Last time in our learning management series, we provided a general outline for how to improve learning management. How to plan and organize, as well as how learning management systems streamline your efforts. But whichever LMS you choose will more than likely need to be compatible with Microsoft services.

That’s why today we will lay out how you can maximize the effectiveness of your learning management in Microsoft 365. Just think of this as your cheat sheet for getting the most out of your Microsoft investment!

The role of Microsoft 365 in modern learning management

Microsoft has become ubiquitous with the modern workplace. Even before the remote work boom made Teams a vital tool, countless businesses have long relied on Microsoft’s operating systems, email services and suites of apps for virtual infrastructure. Today, over one million businesses use Microsoft 365 worldwide.

They’re uniquely positioned to support employee learning and development on a massive scale. Learning management systems able to integrate with Microsoft’s existing suite of professional tools are far more accessible, as even less tech-savvy employees have points of familiarity.

With tech growth spurring workplace change, it’s never been more important to have effective learning and training systems. That’s why Zensai and Microsoft Teams partnered to offer AI-powered learning solutions.

The most important Microsoft learning management tools

Microsoft offers a dizzying array of apps, services and plug-ins to suit all kinds of business needs. Here are some of the most widely used tools to support eLearning with Microsoft, which are also compatible with Learn365:

Natively integrated with Microsoft 365 for HR

Microsoft Teams

Many businesses use Microsoft Teams to improve workplace communication. It offers everything you’d expect from a communications platform. Video chat, direct messaging, and even transcription and recording functionality. So, when someone falls asleep in a meeting, they can easily catch up after.

On top of that, there’s a huge selection of app integrations available to install, from polling tools and time management apps to HR support integrations. Having all this stuff in one place makes Teams an essential part of learning management in Microsoft.

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint is a tool for creating intranet pages and digital content libraries. There are options for setting up on-site servers, but the most accessible method is through the cloud-based SharePoint365.

It’s the perfect tool for centralizing knowledge resources and can be a useful way for employees to engage with learning options. For example, Wirral University used SharePoint to host their course catalog for clinical training, with course material accessible through Learn365’s mobile app.

Microsoft Viva

Microsoft Viva is a suite of Teams plug-ins designed to enable better employee experience management. These individual plug-ins include:

  • Microsoft Viva Insights
  • Microsoft Viva Goals
  • Microsoft Viva Learning
  • Microsoft Viva Topics
  • Microsoft Viva Connections
  • Microsoft Viva Engage

Don’t worry, we won’t waste your time going through them all. Just two. Viva Learning functions as a repository of employee training content. On top of Microsoft’s content libraries, you’re free to import your own. Having all your virtual exercises and course materials in one place means employees can work through it at their own speeds.

While Learning focuses primarily on practical training materials, Viva Topics functions more as a general knowledge resource. It’s useful when your employees have to research industry-relevant topics, or to increase awareness of key issues.

Microsoft Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is a system for virtual assistants based on Natural Language Processing (NLP). AI assistants have all sorts of useful workplace applications, from basic function automation to helping employees manage their schedules. But the potential for learning management in Microsoft is where Copilot really shines.

Copilot’s purpose is to improve on the flaws of existing Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT) systems. Namely by offering greater levels of personalization for individual learner needs, providing real-time recommendations, and automating evaluation.

To support this, it’ll soon be possible to use Zensai apps in Microsoft Copilot. Combine NLP and real-time progress updates with the latest sentiment data for an in-depth view of how your team is working, thinking and feeling.

How Microsoft Teams provides a centralized learning hub

We touched on Teams in our overview of Microsoft learning tools, but it really is the foundation of effective learning management in Microsoft. That’s because Microsoft Teams can integrate seamlessly with learning management systems like Learn365. You even have a couple of choices for how to go about this:

  • Access LMS integrations in Microsoft Teams
  • Use Teams features through your LMS

Using Microsoft Teams for learning means people can access their personal learning dashboards, check-ins, meeting schedule and messages all in one place. In fact, the best part of using Zensai in Microsoft Teams is that you don’t have to worry about new software. No lengthy installation rollout, and no having to train people on entirely new systems!

learning management in Microsoft 365

Integrate an LMS with your existing Microsoft system

What is an LMS going to realistically do for your efficiency if it’s walled off from the other systems your people use on a daily basis? At best, it would be the sort of thing people engage with reluctantly.

Having an LMS like Learn365 that integrates fully with Microsoft’s suite of tools boosts adoption by keeping everything unified. The resources people need are, at most, a few clicks away. Since Microsoft 365 and Teams are available on just about any device, people can access training whether they’re working remotely or on the go.

For example, Rail Projects Victoria needed a more effective learning management system to ensure course completion and documentation for compliance. Implementation was easy since their people were already familiar with Microsoft 365.

Streamline learning management in Microsoft 365

With more businesses turning to modern learning management systems to train employees, it’s a matter of finding the most efficient implementation methods. We recommend enabling learning management in Microsoft due to their sheer range of tools and plug-ins, as well as their emphasis on user-friendliness.

Our Microsoft Teams partnership makes Learn365 the ideal system to take advantage of Microsoft’s potential for employee education and upskilling.

Download your free learning management eBook

Still unsure what a learning management system can do for your business? No worries; just download our ‘What is an LMS’ eBook below to see how incorporating an LMS can help you:

  • Boost productivity: Learn how an LMS can streamline training processes, making learning more efficient and reducing downtime.
  • Enhance employee engagement: Discover strategies to keep your team motivated and engaged with interactive and flexible learning options.
  • Save costs: Understand the financial benefits of digital training solutions, from cutting travel expenses to minimizing disruptions.