Online Learning Resources

This page includes some free or low-cost online learning resources we recommend. As with any work-related purchase or training, make sure you have supervisor approval and support.

Below are our current Online Learning Resources in alphabetical order within each category listed. 

If you need technical support with any of them, please communicate with the provider listed. 

 


City Operations

Learn More About City Operations by Department

Description: In 2023, Common Council worked with Department Heads and Management Teams to pull together a library of agency overview videos and resources for Alders to learn from as they join the Council.

For each agency, there are the following videos: Agency Introduction, Agency Budget Overview, and Agency Frequently Asked Questions + Answers.

While these videos are primarily aimed at Alder knowledge building, these are accessible to all City Employees, and offer a comprehensive overview of City operations.

Cost: Free

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Access the Resource: Alder Onboarding Videos

Additional Topics You'll Find Here:

  • Robert's Rules of Order Presentation + Handout (see Attorney's Office)

 


Communications

Semantics vs. Substance in Writing

Description: Do you find yourself spending too much time on semantics, and not enough time on substance (when writing or talking about your work? Watch this 4-minute video as a reminder to focus on the substance, and how to format your sentences in a succinct way. 

Cost: Free

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Access the Resource: Talking about Performance (Without Complicating It)

 

 


External Learning Libraries

HR.com

Description: You can peruse their library of many webinars - both live and on-demand to help you learn valuable skills for the workplace. And, while the title of the website is "HR", you can find many learning opportunities for the broader workplace - not just HR!

Cost: Most courses are free.

Access the Resource: HR.com

  • Note, HR.com requires you to create a free account.
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Subject Categories:

  • Communication
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Customer Service
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Leadership & Management

LinkedIn Learning

Description: Best for on-demand access to a diverse catalog of courses, less academic content.

Cost: Free 30-day trial. Credit card required (not charged until after trial expires).

Access the Resource: LinkedIn Learning

Subject Categories:

  • Communication
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Customer Service
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Leadership & Management
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SkillShare

Description: A more boutique option than others, open-source content that is not curated so the quality varies.

Cost: Free 7-day trial. Sign-in required. Credit card required (not charged until after trial expires).

Access the Resource: SkillShare

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Udemy

Description: You can find how-to's for many other common applications here as well.

Cost: Free, with paid options for courses and certifications.

Access the Resource: Udemy

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  • Note: A sign-in is required. 

 


Leadership Development

Intentional Leaders Podcast

Description: The Intentional Leaders Podcast will help you learn how to become a confident, successful, and focused leader who manages with purpose and impact. Cyndi’s purpose is to equip leaders with the tools, resources, and support to accomplish your goals. Learn when you want, how you want. Each week you’ll focus on relevant, applicable, and easy to implement skills and practices – to create focus and a deliberate path to employee engagement and business needs. Leadership has its challenges, but learning to lead shouldn’t be one of them.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Intentional Leaders Podcast

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Subject Categories:

  • Communication
  • Leadership & Management

 


Microsoft

Excel Easy

Description: This website offers tutorials on all things Microsoft Excel. You'll find an overview of chapters - like the basics, functions, data analysis, etc. Along with examples and step-by-step instructions on how to utilize the many features to be a more efficient and effective Excel user.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Excel Easy

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Subject Categories:

  • Microsoft Excel

Microsoft + M365 Support

Description: Brief, modular video tutorials for all levels of learning, limited to Microsoft products only.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource:

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Additional Tips & Tricks:

Microsoft Cheat-Sheets

Description: You can find how-to's for many other common applications here as well.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource:

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Subject Categories:

  • Microsoft

Microsoft OneNote

Description: Become familiar with Microsoft OneNote with this helpful how-to-get-started with OneNote Guide! 

Cost: Free

Access the Resource:

Microsoft OneNote

 


Miscellaneous

Home Buyer Education Class

Description: The City of Madison, in partnership with the Home Buyers Round Table of Dane County and Consumer Credit Counseling Service, want to share with you these HUD Approved Homebuyer Education classes occurring monthly through the rest of 2023 (click here to view an informational flyer).

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Home Buyer Education Class

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Voter Registration

Description: The City of Madison encourages all employees to understand how voter registration works, where voters can register, and to encourage employees to actively share this information in customer service interactions with the folks they serve.

The Clerk's Office is available for more direct training, reach out to Clerk@cityofmadison.com

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Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Voter Registration

 


Productivity

Email Hacks and Time Management Tips

Description: This learning resource includes tips and tricks to effectively organize your inbox and manage your time. You'll find step-by-step guides on how to use built-in Outlook features like rules, flags, and categories, along with other general tips to organize your workdays.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Email Hacks and Time Management Tips

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Additional Tips & Tricks:

Getting Things Done Miniseries

Description: This miniseries is designed to help folks gain control of the busyness of life, reduce stress, improve focus, and generally - how to get things done. There are three, ~five minute videos and a worksheet that goes with each, received over the span of a few days. This resource is great for folks who need somewhere to start when it comes to learning about being productive.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: Getting Things Done Miniseries

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  • Note, a sign-in with email is required, and Chrome is the best browser to use for access.

Subject Categories:

  • Productivity

Time Management

 


Racial Equity & Social Justice

How to Help Employees with Disabilities Thrive

Description: What can we do to make workplaces more welcoming to people living with disabilities? Representation advocate, Tiffany Yu, shares three ways that employers can change and tap into every worker's skills and gifts. 
Also visit TED.com to view an entire library of TED talks, transcripts, translations, personalized talk recommendations, and more.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: How to Help Employees with Disabilities Thrive

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Subject Categories:

  • Diversity & Inclusion

Language Access Program

Description: The Language Access Program works to provide meaningful, equitable access to City services to individuals with a primary language other than English. Members of the public deserve and have a right to accommodations, translations, and interpretation for City services, free of cost. Please review the linked page above about the services provided and how to request them.

Cost: Free

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Access the Resource: Language Access Program

Racial Equity and Social Justice Learning Resources

RESJI Learning Resource

Description: Department of Civil Rights curated list of learning resources for

Racial Equity and Social Justice.

Cost: Free

Access the Resources: Civil Rights RESJI Learning Resources

 


Wellness

EAP Courses, Webinars, and Assessments

Description: You can find short courses, live and recorded webinars, and personal assessments on our external EAP's website. Content includes topics like conflict resolution, mindfulness, stress management, perseverance, and team building for managers.

Cost: Free

Access the Resource: EAP Courses, Webinars, and Assessments

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Subject Categories:

  • Conflict Resolution
  • Customer Service
  • Wellness

 


Tips for Finding Great Remote Learning for your Team

Where to find high-quality content:

  • Industry websites and associations
  • Federal or state equivalents of your agency
  • Universities, vocational and technical school websites
  • Your current software providers (check out the resources page for tutorials, trainings, or knowledgebase articles)

Regardless of the source, here’s what to look for in free or low-cost training content:

  • Is it from a reputable source? Does that person or organization have authority in your industry?
  • Does it have built-in interactivity? Does the content keep employees engaged in the training?
  • Do materials cover all the pertinent regulations and do they align with your organization’s goals?
  • Is the information up to date? Are relevant illustrations to the subject and industry included?
  • Do quizzes gage employees’ knowledge of the subject?
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