Learning rooms: Microsoft offers a new venue for connecting Learn experts with the community

Microsoft recently rolled out learning rooms as part of the Microsoft Learn community. The program aims to give individual experts their own focused online spaces to connect with community members to study for certifications, learn about new tools, and find unique ways to discuss other topics related to Azure, business applications, and data and AI.

The learning rooms, which are hosted on Microsoft Teams, are free and open to join and are designed by Microsoft to offer people dedicated and safe environments where they can engage directly with experts who are verified technical subject matter experts. Microsoft selects room leaders based on their technical skills and community support as well as their expertise in the specific topic area of their rooms, says Kerry Herger, community lead on Microsoft's worldwide learning marketing team.   

"This is really a collection of new experiences that we are providing our learners with the ability to engage with each other as well as with technical experts," says Herger. "What that really compasses is helping our community gain new skills."

Many of the learning rooms will be geared toward Microsoft Azure, but at least eight Business Applications rooms have already formed on a range of Dynamics 365 and Power Platform topics.  For example, Microsoft MVP and MCT Rishona Elijah explained that her room "will offer assistance and guidance on Power Platform topics, including certifications. It’s also a space to network with likeminded peers and celebrate your success along the way." MVP Julian Sharp wrote that his learning room will be used to "discuss all things about certification for Dynamics 365 and Power Platform". Other rooms will take on technical skills, training, location- or language-specific discussions, and more.

Learning rooms are a way for Microsoft to offer a learning environment that's designed to be safe and to support and guide learners through engagement with community leaders, Herger says.