Online and Remote Learning

In this course you will learn to use the techniques of causal machine learning to develop your ability to correctly account for confounders in data analysis, and/or to build intelligent agents that use probabilistic reasoning that is grounded in cause and effect.  You’ll learn to use Pyro, as an example of a modern probabilistic programming library and build agents that can make the best possible decisions in the face of incomplete or uncertain information. By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Understand and apply causal machine learning techniques for accurate confounder management in data analysis. Utilize Pyro, a modern probabilistic programming library, to build intelligent agents capable of reasoning with incomplete or uncertain information. Specify or narrow down possible causal relationships between random variables using probabilistic graphical models and causal models. Predict the effects of interventions and compute counterfactuals to assess causal impacts. Apply causal techniques in practical scenarios, including reinforcement learning, to enhance credit assignment in intelligent agent systems.

This course is an opportunity for learners to put all the skills and methods learned in prior courses to work.  This is a capstone course where participants build several intelligent agents using various AI strategies to compete or cooperate with other agents of theirs and/or others to maximize their game score.  Successful strategies will require not only understanding the environment of each game, but how to react to the behaviours of other agents.  Participants will build: Rules and knowledge-based agents Probabilistic agents Evolutionary algorithm agents Learning agents By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Integrate and apply knowledge from prior courses to design and develop intelligent agents using a variety of AI strategies. Demonstrate the ability to effectively analyze environmental dynamics and agent behaviors to make well-informed decisions regarding agent behavior, ultimately aiming to optimize game scores in both competitive and cooperative contexts. Demonstrate the ability to adapt and optimize agent behaviors in real-time based on dynamic changes in the game environment and the behaviors of other agents, illustrating a deep understanding of reactive and adaptive agent design principles.

Colonialism isn’t just Canada’s past — it’s also Canada’s present. This course explores how colonial structures continue to shape the country’s national identity, institutions, and media landscape. From renewed attention on national symbols like King Charles III and the War of 1812, to pressing issues such as policing, immigration, and Canada’s relationship with the United States, the colonial legacy is everywhere. Even the four pillars of Canadian democracy — the legislative, executive, judicial, and the press (along with the education system) — rest on colonial foundations. This course asks: Where have we come from? And where do we go from here? Designed as a space for bold ideas and critical reflection, this course blends theory with open discussion to challenge assumptions behind Canada’s institutions, with a special focus on journalism and the news media. Decolonization will be examined through four key lenses: Indigenous peoples The Black experience The Francophone space The Global South Each lens will be explored by leading Canadian journalists who bring their professional and lived experiences to the classroom via live online webinars: Alessia Passafiume Desmond Cole Shree Paradkar Fariha Naqvi-Mohamed Participants will also have the opportunity to pitch story ideas to a diverse range of editorial partners, including: Metroland Media, CBC First Person, The Local, Ricochet, Ku'Ku'kwes News, Maisonneuve Magazine, Broadview Magazine, Africa is a Country, The Narwhal, La Converse, New Lines Magazine, The Rover, Inuit Art Quarterly, IndigiNews, Eagle Feather News, THIS Magazine, The Grind Magazine (Toronto), and Palestine Square. Define decolonization in the context of journalism in Canada. Appreciate the role of a journalist in honouring Truth and Reconciliation. Explore ethnocentric framing by critically examining how the language and narratives used to frame news stories shape both public opinion and the policy making process. Interrogate the concept of objectivity in journalism. Acquire trust-building techniques in covering under-served communities, including reporting with a trauma-informed approach. Adopt storytelling approaches that serve the community rather than extract from them.

This course shows you how to embed concepts of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) within the human service organizational context. It focuses on experiences of EDI from the perspective of staff, volunteers, and service users and provides tools to shape organizational cultures, develop human resource protocols and procedures, and improve interpersonal interactions that are equitable and inclusive of all stakeholders. The sessions include lectures, discussion, practital instruction, and application of principles within learners’ own human service organization environments.    By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Shape the culture of human service organizations. Create equitable and inclusive human service organizational environments. Develop processes and methods of interaction within human service organizations. Challenge existing organizational structures and processes. Develop measurement tools to assess experiences of equity and inclusion.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential for transparent, reliable and sustainable building systems operation. In this course, you’ll learn to implement and maintain BAS and manage user expectations. You’ll acquire the skills you need to evaluate existing BAS, create clear performance indicators, and apply best practices for preventive and reactive maintenance. You’ll emerge ready to be active participant and leader in the evolution of building management, navigating the complexities of the present while preparing for the transformative potentials of the future. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this course, you'll be able to: Apply BAS for cost-effective facility construction, sustainable and reliable operation Communicate concepts related to emerging technologies (i.e., fault detection and diagnostics, Smart buildings, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Twin) Differentiate between the requirements of the BAS and building systems (i.e. HVAC) to effectively manage user expectations Evaluate BAS Sequence of Operations (SOO ) for clear and easy-to-understand communication between all stakeholders Apply BAS functionality for preventive, predictive, and reactive maintenance Assess the use of existing BAS technology in innovative ways Implement BAS to evaluate and create building performance KPIs Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Process improvement Leading Change Client Focus Effective communication BAS Data Driven Solutions

