Online and Remote Learning

The Ontario Building Code is legislation governing minimum provisions with respect to building safety and public protection. This module reviews the organization of the Code and its guiding principles, including compliance that architects must know. The module supports your analysis and application of the Ontario Building Code and addresses important topics such as occupancy, building area, height and classification, and various aspects of fire rating and firefighting. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month, but have up to two months to complete it. Quizzes In the course you will be asked to complete a Confidence Quiz, which contain a set of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz functions differently than traditional quizzing, as they allow you to retake any question you are unsure about the answer and/or select an incorrect answer, and you may retake them as much as you'd like to. Successful course completion involves receiving a score of 100% on the quiz which is based solely on core module content.  Notes: The OAA Self-Study Series for Architects comprises training modules drawn from the mandatory OAA Admission Course each intern architect must complete as part of the licensing process. This material, while not new to those have completed the Admission Course, is valuable to practising architects and related audiences. OAA members can select the modules in which they’re interested, cover the material at their own pace (over a three-month period) and successfully complete a quiz to complete the course. Grade Report documentation is usually available 4 - 6 weeks after you have successfully completed the course. Once your grade is available, you will be informed by email, and given instructions on how to access your grade. Please use this documentation to claim Continuing Education hours with OAA. Whether you are an architect or architectural technologist wanting to review some foundational material, someone from outside of the province planning to work in Ontario for the first time, or an architectural practice staff member, participants benefit from the essential material covered in these à la carte courses. The self-study modules and correlating OAA continuing education hours are: Professional Responsibility, Ethics, and Membership in a Self-Regulating Profession (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); The Construction Act (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); Legal Aspects: Professional Liability and Architects’ Contracts (CE Credit Hours = 3); Planning and Development Approvals (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Act and Building Permit Application Process (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Compliance Data: Concepts and Code Analysis (CE Credit Hours = 6); Bid Theory and Bid Practice (CE Credit Hours = 3); and Construction Contract Administration and General Review (CE Credit Hours = 3). For intern architects, please note that taking the Self-Study Series for Architects does not count toward completion of the Admission Course. For more information on the Admission Course, click here. Describe the framework of the Ontario Building Code; and Demonstrate how to navigate through the Ontario Building Code.

In this course, you’ll learn how basic legal principles relate to architectural practice with regard to common law, judicial process, alternative dispute resolution, and professional liability. This course explains and illustrates that regardless of project type or size, architects should prepare and execute written contracts with both clients and consultants. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month, but have up to two months to complete it. Quizzes In the course you will be asked to complete a Confidence Quiz, which contain a set of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz functions differently than traditional quizzing, as they allow you to retake any question you are unsure about the answer and/or select an incorrect answer, and you may retake them as much as you'd like to. Successful course completion involves receiving a score of 100% on the quiz which is based solely on core module content.  Notes: The OAA Self-Study Series for Architects comprises training modules drawn from the mandatory OAA Admission Course each intern architect must complete as part of the licensing process. This material, while not new to those have completed the Admission Course, is valuable to practising architects and related audiences. OAA members can select the modules in which they’re interested, cover the material at their own pace (over a three-month period) and successfully complete a quiz to complete the course. Grade Report documentation is usually available 4 - 6 weeks after you have successfully completed the course. Once your grade is available, you will be informed by email, and given instructions on how to access your grade. Please use this documentation to claim Continuing Education hours with OAA. Whether you are an architect or architectural technologist wanting to review some foundational material, someone from outside of the province planning to work in Ontario for the first time, or an architectural practice staff member, participants benefit from the essential material covered in these à la carte courses. The self-study modules and correlating OAA continuing education hours are: Professional Responsibility, Ethics, and Membership in a Self-Regulating Profession (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); The Construction Act (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); Legal Aspects: Professional Liability and Architects’ Contracts (CE Credit Hours = 3); Planning and Development Approvals (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Act and Building Permit Application Process (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Compliance Data: Concepts and Code Analysis (CE Credit Hours = 6); Bid Theory and Bid Practice (CE Credit Hours = 3); and Construction Contract Administration and General Review (CE Credit Hours = 3). For intern architects, please note that taking the Self-Study Series for Architects does not count toward completion of the Admission Course. For more information on the Admission Course, click here. Identify the elements of the judicial process and the court systems; Describe the most frequently used methods for alternate dispute resolution; Distinguish key basic concepts of contract law; List the stages of a lawsuit in the context of professional liability; Outline the risk management measures in the context of professional liability; Describe the importance of contracts in the practice of architecture; Define the roles and relationships between architects, owners, consultants, and contractors; Identify an architect's responsibilities as reflected in OAA standard contracts; Explain how the administration of architect contracts relates to the practice of architecture; Differentiate standard versus non-standard contracts; and Prepare Standard Contracts OAA 600 and OAA 900.

