Congratulations again for having been selected to participate in the second iteration of the Canada School of Public Service Digital Academy Premium pilot!
Premium is an experimental, fast-paced, supportive learning experience to enable you to solve problems by working smarter, not harder, while increasing your knowledge and skills in areas deemed essential to success in delivering responsive and relevant services to Canadians
This learner manual is a reference tool to guide you before you begin and while you are engaged in this intensive and out-of-the-box learning experience. The purpose of this document is to cover most questions you may have throughout the process.
Premium is a unique learning opportunity for public servants to develop their knowledge and skills in specialized areas such as Design, Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML), Development and DevOps while exploring an organizational problem and solving it in a way that leads to a user-centered solution.
Through a mix of in-person and virtual learning activities, you will discover the art of the possible with respect to digital tools and approaches, and experience what working in an accelerator feels like as you spend 12 days during the capstone Practicum prototyping a solution to a real business problem with a multidisciplinary team.
By the end of Premium, you will not only have gained new knowledge, skills and a better appreciation of what advanced digital technology and approaches can do for you and your organization, but also strengthened your ability to identify the real source of a problem, engage with stakeholders and people impacted by the problem or the solution, and prototype, test and pitch your proposed solution. In the process, you will be exposed to diverse perspectives and build a network of like-minded individuals across the public service.
Premium is more than a learning product: it’s a community that will be there to support you along your learning journey, during Premium but also afterwards, as you work on implementing what you have learned in your home organization. Welcome to our family!
Premium has three main learning components:
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Specialized learning, where two days a week for 7 weeks individuals enhance their knowledge and skills in a specialized area through instructor-led activities and self-study.
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Common learning, where learners from all streams, once or twice a week over the same 7 weeks, are introduced to cross-cutting topics such as accessibility, working in the open and agile, via short webinars.
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Problem-based learning, where learners explore their problems and share their learning with their team through weekly learning circles over the same 7-week period. This component also includes the initial in-person bootcamp in Ottawa, where learners are introduced to user-centered design and problem definition, as well as the 12-day capstone Practicum, when learners ideate, prototype, test and pitch a solution to the problem selected by their team.
IMPORTANT: Please note that we will provide you with a French translation of the documentation that our instructors and facilitators will use, but that the training itself will be conducted in English. In addition, we will take your language preference into account when we form the teams.
The Data Learning Stream The Data stream provides a survey of the concepts and skills essential for becoming a data practitioner. This includes a review of the different parts of the data pipeline and relevant skills and concepts required to work with each part of this pipeline, from data collection to data presentation. Specific topics including data architectures, measures and metrics, data validation and data visualization.
The Dev and DevOps Learning Stream The Development stream will equip learners with the knowledge and skills in the areas of front end development including version control (Git), command line (Bash,SSH), HTML/CSS, JavaScript and Python. Participants will learn how-to use open source tools to build a POC (Proof of Concept) and an MVP (Minimum-Viable Product). The course will also review the Agile development methodology, accessibility standards, and basic security concepts. By the end of this training, learners will be able to write scripts using Python, understand the nuances of Open Source Software as it relates to Software Developers and Operators, as well as build and deploy Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment pipelines, and more.
The Design Learning Stream The Design stream will allow learners to better understand design as a practice. The course will equip learners with knowledge and skills in the areas of ethical and inclusive service design, user research, problem definition and solution prototyping, content design, usability testing and iteration, measuring for impact, partnership building, and stewardship.
The AI/ML Learning Stream The AI/ML stream provides an overview of the concepts and skills required to become a data scientist. It will include fundamental concepts common to data work (data preparation, data visualization) and an overview of the main branches of machine learning, including supervised learning (classification and value estimation) and unsupervised learning (association rules and clustering). An emphasis in the AI/ML stream will be on exercises in R where learners will implement techniques learned during stream-based learning using relevant datasets and specific R libraries.
Common learning is content and topics relevant to all learning areas that all learners are expected to attend. It is typically delivered on Mondays and Tuesdays from 2:00-3:30pm ET. The complete list of topics, with dates, can be found on Premium’s Moodle space. The sessions are delivered virtually, recorded for future reference and posted on Moodle. Their goal is to ensure all learners share a common understanding of key concepts underpinning the new way of thinking and doing expected of public servants as they tackle emerging problems and develop solutions that are timely and effective. Some of these concepts are studied in more depth in the different specializations.
One of the main objectives of Premium is to enhance your ability to identify business problems (and not just their symptoms) in order to develop effective solutions that could have a real impact on your organisation and the life of Canadians. This is why we asked you, as part of the registration process, to submit a problem to explore during Premium.