This course provides learners with an understanding of the principles, methodologies, and practical applications of conducting impact environmental assessments in the context of social, environmental, and economic domains.  In this interactive micro course, learners will explore the theoretical foundations of impact assessment and learn about the different frameworks and approaches employed in assessing impacts of major projects. They will gain insights into the key elements of impact assessment, including scoping, baseline data collection, impact prediction, assessment methodologies, and mitigation strategies. Additionally, learners will examine the legal and regulatory frameworks governing impact assessment processes in different sectors and jurisdictions.  Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Measure, evaluate and understand significance of impacts, mitigation measures and residual impacts Conduct baseline studies Understand process of the identification and assessment of environmental impacts Evaluate mitigation measures and alternatives     Monitor and review processes Communicate effectively with stakeholders   Measure, evaluate and categorize cumulative impacts                  Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Assessing Significance of Impacts Familiarity with International, National and Regional Legislation Climate Change Baseline and Permitting Impacts Mitigation Public Engagement Cumulative Impacts

Many people aspire to become top performers, but only a few succeed. In this course, you’ll discover proven principles and strategies to help you develop a more collaborative thinking style and growth mindset. You’ll use attentive listening to increase self-awareness and demonstrate your commitment to participation and positivity. You’ll build relationships so you can assess needs, map resources, leverage feedback and handle adversity. By choosing to embrace failure, you’ll increase your chances for success while learning to manage your reputation. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Recognize opportunities for self awareness through attentive listening Choose to embrace failure Demonstrate a commitment to participation Assess needs and mapping resources effectively Design processes for valuing contributions Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Empathy Positivity Social Consciousness Relationship Building Collaboration

Conflict is inevitable in business. In this interactive course, you’ll learn how to turn that from a negative into a catalyst for positive change. You’ll use group exercises and role-play to become more adaptable and approach conflict more effectively. You’ll explore best practices in communication that strengthen your leadership and negotiation skills. You’ll emerge better equipped to coach employees, analyze the needs of diverse audiences, and create effective and inclusive narratives that persuade them to see your point of view. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Recognize and chart observations for delegation Develop strong diction, tone and vocal variance Analyze audiences with diverse needs and/or backgrounds Design effective and agile narrative structures Define and prioritize objectives in preparation for negotiation Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Coaching Persuasion Inclusion Storytelling Conflict Management

This course is dedicated to disrupting entrenched patterns of thinking and behaviour that adversely affect business outcomes, underutilize talent, and lead to resource wastage. You will learn to develop a self-disciplined mindset that emphasizes proactive action over passivity and effectively minimizes risks at the individual, team, and organizational levels. Through the power of critical, creative and collaborative thinking, you will be empowered with strategies and insights to break free from limiting habits, fostering a culture of dynamic and responsible decision-making that drives success in the business environment. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Demonstrate an ability to imagine, and play Understand the process and power of logical reasoning Explain your choices in processing information Perform effective searches using diverse sources Define the parameters and goals of the problem Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Creativity Critical Thinking Data Driven Decision Making Digital Literacy Problem Solving

Need to rally your troops to new heights? In this fast, focused course, you’ll learn how to engage and manage employees and better align their efforts with organizational strategy. You’ll work on talent selection and development, performance coaching and team-building models that embrace accountability, reduce conflict and amp up commitment. You’ll identify and define leadership styles, evaluate attitude and effort and produce processes that drive change. You’ll become more adept at creating organizational efficiency, defining team values and measuring performance. Within 4-6 weeks of successfully completing this course, you will receive your micro-credential indicating achievement of the outlined learning outcomes and competencies/skills. Micro-credentials are tamper proof, verifiable, blockchain-based and 100% digital. They can be shared on social media, including LinkedIn and Facebook, embedded in websites or downloaded as PDFs. By the end of this micro course, you'll be able to: Identify and define various leadership styles Evaluate attitude and effort in relation to goals Produce processes that drive change Design effective timelines for organizational efficiency Define team values for effective performance measurement Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Team Engagement Talent Management Cultural Curation Project Management Accountability