In this course, you’ll learn about the Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), the self-regulating organization governed by the Architects Act, as well as the professional obligations of every architect in Ontario. This is the OAA’s opportunity to complement your education and training with some practical information relevant to your success as a licensed professional in the Province of Ontario. It addresses professional and responsible conduct for an architect, an architect’s responsibilities for projects or practices, and how to make a practice more productive. This is an online, self-directed course, and you can work through the modules at your own pace. You can expect to complete the course in a month, but have up to two months to complete it. Quizzes In the course you will be asked to complete a Confidence Quiz, which contain a set of 20 multiple choice questions. This quiz functions differently than traditional quizzing, as they allow you to retake any question you are unsure about the answer and/or select an incorrect answer, and you may retake them as much as you'd like to. Successful course completion involves receiving a score of 100% on the quiz which is based solely on core module content.  Notes: The OAA Self-Study Series for Architects comprises training modules drawn from the mandatory OAA Admission Course each intern architect must complete as part of the licensing process. This material, while not new to those have completed the Admission Course, is valuable to practising architects and related audiences. OAA members can select the modules in which they’re interested, cover the material at their own pace (over a three-month period) and successfully complete a quiz to complete the course. Grade Report documentation is usually available 4 - 6 weeks after you have successfully completed the course. Once your grade is available, you will be informed by email, and given instructions on how to access your grade. Please use this documentation to claim Continuing Education hours with OAA. Whether you are an architect or architectural technologist wanting to review some foundational material, someone from outside of the province planning to work in Ontario for the first time, or an architectural practice staff member, participants benefit from the essential material covered in these à la carte courses. The self-study modules and correlating OAA continuing education hours are: Professional Responsibility, Ethics, and Membership in a Self-Regulating Profession (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); The Construction Act (CE Credit Hours = 3.0); Legal Aspects: Professional Liability and Architects’ Contracts (CE Credit Hours = 3); Planning and Development Approvals (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Act and Building Permit Application Process (CE Credit Hours = 3); Ontario Building Code Compliance Data: Concepts and Code Analysis (CE Credit Hours = 6); Bid Theory and Bid Practice (CE Credit Hours = 3); and Construction Contract Administration and General Review (CE Credit Hours = 3). For intern architects, please note that taking the Self-Study Series for Architects does not count toward completion of the Admission Course. For more information on the Admission Course, click here. Recognize the rationale behind the OAA Admission Course; Describe the legal instruments and regulations for the practice of architecture; Explain professionalism and professional obligations; Outline the structure and functions of the OAA; and Perform an architect's professional responsibilitie

If you’re seeking practical tools to bring about positive change in your life, this experiential course is for you. You’ll explore the 16 Guidelines framework to deepen your experience in mindfulness as an embodied practice. You’ll enhance your capacity for personal reflection, resulting in a greater sense of well-being, confidence, purpose and emotional resilience. Drawing on proven techniques from positive psychology, social justice practices, neuroscience and centuries-old Eastern philosophy, you’ll develop an ethical, holistic approach to self-improvement and cultural change. Notes: This course is recognized by Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, as part of their Training Pathway to become an Accredited 16 Guidelines Level 1 Facilitator. For more information about the 16 Guidelines program and a full list of all their accredited facilitators and other programs, please visit their website: www.compassionandwisdom.org   Apply mindfulness and ethical practices to all aspects of life by using a set of practical and transformative tools. Identify your own embodied practice of mindful qualities in your personal and professional practices. Describe the elements of the theory and practice of embodied mindfulness-based practices.  Integrate and apply mindfulness to the four wisdom themes of the 16 G: Mindful thought; mindful actions; mindful relationships; and mindful purpose and livelihood

Transforming yourself through mindful practice can give rise to challenges – specifically how aspects of the “shadow side” can be exposed through self-awareness. In this 16 Guidelines-based course, you’ll navigate these experiences as they arise so you can better understand your own shadow. Whether you’re a personal practitioner or mindful facilitator, you’ll explore the interplay between your mind, body, personal development and cultural contexts. You’ll develop skills that help you lead a happy, healthy and fulfilled life – and help others thrive. Notes: This course is recognized by Foundation for Developing Compassion and Wisdom, as part of their Training Pathway to become an Accredited 16 Guidelines Level 1 Facilitator. For more information about the 16 Guidelines program and a full list of all their accredited facilitators and other programs, please visit their website: www.compassionandwisdom.org    Identify challenges in your mindful practice and transform reactivity that perpetuates stress. Characterize the philosophical foundations of the 16 Guidelines and the four wisdom themes within its framework. Implement the methodologies on which the 16 Guidelines reflections, experiential tools, and creative activities are based. Connect with other 16 Guidelines practitioners who are active in the wider community, and share ideas and understanding at a greater length and depth of embodied mindful practices.