1. One-week in-person Bootcamp
You will be introduced to the importance of identifying the right problem before developing a solution. Our expert design thinking practitioners will lead you through a series of group and individual exercises on problem definition. You will also get to know your team.
Teams, which will be formed prior to bootcamp, will be typically made of 5 to 8 learners with representatives from each stream. You will share and collaborate with your team during your entire Premium journey, including during Practicum when you will be prototyping a solution for a real business problem.
2. Seven weeks of part-time learning through problem exploration, solution discovery and sharing in the learning circles
Following Bootcamp, you will meet with your team once a week for 1.5-2 hours in your learning circle, whose objectives is to provide all team members an opportunity to:
- share what they have learned in their respective stream
- discuss ways to implement what they have learned in their daily work, including how to deal with potential barriers
- share what they have learned on their problem
You will also have an activity to do each week to deepen the understanding of your problem. For example, one week we may ask you to do field work and go talk to stakeholders and people impacted by your problem; another week, we may ask you to identify data sources that could be used to gain a better understanding of your problem or to develop a future solution. Weekly problem-based assignments and resources will be posted on Moodle. In addition, our team of design thinking practitioners will be available by appointment to help when necessary. An advisor will also be assigned to your team. Your advisor will help you achieve your goals by providing access to experts and mentors when you need it, pointing you to relevant resources, and helping remove administrative barriers. Advisors call everyone in their team individually once a week to inquire about how they’re doing. They are also present at the first two learning circles to get the team started on its learning journey.
Teams are responsible for setting a time and place for their learning circles each week. Participation is mandatory, and it can be virtual or in-person. You will be given time, on the last day of the bootcamp (November 1st), to agree on a time for the weekly learning circles (for example every Thursday from 1:00-2:30 ET) and book it in your calendars.
By the time the practicum begins, each team will have a well-defined problem and have identified the data sources required to prototype a solution.
3. 2-week practicum, including Demo Day
During the first 3 days of the practicum, you will have the opportunity, with your team, to brainstorm potential innovative solutions to the problem you have selected, pick one for prototyping and start planning the development of your prototype using agile approaches and methods. During the following prototyping phase, in addition to your advisor, you will have access to experts, mentors and agile coaches to support you. You will have the opportunity to learn more about pitching, and will present your proof of concept and prototype at least three times during the practicum, including on Demo Day, where you will show your colleagues, your managers and a panel of executives from across the government what you have managed to achieve in two short weeks. We guarantee they will be impressed - and so will you.
Demo Day marks the official end of Premium, but not of your learning journey with us. You will join our community and be invited to all the major events we organize. We will also follow up regularly with you on how you’ve implemented what you’ve learned in your organization, and give you advice on how to remove barriers.
You will require a laptop for which you have administrative rights to install required software. If you cannot acquire a device, please contact us ASAP.
The following will need to be installed on the laptop prior to the first day:
- Zoom
- Slack
- Google Chrome
Best practices and tips for the tools will be provided in Moodle.
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The Moodle site is the “home” for all course content. Moodle will be the distance learning platform for Premium. Once registered, you will be registered for Premium on GCCampus and your stream’s learning space on Moodle. Moodle is for conversation that is directly related to the course, for example questions about assignments. To log into the Moodle site, you need a CSPS GCCampus account. Get an account here. Visit the site on a weekly basis, any course related resources.
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Slack is a communication tool used for instant messaging and file sharing between teams or individuals. You'll be invited to create a Slack account prior to Bootcamp using your first and last name. Once you’ve created an account, please join the Digital Academy Community Workspace by copying and pasting this link into your browser. You will be invited into a private channel by the Digital Academy team that will be used to provide general information throughout the course of your Premium learning journey The Community Workspace also offers an opportunity for you to connect with alumni, Digital Fellows, and other resources that will aid in your continued learning.
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Zoom is a video conferencing tool that will be used frequently for learning and meetings.
Premium is delivered in person, virtually, or both in-person and virtually depending on the learning activity. In-person participation is only required for all learners during the initial bootcamp (October 28 to November 1), and for learners located in the NCR during practicum (January 6 to 22). In between, from November 4 to December 20, you have the option to attend:
- the specialized learning, which is instructor-led, either in person, at 111 Sussex Drive in Ottawa, or virtually since all the presentations will be broadcasted using high-quality equipment. Instructed-led learning days vary depending on stream (see the calendar for details).
- the common learning webinars virtually
- the learning circles either in person or virtually, each team being responsible for setting a time and place each week
Please note that although in-person participation for the 12-day practicum is not mandatory for learners located outside the NCR, we still strongly recommend that regional participants come to Ottawa for the first 3 days when ideation on a potential solution and the development of a proof of concept will take place.
