There are many online learning resources out there that can help further a user's understanding of various applications and subjects, such as Microsoft 365 apps like OneDrive or SharePoint, general tech questions, and even leadership courses. UIT suggests two options that we like: Alison, a free online account, and SkillSets, accessible for free through an MSU account. Below you will find more information on each of these choices.

 
Alison SkillSets Online

Alison is a free online learning platform that doesn't require a connection to MSU. An Alison account gives you access to the website and all its features. Alison can also be accessed via your smartphone, not just a web browser, making it easy to learn wherever you are.

Courses taken through Alison offer certificates of completion that are great additions to both a user's resume and current employment. Alison’s courses fall into three study areas: academic, workplace, and personal development. You can find everything from cybersecurity and artificial intelligence to massage and tattoo art.

For a full list of free courses, visit their course catalog.

How to Sign Up: Register on Alison either by using your email address or through a social media account like Google by visiting their website.

Courses are categorized for IT and NON-IT Professionals. Whether you are an IT or NON-IT professional, you will have access to ALL classes. But when you choose to sign up as IT or NON-IT, it sets what you see as a “default”. That’s particularly useful for NON-IT learners who want maybe a class on Outlook or Excel, but don’t care about the innards of Cisco networking.

  1. Hands-on-Labs (IT) – These courses are intended for the serious IT professionals getting into the technical nuts and bolts of systems and software.
  2. Streetwise (IT) – These short courses are for IT professionals, delivered by IT  professionals.
  3. Courses (NON-IT and IT) – These courses are for both IT and NON-IT professionals (as opposed to Streetwise videos or Hands-On labs, which are geared towards the IT professional).

How to Sign Up: If you would like to gain a free SkillSets account, fill out this request form. SkillSets will then send you a login link and credentials (username/password). This will allow access to their dashboard and to browse the catalogue for classes to take.
 
Microsoft Enterprise Skills Learning (ESI) Learner Experience Portal (LxP)

MSU has partnered with Microsoft to give free access to their Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) Learner Experience Portal (LxP) via your existing license through Microsoft. Through ESI, you can find multiple way to learn new skills – whether it be through video tutorials, instructor-led courses, or even educational games. You choose from options that best fit your learning style and go at your own pace, earning as many achievements you’re interested in.

Courses include but are not limited to:

  • Copilot fundamentals and further topics
  • Microsoft Security fundamentals
  • Power Platoform fundamentals
  • Microsoft Certifications

How to Sign Up: access to ESI is included in your existing M365 account. To log in to the ESI LxP, go to Microsoft’s ESI web page, scroll down, and click “Sign In Now”. You’ll be requested to enter your work email (NetID@msu.montana.edu or first.last@montana.edu - it can be either but Microsoft will let you know if the one you used worked or not and you can try again with the other), and then you’ll log in via the normal MSU process, NetID and all. From here, you can choose whatever method you prefer and take a deeper dive into all the learning opportunities you’ve just gained access to.