In a recent demonstration, Sean Kelly, an experienced professional and educator, showcased the Microsoft Learn Catalog Connector, a custom connector he developed to access the Microsoft Learn catalog. The connector allows users to retrieve various types of content, such as certifications, learning paths, and modules, from the catalog using a simple API endpoint. In this blog post, we'll explore the capabilities of the Learn Catalog Connector and how it can be utilized in Power Automate and Power Apps to enhance the learning experience.
Accessing the Microsoft Learn Catalog:
The Microsoft Learn Catalog API serves as the foundation for the Learn Catalog Connector. By utilizing this API, users can access a wealth of information stored within the Microsoft Learn catalog. The API provides a single endpoint through which users can retrieve content based on their specific requirements. To filter the content, users can provide parameters such as type, level, role, and product. These parameters enable precise control over the content being accessed.
Implementing the Learn Catalog Connector:
The Learn Catalog Connector is an independent publisher connector created by Sean Kelly. It encapsulates the functionality of the Microsoft Learn Catalog API, making it easier for users to interact with the catalog. The connector features a single action that corresponds to the API endpoint. Users can provide parameters within the action to customize their content retrieval, such as specifying the type of content to retrieve (e.g., certifications, learning paths, modules) and applying filters based on levels, roles, and products.
Using the Learn Catalog Connector in Power Automate:
Sean demonstrated how to leverage the Learn Catalog Connector in Power Automate, showcasing a simple flow. In the flow, a trigger captures the desired content type from the user. The Learn Catalog Connector action is then used to retrieve the corresponding content from the catalog. The parameters, such as content type, are dynamically populated based on user input. This flow exemplifies how the Learn Catalog Connector can be seamlessly integrated into Power Automate to retrieve specific content and incorporate it into various workflows.
Leveraging the Learn Catalog Connector in Power Apps:
Sean also illustrated the usage of the Learn Catalog Connector in Power Apps by developing a canvas app. The app allows users to view learning paths and modules retrieved from the Microsoft Learn catalog. By utilizing galleries and filters, users can explore and select content based on their preferences. The Learn Catalog Connector is used to populate the galleries with relevant content, and users can access additional details or launch content within the Microsoft Learn platform directly from the app.
Enhancements and Customization:
The Learn Catalog Connector provides flexibility and extensibility for users to tailor their learning experience. By utilizing parameters like levels, roles, and products, users can refine their content retrieval and focus on specific areas of interest. The connector's integration with Teams channels allows for targeted content delivery based on the selected channel, enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing within teams.
Conclusion:
The Learn Catalog Connector is a valuable tool for accessing and utilizing the vast resources available in the Microsoft Learn catalog. Through its integration with Power Automate and Power Apps, users can effortlessly retrieve, filter, and present relevant content to enhance learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, a learner, or a developer, the Learn Catalog Connector opens up new possibilities for leveraging Microsoft Learn content in a streamlined and efficient manner.
If you're interested in exploring the Learn Catalog Connector, don't hesitate to give it a try and reach out to Sean Kelly for any support or assistance. Happy learning!