- Ottawa Airport Ground Transportation Website
- Ridesharing: Uber and Lyft operate in Ottawa but are not available in Gatineau, Quebec
- OC Transpo operates Para Transpo, a door-to-door transportation service for people with disabilities. For reservations call (613) 244-7272
- Ottawa Public Transportation Website
- When traveling within Ottawa, taxis are available. “Hailing” a cab on the street is not recommended; booking a taxi one day in advance or calling at least 15 minutes prior to pick-up is recommended.
- Ottawa taxi companies:
- Blue Line (613) 238-1111 Website
- Gatineau taxi companies:
- Taxi Loyal (819) 663-5252 Website
- Ottawa Airport Ground Transportation Website
- Airport-authorized transportation is recommended
- Ridesharing pick-up is also available
Sala San Marco Map 215 Preston Street Ottawa
- Free parking on site
111 Sussex Drive, Ottawa Map
Transportation Options
- 111 Sussex does offer paid underground parking but spaces are limited due to construction. Parking on side streets is limited and capped at three hour periods. We encourage you to travel by taxi or use the various public transport options available.
- Parking Map
- Food Services: A cafeteria is available on site. It is open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (with full service options from 7:00am - 1:30pm).
- Dress Code: Casual. Bring a sweater or jacket to ensure your comfort.
- Allergies: Some participants attending the course may suffer from environmental sensitivities. Please refrain from using fragranced products for the duration of the course.
Still to be confirmed, but it will be in the NCR. More information will be provided once the venue is confirmed.
Note that participation for the entire duration of the in-class training is mandatory. Please note these are hybrid sessions that can be attended remotely; links to be provided on the Moodle site.
As an individual:
- attend instructor-led learning
- do homework assignments
- participate actively in class by asking questions
As a team member:
- attend learning circles
- be respectful of other people’s perspectives
- listen to understand, self-organize
- look for potential connections between your problem and that of others
- during practicum, be willing to contribute in different areas, including areas not directly linked to your specialization
An important part of the learning process is to evaluate where we are. Throughout your Premium learning, we will ask for your insights and feedback in a variety of ways – surveys, quick response polls, diary entries, 360 reviews, etc. We ask you to take the time to reflect and respond the best way you can to all questions. Your responses are an important part of the Premium course, your learning, and they enable us to improve the course. To help improve the Premium course, we may contact you and the manager who signed your application several weeks and/or months after you have completed Premium. We will not share any information that you provided in any evaluation for with your manager, the aim is to understand what can be done to improve the Premium course in the future.
Evaluation information collected is under the authority of paragraph 4(f) of the Canada School of Public Service Act and will be stored in the School’s evaluation system. Please note that your personal information will remain confidential and is protected under the Privacy Act. For more information, refer to the School's Privacy Notice.
The Digital Academy User Experience (UX) team will be conducting a user research study throughout Premium to better our understand your Premium experience and improve the program for future cohorts. Your participation in the activities, which include interviews and co-creation exercises, are completely voluntary. Please know that your participation would be a valuable addition to our research and findings, and any information gathered will be kept confidential. If you'd like to get involved or have any questions, please contact Janki Padaliya and/or Vivian Qi Fu. More details will be provided in Moodle soon.
| Who | Role | Availability and access |
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Instructor
Seasoned subject matter expert |
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During instructor-led learning from November 4 to December 20. |
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Teaching Assistant
Student or practitioner in one of the specialized stream |
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During instructor-led learning from November 4 to December 20. They can also be reached by Slack or email during self-study periods. |
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Member of Design thinking team
Practitioners with various experience levels, from the Public Service and potentially beyond. May include alumni from the design stream |
Two main roles - lead and support - that can alternate depending on problem-based component.
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They can be reached by appointment from November 4 to December 20, if you have questions on weekly problem-based assignments. A link to a weekly appointment schedule will be posted on Moodle |
| Coach |
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Our coaches are available to advisors from November 4 to December 20, and will be available on site throughout practicum from January 6 to 20 |
| Advisor Can be someone from the School or Academy, or an alumni |
Empowers learners to achieve their goals by:
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Your advisor will touch base with you every week, either by phone, zoom, Slack or email, to enquire about how you’re doing. You will meet your advisor during bootcamp and decide together on the best time and mode of communication for your weekly chats |
| Mentor Experienced practitioner from government, industry, not-for-profit sector, or academia |
Helps learners self-reflect, problem-solve and develop solutions by:
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Access to mentors is arranged through your advisor; talk to your advisor about your mentoring needs. |