A broad array of online learning resources on a wide range of topics — from professional development to skills acquisition to personal fulfilment — is now available at no charge to all University of Delaware students, faculty and staff.

A new initiative, LinkedIn Learning at UD, offers the entire University community easy, free access to LinkedIn Learning’s extensive world-class library of more than 16,000 expert-led, online courses, covering everything from the latest developments in software to tips on business skills to personal development opportunities, such as how to play acoustic guitar.

“LinkedIn Learning is a gold mine of learning opportunities that will allow our employees to further develop their current skill sets, or learn entirely new ones, at their own pace through a variety of online options,” said Melissa Bard, vice president and chief human resources officer. “The 'My Learning' tool is invaluable as it helps you develop a personalized learning plan and set goals which are important for making learning a priority.”

Members of the UD community can decide what course they want to take and then access it whenever they wish — and however they wish — on an iPhone, iPad, Android phone, tablet or other mobile device.

“This is a wonderful resource to provide to our students,” said José-Luis Riera, vice president for student life. “They now have convenient access to a multitude of learning opportunities. Whether they’re interested in finding out the best job search strategies, polishing up their PowerPoint skills or ways to stay positive in negative times, they can do all that and more through LinkedIn Learning at UD, whenever it fits best into their often over-crowded schedules.”

This new resource is designed to complement, not replace, existing resources and programs offered by the University, such as Human Resources’ ConnectingU program for employees or the Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning (CTAL) for faculty or the Career Center for students. In fact, the LinkedIn Learning at UD site features special curated lists of recommended courses prepared by different campus departments and offices. CTAL and HR’s Talent Development group have already listed selections on the site.

“Our educators will be inspired by the wide variety of teaching and learning resources on LinkedIn Learning designed and delivered by education and industry leaders,” said Matthew Trevett-Smith, director of CTAL. “Combined with our local CTAL services, we have an exciting opportunity to apply evidence-based solutions tailored to UD’s unique teaching environment.”

Full details on how to sign in are available on the Linkedin Learning at UD site, which also includes a page of frequently asked questions and a list of popular learning pathways, such as “Human Skills to Thrive in Work, School and Life” and “Supporting and Advocating for Yourself and Others.”

Working closely with colleagues at LinkedIn Learning, the implementation team at UD has been coordinated over the past several months by a committee led by Human Resources and Information Technologies, with the participation of several campus departments, including Equity and Inclusion, the University Registrar, Employee Health and Wellbeing, the Library, CTAL, Career Services, Professional and Noncredit Programs, Payroll, and Communications and Marketing.