Agile Learning for Tech Professionals: Embrace Guided Learning Paths
As technology professionals, we work during challenging times to keep up with the volume of new cloud-based products and services. To survive in this environment, we need to adopt various learning techniques, one of which is Guided Technical Enablement, an example of Agile Learning using a Learning Path.
I define Agile Learning as picking up the knowledge you need when you need it while going deep on a topic where necessary. You may not need to become an expert or do this all at once, but you will revisit a topic over time. You may also need to explore a subject and find additional resources later.
The key to a successful study path is to keep it up to date, adding new material as it changes and removing old material when needed.
For example, let’s say your organization would like to add Azure SQL Data Warehouse to the technology stack. You might start with a quick introduction to talk about solution architecture, but you need to pick a specific topic and return later. Once a project begins to ramp up, you may need to learn the tool more in-depth.
That is where this series of Study Paths can help—a curated series of resources that builds from an introduction to more in-depth concepts.
Onboarding with New Technology
I have always wanted to give back to the community that has helped me get where I am today. As a retired Cloud Solution Architect for Microsoft, one of my primary responsibilities was the technical enablement of our Data & AI Partners and Customers. One of the most significant challenges is getting people within these groups up to the same level of skill and knowledge.
One of the most significant challenges was to
get people up to the same level of skill and knowledge.
The goal of these learning paths is to allow those new employees or people new to the technology through a process that gets them to a higher level where they can be integrated into the production flow. Once they have a base level of knowledge, the more senior consultants/developers can provide more field knowledge and real-world experience. This is where learning paths come into play.
The Learning Paths are designed to take the student from an introductory level to an expert using a curated and guided set of resources. These resources are self-learned, accessible, and easily consumed. Some labs and tutorials require an Azure subscription or a copy of the software; however, a trial subscription or demoware is usually available.
1. Learning Path Structure – Levels
Structuring a learning path into different levels is crucial for creating an effective and scalable educational framework, especially in technical content. By defining clear levels, such as prerequisites, introductions, basic concepts, optimization, best practices, and resources, learners can follow a progressive and understandable journey.
This approach ensures that each learner builds a solid foundation before moving on to more complex topics, essential for mastering intricate technical subjects. Moreover, customizing these levels with specific examples and practice techniques can make the learning experience more relevant and engaging, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the educational process.
The process is structured by splitting the paths into different levels. I try to keep this consistent with the other learning paths. The categories defined in the table below provide a structure to the process. Feel free to customize these for your organization by including code or client examples introducing your practice and development techniques.
| Level- | Topic | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 000 | Prerequisites | This level introduces integration, optimizations, and deeper concepts, including deployment and operations. |
| 100 | Introduction | Provides basic information on the learning topic. Review solution architectures and case studies that put the technology into context |
| 200 | Basic Concepts | This level introduces integration, optimizations, and deeper concepts, including deployment and operations. |
| 300 | Optimization and Deep Technical | This level introduces integration, optimizations and deeper concepts, including deployment and operations. |
| 400 | Best Practices and Use Cases | Use Cases, recommended practices, and deeper dives are reviewed to help bridge the theory into practice while showing the technology in a real-world context. |
| 500 | Resources | Other resources that can be included that provide value. |
Topic Complexity Levels
A well-structured learning path in agile learning allows for more flexibility and adaptability. Agile learning emphasizes continuous improvement and iterative progress, which aligns perfectly with the tiered levels of the above learning path example. Learners can quickly identify where they stand, what they need to review, and which areas require further development.
This structure supports quick pivots and adjustments based on individual or group needs, fostering an environment where learners can swiftly adapt to new information or changing project requirements. This agility mainly benefits technical content audiences as it mirrors technology’s dynamic nature and encourages continuous learning and development.
This structured learning path has various benefits for a technical content audience.
A structured learning path with clearly defined levels helps learners systematically manage and digest complex information. It provides an easily followed roadmap, reducing the cognitive load on learners.
Including practical examples and best practices bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This is invaluable in technical fields, where applying concepts to practical scenarios enhances understanding and retention.
Various resources at the final level ensure that learners have access to more information and support. This enables them to deepen their understanding and stay updated with the latest advancements in their field.
This comprehensive approach not only enhances learning outcomes but also boosts the confidence and competence of learners, preparing them for the challenges of the ever-evolving tech landscape.
