Learn Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 Course

Editorial Take

Simon Sez IT's 'Learn Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010' offers a focused, practical deep dive into a legacy but still relevant enterprise platform. While newer cloud-based systems dominate, many organizations still rely on SharePoint 2010 for internal collaboration and document management. This course serves as a reliable on-ramp for IT staff, administrators, and business users needing to understand its core functionality.

The course’s structure is logical, progressing from foundational navigation to advanced features like RSS feeds and subsite management. With lifetime access and a certificate of completion, it’s a cost-effective way to build demonstrable skills. However, learners should be aware they are studying an older version, which affects UI design and feature availability compared to modern SharePoint Online.

Standout Strengths

• Legacy System Proficiency: Mastering SharePoint 2010 is valuable for organizations still using on-premise solutions. These skills ensure smooth internal operations and support transitions to newer platforms.
• Step-by-Step Site Building: The course clearly demonstrates how to create and configure SharePoint sites from scratch. This includes setting up templates and structuring navigation for team collaboration.
• User Permissions Training: Detailed instruction on user groups and permissions helps learners secure sites effectively. This is critical for compliance and data protection in enterprise environments.
• Content Management Tools: Covers libraries, lists, and version control thoroughly. These are foundational for document tracking and workflow management in any SharePoint deployment.
• Practical Use of Web Parts: Explains how to customize dashboards using web parts. This enhances usability and allows users to tailor their experience based on team needs.
• Blogs, Surveys, and Wikis: Teaches how to deploy collaborative tools within SharePoint. These features support knowledge sharing and internal feedback mechanisms across departments.

Honest Limitations

• Outdated Interface: SharePoint 2010’s UI differs significantly from modern versions. Learners may struggle to transfer skills directly to SharePoint Online without additional adaptation.
• Limited Cloud Integration: The course does not cover Microsoft 365 or cloud-based workflows. This reduces relevance for teams using current SaaS collaboration tools.
• Minimal Interactivity: Instruction is primarily lecture-based with limited quizzes or hands-on labs. Engagement may wane for learners who prefer interactive content.
• Niche Audience: Best suited for those maintaining legacy systems. General users or new IT professionals may benefit more from updated SharePoint courses.

How to Get the Most Out of It

• Study cadence: Complete one module per day to reinforce learning. Focus on hands-on practice after each video to build confidence in real-world application.
• Parallel project: Recreate each lesson in a test SharePoint environment. This builds muscle memory and helps identify configuration challenges early.
• Note-taking: Document key steps for site creation and permission settings. These notes become valuable references during actual deployment tasks.
• Community: Join legacy SharePoint forums or IT admin groups. Sharing experiences helps troubleshoot issues and discover best practices beyond the course.
• Practice: Rebuild sites multiple times with different permission levels. This deepens understanding of access control and security configurations.
• Consistency: Maintain daily study habits even if progress feels slow. Mastery comes from repetition, especially with older, less intuitive interfaces.

Supplementary Resources

• Book: 'SharePoint 2010 For Dummies' by Ken Withee. Offers additional explanations and real-world deployment tips for beginners.
• Tool: Install SharePoint Foundation 2010 in a virtual machine. Hands-on access ensures you can experiment without affecting live systems.
• Follow-up: Take a modern SharePoint or Microsoft 365 course next. This bridges the gap between legacy and current collaboration platforms.
• Reference: Microsoft’s official SharePoint 2010 documentation. Provides technical depth and troubleshooting guidance for advanced configurations.

Common Pitfalls

• Pitfall: Assuming skills are directly transferable to SharePoint Online. Always verify feature availability and UI differences when moving to newer versions.
• Pitfall: Skipping permission testing. Misconfigured access can lead to security risks or collaboration breakdowns in live environments.
• Pitfall: Overlooking backup procedures. Always document and back up site configurations before making major changes in production.

Time & Money ROI

• Time: 10 hours is reasonable for mastering core features. Focused learners can complete it in under two weeks with consistent effort.
• Cost-to-value: Paid courses often offer better structure than free tutorials. This course delivers structured learning at a fair price point.
• Certificate: The completion certificate adds value to resumes, especially for roles involving legacy system maintenance or IT support.
• Alternative: Free Microsoft guides exist, but lack guided instruction. This course saves time and provides a clear learning path.

Editorial Verdict

This course fills a specific but important niche: training professionals on SharePoint Foundation 2010, a platform still in use across many government and enterprise environments. While newer cloud-based systems have taken over, the core concepts of site structure, permissions, and content libraries remain relevant. Simon Sez IT delivers a well-organized, practical curriculum that builds real-world skills, especially for administrators managing legacy deployments.

The course excels in clarity and structure, guiding learners from basic navigation to advanced features like RSS feeds and subsite management. However, its value is tied to the relevance of the 2010 version in your workplace. For those supporting modern Microsoft 365 environments, this should be supplemented with up-to-date training. Still, as a foundational or transitional course, it offers solid return on investment for the right audience—particularly IT support staff, internal trainers, and system administrators working in organizations with on-premise SharePoint installations.