ML is a mathematical discipline. You have to read books to dive into it. Collaboration is possible after you become usefull. Try "Grocking deep learning" for simple introduction to neural networks. Also check classical ml tasks in regression/classification/trees and drill them. This is hard work wich can not be substituted by being part of some community.

Update: Before it you better learn basics of python programming language. Find lectures with homeworks which are not connected with ML itself (16 hours + 40 hours will be enough)