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Microsoft Learn is an invaluable resource for students, faculty and staff at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), providing a free, comprehensive platform designed to learn Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft 365, Power BI, and Azure etc. UTD Community have access to interactive tutorials, hands-on modules, and learning paths to advance their technical expertise.
The platform also offers pathways to learn programming languages like Rust and Go, making it an ideal resource for students looking to expand their coding skills. Whether you are just starting or working to build upon existing knowledge, Microsoft Learn supports your growth with structured, practical content.
Microsoft Learn provides a variety of Career Paths to help students at UTD navigate their professional journeys. These paths feature interactive modules tailored to roles like Data Analyst, AI Engineer, or Developer, including practice assessments and certification preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped for industry demands.
For more details, visit the Microsoft Learn Career Paths page.
UTD members can gain access to Microsoft Learn’s resources using their university email accounts.
Features and Advantages
Feature
|
Description
|
|
Courses
|
A collection of material on specific subjects (e.g., cloud computing, AI). |
| Learning Paths |
A sequence of courses designed to build expertise in a particular role. |
| Modules |
Bite-sized, focused learning experiences that provide targeted knowledge. |
| Badges |
Earned by completing courses and learning paths, serving as visible milestones for achievements. Badges can be shared on platforms like LinkedIn, enhancing resumes and online profiles. |
| Trophies |
Awarded when completing a full learning path on Microsoft Learn and can be shared on social media. |
| Collections |
Allow users to create curated lists of Microsoft Learn content. |
| Progress Tracking |
Users can track their progress through courses and learning paths. |
Users also gain access to Microsoft’s sandbox environment in some courses and assessments for hands-on practice with actual tools, providing a risk-free way to experiment.
By browsing the shows and events section, learners can access experts sharing insights on building solutions and using Microsoft products, ensuring that they stay updated on the latest announcements, features, and technologies. Additionally, the code samples library offers a wealth of practical examples that demonstrate how to use Microsoft developer tools and technologies effectively. These samples serve as a valuable resource for users to kickstart their projects and apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios.
Some key benefits include:
- Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program: UTD students can apply for the Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador Program, which helps them connect with the global tech community while enhancing their leadership skills. As an ambassador, students gain access to exclusive events, mentorship opportunities, and resources to develop their technical skills further. (Visit here to learn more)
- Microsoft Imagine Cup: Students can participate in a global technology competition, receiving mentorship and prizes for innovative solutions to real-world problems (Visit here to learn more)
- Certification Discounts: UTD Community can get discounts on Microsoft certifications, such as Azure Fundamentals, making credentials more affordable. (Visit here to learn more)
- $100 Free Azure Credit: With a student account, students can sign up for the Azure for Students program, which provides $100 of free credit to explore and experiment with Azure services. Students can enjoy this offer without needing to enter credit card details, making it easy and hassle-free to get started on Azure. This offer includes access to over 25 services, including virtual machines, databases, and AI tools. (Visit here to learn more)
- Free Certification practice exams: Microsoft Learn offers a collection of free practice exams with 50 multiple-choice questions to simulate certification exams. (Visit here to learn more)
- Microsoft Applied Skills: Users can earn Applied Skills credentials to highlight expertise in scenario-based skills. (Visit here to learn more)
- Microsoft Virtual Training Days: Free online training sessions on advanced topics like AI and data science are available to users. (Visit here to learn more)
- Study Guide Collection: Microsoft Learn offers comprehensive study guides for all certification exams, helping you focus your preparation efforts. These guides summarize exam topics and provide useful resources to maximize your success on certification exams. Example study guide for Exam AZ-900: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals
- Sandbox Environment: The platform’s sandbox environments enable users to practice new skills without affecting live systems, offering a safe space for learning.
- You can access sandbox in some units which require the sandbox for the assignments to complete. You can find info like this in the learning units:
- If the unit requires it, you will see an option to activate the sandbox.
- Click on the Activate Sandbox button to begin.
- To ensure security, you will need to verify your account.
- Click on the Start Puzzle button and complete the puzzle.
- Before proceeding, Microsoft Learn needs your permission to create Azure resources.
- Click on the Review permissions button to ensure the necessary permissions are granted.
- A pop-up window will appear requesting permission for Microsoft Learn Sandbox to access your profile data, collect activity logs, and use your data for sandbox activities.
- Review the details carefully and click Accept to proceed. This will enable the sandbox to function properly.
- Once permissions are granted, for example as shown in the below image, the Azure Cloud Shell will automatically open.
- You will see a message indicating that the Cloud Shell has been successfully connected.
- The system will authenticate your Azure account and build your Azure drive.
For information on comprehensive details on skill-building resources and certification opportunities available to students, faculty and staff, refer to the Microsoft's Education Skills Initiative (ESI) article.
For information on Microsoft discounts available to students, refer here, faculty and staff can refer here to learn about exclusive offers on Microsoft certification exams.
For information on Microsoft Learn Student Ambassadors (MLSA), refer to the MLSA Program Guide for insights into becoming a Student Ambassador, gaining access to unique resources, and engaging with the tech community.
For information on Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE), refer this article to access resources designed specifically for faculty members.