Reactions as Microsoft unveils free AI training with professional certificate 

By Chioma Obinagwam

People are already sharing their experience on the recently launched Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills initiative by Microsoft.

Confiance News gathered from the comment section of the Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philantropies, Kate Behncken’s LinkedIn profile on Friday.

According to Encyclopedia Britannica, AI is the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings.

On June 28, 2023, Behncken, took to her LinkedIn account to announce that Microsoft would be launching AI Skills Initiative to help people and communities around the world learn how to harness the power of AI.

“As part of our Skills for Jobs program, we’re partnering with LinkedIn Learning to launch the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI in the online learning market,” she explained.

Following the launch, some professionals have keyed into it and shared their experience on LinkedIn.

For coach, Seraina Tschiemer, the training was worth her while.

She said: “Got my certificate last week- loved the training!”

Reacting to the exam, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Wayfarer Studios, Ashmi Elizabeth D. said,”No formal background. Some were (emoji signifying ‘tough’) but passed as well. (emoji signifying ‘success’)”

Founder of The Shift Matters, Juli Okal, would like to know the impact on Tschiemer and her target audience.

“I am curious how you found the content and how you are applying it. Who do you see as the primary audience?” Okal asked.

Confiance News also learnt that The Microsoft AI Skills Initiative includes new, free coursework developed with LinkedIn, including the first Professional Certificate on Generative AI in the online learning market; a new open global grant challenge in coordination with data.org to uncover new ways of training workers on generative AI; and greater access to free digital learning events and resources for everyone to improve their AI fluency.

“This Professional Certificate on Generative AI is currently available in English and will launch in Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese over the coming months on LinkedIn Learning,” Behnchen disclosed. “This coursework will be unlocked and available for free through 2025.”

Corroborating, Microsoft’s President and Vice Chair, Brad Smith, recently said, “AI offers perhaps even more potential for the good of humanity than any invention that has preceded it.”  But to live up to this potential, people need the skills to use AI effectively and ethically.

Confiance News gathered that Microsoft hopes to launch more of such learning tools.

“This is only the first step, with more to come and more to learn. And we’re excited to help,” Smith revealed.

See link to the training here: Career Essentials in Generative AI by Microsoft and LinkedIn.