Online Courses
Are you looking to leverage data and digital technology to create a positive impact in your community? Open North offers a range of online courses that can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the world of data governance, digital strategy, and more. Our courses cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of data governance and management to advanced subjects like implementing privacy policies and social procurement solutions.
Join our community of learners today and start driving positive change in your community with the support of Open North’s online courses. Whether you are a municipal staff member or simply interested in learning more about open-source policies, artificial intelligence, or civic tech, our courses are tailored to meet your unique needs. With options available for both beginners and advanced learners, you can select the level of instruction that best suits you.
Do you have feedback to share about any of our courses? Is there a relevant topic we should consider including in future course offerings? Send your comments and suggestions to us at info@opennorth.ca.
Why take Open North’s online courses?
Open Source Software in Government: An Introduction for Public Sector Executives
The purpose of this course is to equip public sector executives and their colleagues with the ideas, tools and resources they need to overcome the challenges that are often associated with using open source software – and to take full advantage of its benefits. This course has been designed primarily from the perspective of non-technical executives, directors and departmental leaders, but will provide important insights for technical staff as well.
Fundamentals of Data for Open Smart Cities
Collecting and engaging meaningful data is a fundamental skill of the Open Smart City approach. This basic course teaches you why data matters and the key issues to consider when working with data in your municipal context.
What Are Open Standards for Data?
The Open Smart City approach advocates for a mindful, secure, and ethical use of data. This basic course gives an overview of open standards for data, the values and risks of their adoption, and the recommended practices for doing so.
Data Quality
This course provides users with a practical introduction to the topic and importance of data quality. It discusses key concepts and offers clear exercises on accessing good data and evaluating the quality of data.
Implementing an Open Data Policy
An open data policy supports a community’s commitment to Open Government. This advanced course describes the elements of an open data policy, offers examples of ones in use, and outlines a process for its development and implementation.
What is Data Governance?
What is Data Governance (D201) is an advanced learning module that builds on the introductory courses Fundamentals of Data for Open Smart Cities (D100) and Fundamentals of Governance in Open Smart Cities (G100). This course consists of three modules that will provide participants with an in-depth study of the current definitions of data governance, its growing importance (particularly from an Open Smart Community perspective), and a set of case studies outlining key components in good data governance approaches. This course provides the basis for Developing Data Governance (D202), a subsequent learning module that presents methods for developing a data governance framework.
Open Contracting Data Standard for Procurement
The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) supports increased transparency in contracting, allowing for this data to be analyzed by a wide range of users. This advanced course offers you an understanding of the use cases for OCDS in open smart communities.
Fundamentals of Governance In Open Smart Cities
This basic course illustrates the potential of information and communication technologies and data to strengthen municipal governance and presents how some communities have applied the principles of the open smart city as part of their governance efforts.
Protecting Resident Data and Privacy
Protecting resident data and privacy is at the heart of any municipality’s mandate. This basic course explores current terminology, potential practices and existing initiatives regarding privacy taking place in our communities.