Microsoft 365 Learning Pathways: Common Challenges and Solution

The Microsoft 365 Learning Pathways provides organizations with a customizable, on-demand training solution directly within the Microsoft 365 environment. This platform is designed to enhance employee onboarding, support ongoing skills development, and empower users to become proficient in Microsoft 365 tools.

Learning Pathways helps streamline training processes by consolidating resources into a single, centralized site that’s accessible to all employees. The customizable nature of Learning Pathways means organizations can tailor content to suit various departments or roles, making it a flexible solution that can scale with the company’s needs.

Through Learning Pathways, employees can access curated playlists and learning modules at their own pace, which not only improves user adoption but also reduces the time and resources required for in-person training. It’s especially useful for remote or hybrid teams, as training resources are always available, ensuring continuous support for new and existing users alike.

1. Installation on Multiple Site Collections
   • Challenge: If an administrator attempts to install the Learning Pathways app on multiple site collections, it can lead to duplication issues or conflicts. The content, web parts, and settings may overlap or cause errors since Learning Pathways is designed to run from a single site collection.
   • Solution: Recommend creating the Learning Pathways app in a single, dedicated communication site that serves as a central hub. Users can access training content via links from other site collections or embed Learning Pathways web parts without needing multiple installations.
   • If you want to activate it in another site collection, you'll have to run the following  PowerShell cmdlets:
   1. Installing PnP PowerShell

      Install-Module PnP.PowerShell

   2. Create PowerShell script

      # Use your own Custom Enterprise App to connect to SharePoint Online
      $clientID = "00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000"
      
      # Site Collection to connect
      $webUrl = "https://contoso.sharepoint.com/sites/[LEARNING_PORTAL_SITE]"
      
      # Connect to the desired Site Collection
      Connect-PnPOnline -Url $webUrl -Interactive -ClientId $clientID
      
      # Set Learning Pathway to the desired Site Collection
      Set-PnPStorageEntity -Key MicrosoftCustomLearningSite -Value $webUrl -Description "Microsoft 365 learning pathways Site Collection"

2. Updating Content Packs
   • Challenge: Microsoft periodically updates the content packs within Learning Pathways, and failing to update can result in outdated training materials.
   • Solution: Encourage regular checks for content pack updates within the Learning Pathways Admin interface and provide instructions on how to update them.
3. Permission and Access Issues
   • Challenge: Users may encounter access restrictions if permissions are not properly set.
   • Solution: Verify that the necessary permissions are configured for site visitors, site members, and administrators to ensure smooth access to all Learning Pathways content.
4. Branding and Customization Conflicts
   • Challenge: Some organizations want to customize Learning Pathways to fit their branding, but CSS or JavaScript customizations might interfere with functionality.
   • Solution: Advise minimal, supported customizations and suggest using out-of-the-box styling options provided by SharePoint to avoid performance issues.

More information available on the Microsoft Learning Portal