Welcome to Microsoft Partner Academy! Get on board! Sign up for classes. By signing into the Microsoft Partner Academy you acknowledge that your instructors, Class Advisor, and other students enrolled in your class will be able to access your name, email address, and any additional information or opinions that you choose to post in the virtual classroom environment. In addition you agree not to use another student’s personal information outside of the classroom environment. New Students: Create new account >> Existing Students: Sign In >> The Microsoft Partner Academy Tailored to fit the busy, on-the-go world of the Microsoft Partner. Providing the most up-to-date content on emerging Microsoft products, technologies, and initiatives. Delivered by Academy Preferred Instructors expert in the course content. Frequently Asked Questions Frequently Asked Questions What are the goals of the Microsoft Partner Academy? Create and implement a worldwide distance learning delivery system for Microsoft Partners on emerging products, technologies, and initiatives. Improve Partner satisfaction. Build significant ownership and commitment for the Microsoft Partner Academy from the Microsoft Partner community. Strengthen the relationship and flow of communications between the Microsoft Partner community and the Product Groups. Why is the Microsoft Partner Academy needed? Not enough Partners receive information and training on emerging Microsoft products early enough in the product lifecycle to significantly impact the rate of Customer adoption. As a result, product adoption is lengthened and revenue stream is slowed. How do you get your content? Content for Microsoft Partner Academy courses is developed by Instructional Designers who are themselves experienced in the role being taught. The Designers work closely with the Product Groups and subject matter experts within Microsoft when developing course materials. Where did the idea for the Microsoft Partner Academy come from? In January 2002, Microsoft launched the TSP Academy for Technical Specialists at Microsoft involved in enterprise-wide technical sales. The TSP Academy went on to gain wide acceptance in the TSP organization at Microsoft. The Microsoft Partner Academy is modeled after the TSP Academy processes and procedures that have proven to be so successful with a technical audience. Who are the instructors in the Microsoft Partner Academy? Microsoft professionals and Academy Preferred Instructors who are proficient in the product/technology and the role they are teaching, and enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and expertise with partners. What is distance learning? A delivery system that provides for learning any time anywhere A model currently used in colleges and universities, such as the University of Phoenix Structured self-study (reading materials and role-based study assignments) Personalized coaching from an instructor Content delivered via email and through an internet “classroom” Students collaborate via email, discussion boards, and/or blogs Real-time conferences among students and instructors via a web interface such as Microsoft Live Meeting What are the benefits of distance learning? Ability to get just-in-time training and to respond more quickly to emerging business needs Extremely fast assembly of classes = low development costs No travel costs for students or instructors No facilities costs (no brick & mortar classrooms needed) Reduction in “lost opportunity” costs as students complete class on own schedule Classes can be delivered worldwide Can reach a large number of students in a short period of time Provides personalized coaching that students do not get from traditional e-learning Can use volunteer instructors from the audience for peer-to-peer learning top Terms of Use