2. Learning Path Structure – Learning Styles
Students prefer how they like to learn12. Each of the four main styles provides a more effective learning method based on each student’s learning preference. The four patterns and techniques used in these paths are as follows:
| Learner Type | Preferred Training Method | Learning Path Example |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | Observing Others’ Behaviour/Watching | Methods other than words |
| Auditory | Best through listening | Video and recorded presentations |
| Physical/Tactile | Moving, touching, doing | Tutorials and Hands-On-Labs |
| Observational | Observing Others’s Behaviour/Watching | Demonstrations |
Learning Styles
Having varied learning styles in a structured learning path is necessary for addressing students’ diverse preferences and needs. Recognizing that learners absorb information differently—visually, auditorily, physically, or observationally—ensures that educational materials are accessible and effective for everyone. Educators can create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment by offering multiple methods of instruction, such as watching demonstrations, listening to recorded presentations, engaging in hands-on labs, and observing others.
Visual, Auditory, and Kinesthetic Learning Styles.
This adaptability enhances individual learning experiences and promotes a more comprehensive understanding of technical content.
Adhering to different learning styles is particularly beneficial for agile learning. Agile learning emphasizes flexibility, continuous feedback, and iterative improvement, which align perfectly with the varied instructional methods in a structured learning path.
Educators can quickly respond to their students’ needs by integrating diverse learning techniques and making necessary adjustments to ensure effective learning outcomes. This approach fosters a dynamic and responsive educational environment where learners can progress at their own pace, revisit concepts as needed, and apply their knowledge in practical, real-world scenarios.
The benefits of incorporating various learning styles into a structured learning path are significant for a technical content audience. Technical subjects often involve complex and abstract concepts that can be challenging to grasp through a single mode of instruction. By providing multiple ways to engage with the material, learners can choose the best methods, leading to better retention and application of knowledge.
Additionally, this approach encourages active learning and critical thinking as students consume information and interact with it in diverse ways. Ultimately, this results in a more effective and enriching educational experience, equipping learners with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their technical fields.
3. Learning Path Structure – Audience
A well-defined learning path structure tailored to specific audiences is essential for effective technical education. When adding to the adult learning situation, you will always have people with different knowledge and experience with various technical topics.
Let’s look at Learning Paths and how they would be beneficial for the following example roles:
Solution Architects who design overall solutions that include Azure products and services in end-to-end solutions.
BI and Data Developers must understand how to design and implement Azure data solutions.
Data Professionals and DevOps teams who implement and operate Azure solutions.
Learning paths ensure the content is relevant and targeted by focusing on the needs of distinct roles like those listed above. This specificity allows learners to acquire the precise skills and knowledge necessary for their distinctive professional responsibilities, enhancing their competence and performance in their respective fields. It also ensures that the learning experience is practical and directly applicable to real-world scenarios, which is especially important in technology's fast-paced, evolving domain.
This approach benefits from agile learning, emphasizing adaptability, iterative progress, and continuous feedback. Role-specific learning paths support these.
The learning paths for solution architects can quickly adapt to new Azure services and features, allowing them to stay current with technological advancements.
Iterative learning ensures that BI and Data Developers can refine their skills in designing and implementing data solutions.
For Data Professionals and DevOps teams, continuous feedback loops help them to improve their operational efficiency and problem-solving abilities.
This agile learning framework promotes a culture of continuous improvement and lifelong learning, which is vital in maintaining relevance in the tech industry.
The benefits of role-specific learning paths are well-suited to a technical content audience. Tailored learning paths provide clarity and direction, enabling learners to focus on the most pertinent information and avoid unnecessary content.
This targeted approach increases engagement and motivation, as learners can see how their studies directly apply to their job roles. Moreover, it fosters a deeper understanding of complex concepts by allowing learners to build on their existing knowledge and skills incrementally.
Ultimately, this structured and audience-focused learning strategy leads to more effective education outcomes, better prepares professionals to meet industry demands, and supports the continuous growth and development essential in the rapidly changing tech landscape.
Conclusion
Given the speed at which our tech landscape changes, structured learning paths are essential for effective technical education. These paths ensure that learning is relevant and practical by segmenting the process into clear/precise levels, accommodating various learning styles, and targeting specific roles like Solution Architects and Data Professionals.
This approach supports agile learning principles, allowing flexibility, continuous improvement, and real-world application. These tailored learning paths provide technical professionals clarity, engagement, and the precise skills needed to excel in their fields, ensuring they stay current and competent in an ever-evolving industry.
References & Footnotes
SQL Workshops – Opensource Microsoft project used as inspiration and formatting.
Markdown reference for Microsoft Learn – Contributor guide | Microsoft Learn – Microsoft Docs Markdown reference
