Last Updated on April 30, 2024
Do you want to learn SharePoint?
Fortunately, there are ways for you to learn how to use the platform without actually learning everything all at once.
In this article, I’ll share with you different options you can use to learn SharePoint and answer some questions related to SharePoint as well.
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents:
Basically, people use SharePoint because it helps them share information with other people.
SharePoint is a software that can help you share information by making it easy to create sites and pages where you can put your information.
It also has other features that can help you manage your information, such as document libraries and lists.
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Learning how to use Microsoft SharePoint used to be a daunting task. Thankfully, you can now do it in what I call “bite sizes” and simply learn what you needed to do.
Take note that the best way for you to learn SharePoint Online is to actually dip your hands and toes in it and try to find your way.
All the methods I wrote below will make even more sense when you have already checked out the software and tried to answer some of your own questions.
Here are ways you can do that:
There are a lot of blogs out there about SharePoint Online, including the one from yours truly.
In my own blog, I try to answer as many questions regarding SharePoint Online as comprehensively as possible.
Some of my most-read articles include:
- How to Create a Modern SharePoint Wiki Knowledge Base
- How to Use JSON to Customize a SharePoint List Form
- SharePoint Modern Pages Image Sizing and Scaling
- How to Unlock a File in SharePoint Online
- How to Resolve the SharePoint 5,000 Item Limit Threshold
This approach is helpful especially when you have already started using SharePoint Online and have some questions along the way.
Will you learn everything all at once? Of course not. However, learning how to use it bit by bit will help you understand each function and feature better.
Note: By the way, if you follow a blog, make sure to check whether the writer or publisher is recognized as a Microsoft MVP or not (think of it as a credential).
2. Watch videos and tutorials
These days, you can find a lot of videos and tutorials about SharePoint Online on YouTube.
A simple search for “SharePoint Online tutorial” will give you more than enough results to help you get started.
Tutorials are helpful when you want to learn about a specific feature or function in SharePoint Online.
Many of the videos you will find talk about similar topics as many of the articles you will find. This is a good approach if you’re a visual and auditory learner.
In some topics, you may also find a video more helpful than a static article. It all depends on your preferences though and the question you’re trying to answer.
If you want a more comprehensive approach, then it’s better for you to actually enroll in formal Microsoft SharePoint training.
There are a lot of options out there from different providers — from one-day training to sessions lasting weeks.
You can also try checking SharePoint courses out there in case you want training that’s asynchronous.
This is a good approach if you’re coming from zero and you want to learn as much as you can in as short a time as possible.
But make sure to manage your expectations. You can’t expect yourself to absorb everything all at once and become a pro at it.
You might find yourself reinforcing your learning after training with articles and videos (since it’s likely that some articles/videos might explain some things better).
Note: Of the three I recommended here, this one will cost you money as all the formal SharePoint training costs something.
This is a difficult question to answer because it all depends on your level of understanding and expectations.
If you’re just starting out, then yes, it may be confusing and overwhelming at first.
However, if you’re already familiar with how the software works and how information is shared online, then learning SharePoint Online might not be that difficult.
It’s a different story if you’re trying to become a SharePoint designer or you want to become a pro at SharePoint development.
Both will certainly require you to dig deeper and tackle many of the difficult topics under the hood.
Again, this all depends on your level of understanding and expectations. If you’re just starting out, then you might need more time to learn the ropes.
However, if you already have a good grasp of how Microsoft SharePoint Online works, then it might not take you that long to learn the basics.
In general, though, I would say that it would take at least a few weeks for you to learn the basics and be able to use SharePoint Online for your projects.
Naturally, you will be able to master the basic functions right away. But it will take some practice building something without someone (or something) guiding your hand.
The best way to get started is by actually using it, following a blog, watching videos, or enrolling in a training program.
Take it easy. Along the way, while using it, you will encounter challenges and questions which you can then search about online.
Don’t try to learn everything all at once. Take your time and learn bit by bit. Also, make sure to reinforce your learning by doing some hands-on exercises.
By the way, why do you want to learn SharePoint Online? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
For inquiries and other concerns, please use the site’s contact form and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
