Tacoma Public Library, in partnership with Microsoft Corporation and the Washington State Library, is proud to provide residents with free access to Microsoft Imagine Academy (formerly known as Microsoft IT Academy).
Microsoft Imagine Academy will help you expand how you use technology. Develop your computer skills, become proficient in Microsoft software, learn about web development, and more. You can access e-learning courses 24/7 from any computer with Internet access.
New Learners
To participate you will need:
- A Microsoft Live account. If you do not have an account, you can get one here.
- A Microsoft Imagine Academy account. To register for an account, please click here., opens a new window
- Review basic technology literacy skills with Microsoft Digital Literacy
Returning Learners
Sign into your account, opens a new window
Browser Support
Microsoft Imagine Academy works best using the Internet Explorer 10 or below. Users of other browsers may experience occasional bugs or display issues.
Other Resources
- If accessing Microsoft Imagine Academy from home, review the System Requirements
- Find a Microsoft Certification Center
Coursework
The Microsoft Imagine Academy E-Learning Curriculum allows patrons to access over 400 online courses (at no cost to them) related to computers and Microsoft products and applications particularly. The general categories provided in this suite of fully developed courses include:
- Server (including Windows Server, Exchange Server, Sharepoint and others)
- The full Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, Publisher, OneNote, Outlook, Project, Visio, Lync and others)
- Desktop (including Windows and Dynamic)
- SQL Server
- Developer Products (including Visual Studio, Azure, and Phone)
Digital Literacy tutorials including Basic, Standard and Advanced to assist patrons in developing general computer skills from learning how to use a mouse and keyboard, using the internet and social media, creating a resume, through entrepreneurship.
These courses will prepare patrons for Microsoft Certification if they so choose (cost of certification testing is not included in this access).
Students who hold a Microsoft Certification can prove their proficiency. Microsoft Certificationcan help provide:
- recognition among peers and employers, and a distinct edge in the competitive job market
- higher degree of success in their pursuit of higher education or a career in technology
- a firm measure and increased confidence in skills
- demonstration of skills on the latest technologies
- a career development path for ongoing advancement of Microsoft technology skills
Learn more about the certification program here: http://www.microsoft.com/education/itacademy/Pages/certification.aspx
This project is a joint effort of the Washington State Library, Microsoft Corporation and hundreds of libraries in Washington State. It is funded through the Washington State Legislature.
