Online and Remote Learning

This course reviews the legal framework and process for construction bidding and other forms of procurement. The “Instructions to Bidders” is an important component of this process, and this module addresses its various clauses, providing examples to demonstrate how theory and practice merge. 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 principles of tendering;     interpret the elements of contract law subscribe to the issues that arise on a bid review committee; and subscribe to the principles of non-compliance.

This course provides an overview of the planning and land development approvals process in Ontario. Participants learn about the roles architects and other professionals play in this process and how authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) operate. This course describes the various planning tools that implement planning legislation, and provide a guide to understanding and navigating the complex development approvals process. 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. Explain why the land use planning and development process is relevant to architects; Identify the authorities in the Province of Ontario that have decision-making powers within the planning process; Describe the circumstances under which planning instruments constitute applicable law; Outline the criteria used to evaluate planning applications; Identify issues that can affect the approval process and how to address them; Describe the architect’s role in the planning and development approval process; and Describe what bodies such as the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and Toronto’s Local Planning Appeal Body take into consideration in making planning decisions on appeals.

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

The world’s water resources are being taxed as never before. In this course, you’ll study the issues facing our water supply, including best practices for reducing demand and maintaining supply continuity. You’ll explore patterns of use, regulation and governance, different types of infrastructure in municipal settings, and supply vs. demand management approaches. You’ll examine the important role of water audits in planning and management, and emerge with the tools and resources you need to measure, manage and reduce water usage. After completing this course you’ll be able to: Identify and Describe the goals of water management: economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability  Apply supply vs. demand management approaches to water resources Explain the theory and application of water audits at residential, commercial building, industry and municipal levels from a policy and technical perspective Explain and apply tools and processes to quantity and manage water usage Compare and contrast best practices and technologies to reduce water demand and maintain continuity of supply Analyze current and future trends that will affect water planning and management and the important role to be played by water audits

Do you like to write? Do you have a story or memoir you would love to get on paper? Do you have difficulty finding the time and concentration to write? Writers’ block? Or is your manuscript partly developed and your are looking for ways to move it forward. Guided Writing means writing in class with an instructor’s instructions. Students will write for at least half of each class. The instructor will offer structured writing prompts throughout the writing time to help students develop the scenes they want to write. The instructor will also introduce students to writing techniques useful in all writing. Every student will be given the instructor’s Writing Handbook, The Scribal Art, to supplement their in-class writing. This handbook includes a number of illustrative examples as well an introduction to techniques that all writers need to know—for fiction, genre writing, memoir and nonfiction. Fully developed scenes written in class Deeper understanding of literary technique Opportunity to workshop and develop new material

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