Learning Styles & Power Platform Learning Resources
- Ania
- Nov 1, 2024
- 9 min read
Introduction
Whether you’re already at the advanced level of your learning of the Power Platform or you are only taking your first steps, you always want to aim to improve your knowledge and learn new skills and approaches.
With Microsoft frequently releasing new updates, features, (and deprecating some too!), continuous learning is essential to remain effective and innovative.
However, constantly learning new things can be daunting, and not everyone learns in the same way. That’s where understanding learning styles through the VARK model (Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, Kinesthetic) can significantly help us.
Today’s blog has two parts. In the first one, I briefly explain the VARK modalities and give some examples of Power Platform methods and resources that you can use that fit bests with your preferred method.
In the second, I summarise and bring all together some of the best YouTube channels, blogs, podcasts and more in a single place to allow you expand your methods to find the most suitable for you. Also, I reference some of the methods to use to seek the support from others in the situation where need some help to resolve a problem and the knowledge is not out there.
VARK model & you
The VARK model categorises learning preferences into four main types: Visual, Auditory, Reading/Writing, and Kinesthetic. It is used to identify individuals' preferred learning methods, allowing study approaches to be more effective by aligning them with each person’s unique learning preferences.
To identify your learning style and optimise your study methods, reflect on how you’ve learned best in the past, paying attention to your natural tendencies and preferences. Here are key indicators for each learning style:
Visual learners prefer visual aids like video content, diagrams or colour-coded notes. They may create visual mind maps to understand concepts, showing a clear preference for seeing information presented to them visually.
Auditory learners often prefer listening to explanations and may talk through problems aloud. They thrive in group discussions, lectures, and enjoy learning through sound, showing strong recall of spoken information.
Reading/writing learners show preference for written words and they absorb information well through reading and taking extensive notes. They may prefer reading instructions or writing summaries and feel more comfortable processing information in written form.
Kinaesthetic learners are often active and hands-on and they benefit the most in environments that allow movement or touch. They learn best by doing, preferring activities like experiments or building models and often need tactile engagement to fully absorb information.
Power Platform VARK Learning Styles
So how can this model be translated into Power Platform methods of learning? Proposed best resources per learning style include:
Visual learners:
YouTube channels, virtual sessions and workshops;
In person and virtual User Group meetings;
Microsoft Learn visual aids, training sessions with diagrams in
Blogs rich in screen shots and pictures.
Auditory learners:
Podcasts and audiobooks;
YouTube channels and webinars;
User Groups and engaging in discussions during meetups.
Reading/Writing Learners:
Books, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft Learn;
Reading LinkedIn posts and white papers;
Taking notes from books and blogs and creating written summaries of Microsoft Learn modules.
Kinesthetic learners:
Experimenting with trial environments;
GitHub repositories - analysing sample projects, cloning and modifying code;
Hands-on labs at bootcamps and workshops;
Participating in hackathons.
YouTube channels
YouTube is a great free resource to start your journey or dive deeper into Power Platform. Here are some of the most popular channels:
Microsoft YouTube channels
Apart from the individual YouTube channels created by members of Power Platform community and also Microsoft employees, there are also official Microsoft YouTube channels as listed below.
User Group and virtual series YouTube channels
One of the best way to learn and also to get involve in the community is to join one of the existing User Groups - https://community.powerplatform.com/usergroups
Some of them are in person, some online and some of them offer both types of meetings.
In addition to User Groups, you can also participate in virtual sessions such as the VRT hosted by ShortList Recruitment.
If you're unable to attend a live session, most groups provide recordings of their events, ensuring you won't miss out on valuable content.
Blogs
If prefer reading instead of tutorials, then blogs are perfect for you! Blogs offer a continuous source of up-to-date knowledge, practical tips, and expert insights into the latest developments in Power Platform. There are many amazing blog out there and it is not only hard to read them all, but also to list them all! The below is a list of my favourite ones and also the most known ones.
Podcasts
Podcasts are an excellent way to learn about Power Platform on the go.
Some of them can help you learn, while others host guests, allowing us to understand the stories behind amazing content creators and the journeys of tech experts who explain how they reached where they are today.
Books
Books are another great way to learn Power Platform. However, rather than listing any specific book titles, I am sharing a couple of sites where you can look for them. Some of them offer free trials where you can check on the content in a digital version of a book before your purchase.
Newsletters
If you prefer content to come to you, many bloggers offer email notifications for new posts - simply check and subscribe to stay updated. Additionally, several of the newsletters provide summaries of the latest Power Platform content, bringing together links to recent articles, videos, and tutorials in one convenient update.
Links
Apart from the blogs, there are also other interesting online resources out there like e.g. release planners, MS learn or community samples.
Mentoring Programs
Other method to boost your knowledge is to join a mentoring program. These programs typically include live sessions, interactive discussions, personalised guidance, hands-on exercises and more. I personally joined the below two and I highly recommend them:
90 Days Mentoring Challenge by Mark Smith https://ako.nz365guy.com
Architect Accelerator by Sean Astrakhan https://www.untethered365.com/architects-accelerator
MS Events
Microsoft organises and hosts a variety of conferences, training and regular online sessions.
The next big event is MS Ignite – register here: https://ignite.microsoft.com/en-US/home
Info on the regular weekly and monthly Microsoft 365 & Power Platform Community Calls can be found here: https://pnp.github.io/#events
Additionally, Microsoft also organises events and (free!) all day workshops that are regularly added here: https://events.microsoft.com
LinkedIn is a powerful platform to network with professionals and see daily updates or best practices. It is worth checking out on some of the LinkedIn free training and joining some of the LinkedIn Groups.
WhatsApp & Discord
If you are looking for real-time interaction and support, you can join some of the community chats on WhatsApp or Discord.
P.S. Just don’t post about Stock Exchange (IYKYK)!
Conclusion
Continuous learning of the Power Platform can be both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, the Power Platform community is incredibly supportive, offering a wealth of knowledge to help you grow rather than overwhelm you.
With numerous resources available, consider identifying your learning style to make the journey more engaging. Also, try to secure some time on a daily/weekly basis to visit your favourite resources and more importantly – enjoy the process and celebrate each step of your progress!
Terrific collection!