What happened to Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA)?

What happened to Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA)?

microsoft virtual academy MVA

What happened to Microsoft Virtual Academy(MVA)? Where is Microsoft Virtual Academy? I’ve seen a lot of search questions related to these and want to talk about it in this post. For starters the Microsoft Virtual Academy resources or content are no more. However it still exists but in a new improved and modern home; Microsoft Learn. The MVA page doesn’t exist and will redirect you to the new Microsoft learning page.

Microsoft announced in January 2019 it was retiring the MVA page. Stating three reason for this. One bring all its learning platforms into one hub. Two revising outdated knowledge and introducing modern and relevant skills for the next generation of creators. Three structuring the modules to be task-based achievements. Which the company believes can help you advance your technical skills in modern roles. Microsoft Learn is also free just like Microsoft MVA.

The new learning platform has an interactive learning environment. That combines short step by step tutorials with interactive coding and scripting environments in a sandbox.

Microsoft was also allowing anyone who was on a course to complete it and retain transcripts and certificates. I’m not sure how anyone can access the old certificates now. If you have been able to do this, kindly share this with us in the comments.

Got any other question about Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA) i didn’t talk about? Ask in the comments and i’ll get you answers.

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Microsoft Learn is replacing Microsoft Professional Program

Microsoft Learn is replacing Microsoft Professional Program

Microsoft is evolving its approach to helping people build technical skills and achieving technical certification. The company is retiring Microsoft Professional Program (MPP) and replacing it with Microsoft Learn platform.

Microsoft shares they are taking the best of the Microsoft Professional Program and adding the ability to earn a technical certification at the end of the coursework. The company realizes that people with certifications earn 15% more and are 20% more productive.

Three years ago, we launched the Microsoft Professional Program (MPP) with one mission: to help you build the technical skills you need to succeed in emerging jobs.
Since that time, the importance of technical skills and industry-recognized certifications has grown.
That’s why we’ve decided to evolve our approach into a program where you can work toward a technical certification
.

Early this year Microsoft announced it was retiring Microsoft Virtual Academy and replacing it with Microsoft Learn platform. A free, interactive learning platform of tutorials, interactive browser-based coding/scripting environments and task-based achievements.

As we retire MPP, Microsoft Learn becomes your destination for building the skills you need to be successful.”

MPP will officially end December 31st 2019. However you can still apply for a course or track till 15th September. You have the ability to complete pending courses by December 31st.

Microsoft retires Microsoft Virtual Academy, replaces it with Microsoft Learn

Microsoft retires Microsoft Virtual Academy, replaces it with Microsoft Learn

Microsoft virtual academy

As a technology company, Microsoft offers learning resources. For people who want to develop technical skills and confidence as well as build career opportunities. Most often allowing them to leverage and skill up in their tools and technologies. These platforms include Microsoft Virtual Academy (MVA), Cloud Society Platform, Microsoft courses on edX and Microsoft Learning.


Microsoft Learn – a one stop for self-paced, guided learning

Microsoft Learn was announced at Ignite last year in a bid to bring its learning platforms into one hub. A way to revise outdated knowledge and introduce modern and relevant skills for the next generation of creators. Like the Microsoft Virtual Academy, Microsoft Learn is free. It provides a tailored learning path through tutorials, a coding and interactive environment. As well as help you prepare towards certifications. Microsoft says “We built Microsoft Learn as a one-stop for self-paced, guided learning on all of our platform products and services”.

Starting 31st January Microsoft Virtual Academy will be retired in phases and its content removed by the end of 2019. Complete any course you currently are taking by the 31st of January to retain your transcript and certificate.

Here’s how the Microsoft Virtual Academy email reads;

“To simplify your tech training journey, we are consolidating our learning resources and retiring Microsoft Virtual Academy in phases, beginning on January 31, 2019. Complete site retirement is scheduled for later in 2019. Check your MVA Dashboard frequently for courses you have started that are retiring. To earn your certificates of completion, be sure to finish any courses by January 31, 2019.
Although Microsoft Virtual Academy content will no longer be available, we know that learning never stops. We recently announced Microsoft Learn which is a new site that provides a free, interactive learning environment that combines short step by step tutorials, interactive coding/scripting environments, and task-based achievements that help you advance your technical skills. Check it out!

I’ve noticed the cloud society and Microsoft courses on edX platforms have been integrated with Microsoft Learn. This brings all of Microsoft’s learning tools and resources under one documentation and platform for up to date information.

You can download your MVA completed course certificates from the dashboard, Check Microsoft Learn out and build new skills.

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Microsoft 4Afrika partners TEF to bring Digital Technology to Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across Africa

Microsoft 4Afrika partners TEF to bring Digital Technology to Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across Africa

 

Microsoft 4Afrika has signed a partnership with Tony Elumelu Foundation to provide Technology and skills support to Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across Africa.

Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs program will benefit from technology tools, resources and mentorship in this partnership project. The mission is to help these entrepreneurs use ICT effectively to modernize their businesses and reach new customers.
Microsoft says “The support will be available across the continent through both virtual and in person experiences”.

Microsoft 4Afrika will also take the opportunity to identify highly potential entrepreneurs from the TEF Entrepreneurship  Programme and integrate them into its Innovation Grant Programme.

During the The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos in October, Microsoft will training them on Microsoft it’s technologies.

Speaking about the partnership Microsoft Nigeria country manger Akin Banuso said;

“Microsoft 4Afrika and the Tony Elumelu Foundation share a common goal to accelerate economic and social development by promoting entrepreneurship.
As we enter into an era of digital transformation, it’s vital that we help all entrepreneurs develop relevant technology skills and integrate ICT into their businesses. Technology can help SMEs reach customers outside their local markets, generate powerful business insights and improve their customer retention.
We have found that SMEs who adopt this kind of modern IT have seen 15% faster revenue growth than those not using it.”

Some of the benefits Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs will get from Microsoft 4Afrika’s partnership include:

• Access to cloud-based software, online support and technology through BizSpark
• Access to information and markets through the Biz4Afrika platform, where SMEs can trade with similar-sized organisations
• Technical training on Microsoft technologies and platforms during the 2017 TEF Forum
• Online business and technology training through the Microsoft Virtual Academy, to support entrepreneurs through their start-up, growth and acceleration phases
• Access to Microsoft experts for virtual and in-person mentorship through the MySkills4Afrika programme
• Access to the Interns4Afrika programme, for entrepreneurs to access and build their talent pipeline

Speaking on the partnership Parminder Vir OBE, CEO, Tony Elumelu Foundation said;

“With Microsoft on-board, we’re adding an essential ICT platform and partner to this mix, which will help to strengthen the capacity of our entrepreneurs, ensuring they remain relevant and competitive.”

Microsoft’s partnership will upskill about 3000 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs across the African continent. It will also give 4Afrika the opportunity to reach thousands of SMEs.

Visit Microsoft 4Afrika and the Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme  for more information.
What are your thoughts on the offerings and partnership? Share with us.