but can't understand how pointers are used in the following code .... ").

Be aware that online learning is not necessarily served by every activity that takes place in a forum! Always be diplomatic, avoid 'flaming' (hostile and insulting interaction between forum members) and try to develop the right balance between the strictly social aspects of the forum and your own learning objectives.

ScienceForums.net - Computer Science

This is the Computer Science forum; one of around 40 available forums, mainly on science topics. There's much activity, a wide range of questions that usually attract at least 1 response as well as a sub-forum for discussing computer problems. The single thread on "What's a good programming language to learn?" has been running since April 2009 and with over 60 replies is an education in itself!

"We welcome science discussion at all levels — from beginners to researchers, covering topics from biology and physics to computer science and mathematics, and much more."

xkcd - Analytical Engines

Run by the webcomic xkcd, the forums under this heading include a computer 'Help Desk', 'Coding' (implementation and style of computer programs), 'Computer Science' (science of computers and programs from algorithms to computability), 'Hardware' and, intriguingly, 'Religious Wars'. Very few queries stay unanswered and some quite serious and thoughtful discussions can be found. There's a nerdy but friendly atmosphere with some good expertise in evidence.

Open University (UK), LearningSpace - IT and Computing forum

A steady trickle of queries on a wide range of topics including Open University (OU) matters. Activity is moderate to low with some questions left unanswered. Expertise is available although it's difficult to tell whether OU teaching staff are involved, if at all. Note that each LearningSpace IT and Computing course has its own associated forum but these do not seem to be very active.

"Welcome to the IT and computing forum. This is the place to discuss issues around the range and type of educational resources within the IT and computing section of the LearningSpace."

S.O.S. Mathematics CyberBoard - Computer Science

As its name suggests this forum is more focused on mathematical aspects so there are plenty of questions on maths functions, numerical methods and so on as well as the usual programming language and computer problems. Some really helpful and friendly experts are around dealing patiently with a wide variety of questions at all levels.