This is lesson 3 in the boot camp 'Continue being digital in the Canadian public service: Technology', created in collaboration with the Ontario Digital Service.

How to complete this lesson

Each activity you complete beyond the required reading is worth 5 points. The more points you collect, the higher the level you reach. When you reach the end of the lesson, tally how many points you’ve earned, and download the correct badge. Your certificate of completion for this Technology course will indicate which level you achieved.

Required

Video: 8 minutes

Watch this video as Hillary Hartley, Chief Digital and Data Officer, Deputy Minister and Katy Lalonde, Director of Digital with the Ontario Public Service, outline what we mean by government as a platform. (8 min watch)

Suggested

Additional reading: 5 points

Read this article from Apolitical, Introducing a 'Government as a System' toolkit. (9 min read)

5-minute conversation: 5 points

During the next week, take 5 minutes to reflect on these discussion questions. You can reflect with a colleague, or you can share your thoughts on our Slack channel.

  • What were some of your biggest takeaways from this lesson?
  • As we think back on the government's response to the pandemic, how do you think GaaP thinking might have impacted the way we were able to respond?

Homework - 5-minute activity: 5 points

Take a look at the article 'Six ways that public servants can develop their empathy.'

For the remainder of the course, work on one of the best practices throughout that week.

Choose from one of the following:

  • Practice active listening
  • Understand yourself
  • Be patient
  • Track your progress
  • Step into their shoes
  • Use art

Poll question: 5 points

Return to the email to vote in this week’s poll question. Add 5 points to your total score for voting.

Congratulations! You’ve completed this lesson of the boot camp. Count up how many points you’ve earned, and click to download your badge. You can share your badge on social media, and tag @apoliticalco to show off your progress.

Digital Technology Seeker (Required Activity)

Digital Technology Explorer (5 Points)

Digital Technology Adventurer (10 Points)

Digital Technology Intrepid (15 Points)

Digital Technology Heroic (20-30 Points)

Results of last week's poll question

In Lesson 2, we asked: How familiar are you with the term 'Government as a Platform'?

Here's what you said (to the nearest percent):
42%: A) I haven’t heard of it
30%: B) I have heard of it, but don’t know what it means
24%: C) I have some understanding of it
4%: D) I have a strong understanding of what Government as a Platform is

Picture credit: Unsplash

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