The 10-module course examines a wide range of water issues in the urban environment, including water supply challenges, unsafe drinking water, water pollution, overconsumption of water resources, inadequate wastewater treatment, and degradation of urban streams and rivers. Course content covers conventional approaches to urban water management, along with new thinking and emerging approaches to address pressing water-related issues. Sustainable strategies, based on the view of urban water infrastructure and services as a socio-technical system and the goal of a circular water economy, are emphasized. The need to transition towards sustainable urban water management is vital and pressing due to environmental concerns, social equity, increasing urbanization, and climate change. The context of the course is primarily North America, with additional material and perspectives drawn from other parts of the world. Course format consists of weekly readings, videos, asynchronous online discussions, synchronous webinars, and written assignments to explore key topics. After completing this course you’ll be able to: Understand the importance of the circular water economy and related strategies known as the 4 Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle and recover) that enable sustainable use of water resources. Appreciate the options for increasing water supply where needed by means of alternative water sources and know constructive measures to protect and maintain drinking water quality Grasp the potential for reuse and recovery of useful resources from wastewater, such as nutrients and energy. Recognize that water demand management can effectively reduce excessive water consumption, and know various strategies and tools that fall under this approach. Understand the role of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, green roofs and permeable pavements, in reducing urban runoff and mitigating flooding. Know general strategies and techniques for restoration of degraded streams and rivers in urban areas. Be familiar with examples of cities worldwide that are making progress towards sustainable urban water management and develop an action plan for a North American city.

Water is one of our most precious resources and managing it in a changing world requires new approaches. In this course, you’ll explore connections between water and broader economic and social issues, including food production, energy, transboundary conflict and health. You’ll examine the impacts of climate change and human demand in developed and developing countries. You’ll emerge with a greater appreciation of the benefits and limitations of current practices, and the challenges facing planners, managers, policy-makers, advocates and sustainability professionals. After completing this course you’ll be able to: Identify and explain current critical issues related to water resources management, Assess future evolving challenges to water resources, both due to human demands and environmental change, Analyze the similarities and differences between developed and developing countries,  Evaluate a variety of approaches which are used in managing water resources, including the benefits and limitations involved, and Assess the need for new approaches to water resources management in a changing world.

If your organization needs to boost productivity and improve service quality, it must build its service design capabilities. In this course, you’ll study the history and key principles of service design. You’ll learn to build long-term value by better understanding your customers’ needs. You’ll create customer journeys that unfold over time, identifying key opportunities for meaningful interaction through multiple channels. You’ll emerge better equipped to analyze your organization’s existing services and apply service design principles to help it remain competitive. 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: Describe what Service Design is and how it differs from User Experience (UX) Design and Customer Experience (CX) Design Identify and explain the principles of Service Design and compare with Design Thinking Recognize service as a customer journey and distinguish the key moments in that journey Analyze an existing service in order to judge its efficacy and value Plan to start practicing Service Design Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Client Focus Design Thinking Strategic Thinking Leading Change

If you’ve completed the Introduction to Service Design I – Principles and Concepts, you’re ready to delve further into a discipline that can dramatically improve productivity and quality and help your organization remain competitive. In this course, you’ll adopt a more systematic and creative approach to enhance your strategic design capabilities. You’ll use proven brainstorming techniques to generate rapid, meaningful prototypes of experiences you can evaluate. You’ll learn how to avoid common mistakes and create meaningful journey maps that allow stakeholders to share your vision. 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: Understand what tools and methods are commonly used by Service Design, and how they align to principles of the practice Create meaningful Journey Maps to visualize how a person interacts with touchpoints in order to achieve a goal Construct an artifact to organize the components of a service into a blueprint Create new ideas by using effective brainstorming techniques Develop rapid, low fidelity prototypes of experiences to evaluate ideas and present them to stakeholders Competencies/skills developed in this micro course include: Journey Mapping Service Blueprinting Ideation Facilitation Prototyping

If you are a data scientist or analyst and are responsible for developing accurate machine learning models, this 12-week hands-on course is for you. The contents developed by practicing data scientists who build enterprise ML/AI projects, are designed to empower you to build simpler, yet more accurate models efficiently. Through lectures, discussions, assignments, term projects and guest speakers, you’ll learn various aspects of feature engineering, including generation, extraction, transformation, selection, analysis and evaluation. Each week, you’ll learn how to apply a series of practical techniques to your business problems and improve their performance and stability. Grasping both the intuition and simple mathematics behind the theory, you’ll learn to process, transform, and engineer raw data for ML/AI solutions, and improve your machine learning, deep learning, or natural language processing (NLP) applications. Leverage some of the most well-known techniques to process your raw data and create new features to improve the output of your models Gain hands-on experience on how to apply the feature engineering techniques to improve the performance and stability of your model Interpret the results of your model and understand the significance of each feature Communicate complex underlying concepts in plain language