What is Custom Learning for Microsoft 365?
Custom Learning for Microsoft 365 (formerly Microsoft Training Services) is a digital, customized learning solution that helps customers transform their organizations. It offers:
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Customizable, flexible content – Admins choose to hide or show content based on their environment or build their own custom playlists that are tailored to the unique needs of their organization. End users make their own playlists and share them with coworkers.
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Always up-to-date content – Learning content is continually updated, enabling organizations to provide a library of up-to-date training for end users and avoid the hassle of having to make the changes themselves.
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Training for Microsoft Teams – The service offers the full Microsoft Teams Toolkit for Teamwork experience.
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Measurement tools (future capability) – Management will gain valuable insights into the training consumed in the organization.
How does it work?
Custom Learning for Microsoft 365 delivers training content from a Web-hosted content store to a Web part on the customer’s SharePoint communication site. New, up-to-date content is continually added by Microsoft via a content store solution, and organization admins and end users can create content paths and playlists which are stored locally in SharePoint lists.
What have we learned so far?
To date, 25 organizations have participated in the pre-pilot phase, helping to develop and test the solution. We’ve learned that customers face three main challenges with training their employees how to use Microsoft apps and services:
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Customizing training content to meet the needs of their environment
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Keeping training content up-to-date
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Measuring the results of their training efforts
What has been the pre-pilot customer feedback?
So far, customers are very pleased with the experience. Here are some testimonials:
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“This is going to save me a ton of time.” Communications and Training Manager
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“I’ve installed the site into a DEV environment. I love it. This is what I’ve been waiting for.” Senior Solution Architect
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“When Stephanie and I told the rest of IT about this, there were cheers heard around the world. Seriously, their Microsoft 365 program lead in India was ecstatic.” Support Service Provider
When will the solution launch?
Custom Learning for Microsoft 365 will be available as a managed pilot in Q3 of the 2018 calendar year (Q1 of Microsoft’s fiscal 2019). The current target release date for the solution is Q1 of the 2019 calendar year.
What’s happening with Toolkit for Teamwork? How is it being integrated into Custom Learning for Microsoft 365?
The Toolkit for Teamwork experience will still exist, but it will be delivered via Custom Learning for Microsoft 365, not as a separate content entity.
How does Custom Learning for Microsoft 365 compare to partner offerings from companies that provide enterprise training services?
A number of existing Microsoft partners offer training solutions for Microsoft 365 and Windows 10. Many of these partners offer premium services that go beyond the capabilities of Custom Learning for Microsoft 365, providing unique and compelling value that further helps customers adopt Microsoft technology. Unique partner capabilities can include custom course design, instructor-led design, gamification, user behavior analytics, extensive communication and engagement features, and live support.
When considering which training solution(s) to adopt, customers should consider their requirements, timeline, and budget. It is also possible to adopt Custom Learning for Microsoft 365 in combination with training partner offerings.
Can I schedule a call with my customer to give them a preview, and/or provide additional materials prior to the pilot launch?
Given the overwhelming response to the pilot announcement, we are unable to meet with customers, Microsoft FTEs, or suppliers while we complete the build-out of the pilot. We appreciate your patience and interest in participating in the pilot.
Can I get a demo of the solution?
Unfortunately, we are unable to give demos of the solution as we are developing the pilot. Please see below for conceptual screen shots.
I have additional questions. Who can I talk to?
We will continue to update this FAQ page as plans come together, so check back for updates. We will also be in touch with everyone on the waitlist with more details as we get closer to the solution's general availability.
