Friday, July 15, 2016

Microsoft Tackles IT Skills Gap With Online Learning Program - Pedro Hernandez, eWeek

Beginning with data science, the software giant aims to help close the IT skills gap with its new Microsoft Professional Degree program. During its Worldwide Partner Conference in Toronto this week, Microsoft took the wraps off an online "learning-as-a-service" program that will teach professionals the skills required for today's technology-focused, in-demand jobs. Based on the Azure-hosted Open edX online education platform, the software giant's new Microsoft Professional Degree (MPD) program will "offer employer-endorsed, university caliber curriculum for professionals at any stage of their careers," Alison Cunard, general manager of Microsoft Learning Experiences, said in a July 13 announcement. Open edX is an open-source online teaching and courseware development platform. http://www.eweek.com/it-management/microsoft-tackles-it-skills-gap-with-online-learning-program.html