Technology Training for Housing Providers

Governance, Risk and Compliance:
This session contains an introduction to IT governance, risk management, and compliance. Topics include an overview of leading industry frameworks and standards, integration with organizational strategy, core considerations, key definitions, and examples of application.

Social Engineering:
Computer fraud continues to be the number one cyber attack vector. We see many successful attacks within our sector. The consistent factor in these attacks is human weakness. Join us to talk about how to protect your organization from Social Engineering.

Privacy 101:
The basics on how to protect personal information. Join us to touch on FIPPA and PIPA and how it relates to your role.

Privacy 101:
The basics on how to protect personal information. Join us to touch on FIPPA and PIPA and how it relates to your role.

First 30 Minutes:
Most organizations constantly have their defences tested by adversaries focused on gaining access to systems and data. While prevention and detection are key aspects of cyber security, knowing the steps to take in response to a breach is important. In this session we will make recommendations about how to prepare for the most common cyber attack scenarios, with a specific focus on what to do in the first 30 minutes of a cyber event.

How to “Meet” the IT Risk Assessment Element of an Operational Review:
IT Risk Awareness (ITRA) involves completing a brief 10-question questionnaire and uploading relevant supporting documents. The HPTech team is responsible for reviewing these submissions to assess whether providers are following sound IT practices—such as maintaining backups, using Multi-Factor Authentication, and having an IT response plan in place. This process helps ensure that providers are aware of key policies and the available resources designed to support our partnered non-profit organizations.

Introduction to AI:
This beginner-friendly, discussion-based course introduces artificial intelligence in simple, everyday terms. Participants will explore what AI is, where it appears in daily life, and what it can and cannot do. The session also examines key strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations to support a balanced understanding of AI. The focus is on shared learning and discussion rather than tools or demonstrations.

Introduction to Copilot:
This foundational session introduces Copilot to people who are new to generative AI and focuses on building confidence with the tool. You’ll learn what Copilot is, how to ensure you’re signed in correctly to protect your data, and how to interact with Copilot using basic prompts. The session also highlights high-level considerations such as AI bias and the importance of checking sources. It begins with a short presentation followed by a live demonstration of Copilot in action.

Copilot - Elements of an Effective Prompt:
This session builds on basic Copilot use and focuses on writing clearer, more effective prompts. You’ll learn the key elements that influence Copilot’s responses, including how to provide context, clarify your goal, and refine your requests. Through examples and demonstrations, the course helps improve the quality and reliability of Copilot outputs. It avoids advanced prompt types, which are covered in later sessions.

Introduction to AI:
This beginner-friendly, discussion-based course introduces artificial intelligence in simple, everyday terms. Participants will explore what AI is, where it appears in daily life, and what it can and cannot do. The session also examines key strengths, limitations, and ethical considerations to support a balanced understanding of AI. The focus is on shared learning and discussion rather than tools or demonstrations.

Introduction to Copilot:
This foundational session introduces Copilot to people who are new to generative AI and focuses on building confidence with the tool. You’ll learn what Copilot is, how to ensure you’re signed in correctly to protect your data, and how to interact with Copilot using basic prompts. The session also highlights high-level considerations such as AI bias and the importance of checking sources. It begins with a short presentation followed by a live demonstration of Copilot in action.

Copilot - Elements of an Effective Prompt:
This session builds on basic Copilot use and focuses on writing clearer, more effective prompts. You’ll learn the key elements that influence Copilot’s responses, including how to provide context, clarify your goal, and refine your requests. Through examples and demonstrations, the course helps improve the quality and reliability of Copilot outputs. It avoids advanced prompt types, which are covered in later sessions.

Copilot for Data Analysis:
This course focuses on using Copilot to support data analysis tasks such as exploring data, identifying patterns, and generating insights. Participants will learn how to prompt Copilot effectively when working with numbers, tables, and data driven questions. The session emphasizes interpretation, validation, and responsible use of AI generated insights rather than complex technical analysis. Examples demonstrate how Copilot can complement, not replace, human judgment.

Copilot - Expand Your Skills:
This intermediate-level session expands how you work with Copilot by introducing a variety of advanced prompt types. Participants explore techniques such as interactive prompting, Copilot self critique, prompt chaining, scenario based prompts, and prompts that control style and tone. The session focuses on combining and sequencing prompts to support deeper thinking and more intentional use. Examples demonstrate how these approaches apply across different tasks.

Excel 101:
This beginner-friendly course introduces the basics of Microsoft Excel and helps users feel comfortable working with spreadsheets. Participants will learn how to create and format a worksheet, so it looks professional and presentable. The course also covers basic formulas and commonly used functions to support everyday tasks. Examples focus on practical, real-world use rather than advanced features.

Microsoft Planner - Getting Started:
This beginner-friendly session introduces Microsoft Planner as a tool for organizing and tracking work. Participants will learn how to create plans, buckets, and tasks, and how to use Planner for both shared teamwork and personal task management. The course also shows how Planner fits within Microsoft 365 to support collaboration and visibility. Examples focus on simple, practical use rather than formal project management.

Excel Tables, PivotTables & Charts:
This intermediate level course focuses on using Excel to analyze data and uncover insights. Participants will learn how to create and modify tables, PivotTables, and charts to organize information and explore patterns and trends. The session emphasizes understanding data visually and interactively rather than memorizing steps. Examples are practical and focused on making data easier to interpret and communicate.

OneNote Essentials:
This hands-on workshop introduces the core features of Microsoft OneNote and how it supports everyday notetaking and organization. Participants will learn how to create and organize notebooks, capture rich notes using text, images, and other content, and collaborate with others in real time. The session focuses on practical use to help bring structure to information and ideas. Examples highlight how OneNote fits into daily work within Microsoft 365.

Outlook Essentials:
This comprehensive course introduces the core features of Microsoft Outlook that support everyday productivity. Participants will learn how to manage email using tools like Quick Steps, Rules, and Categories, and set up out of office messages and email signatures. The course also covers advanced search techniques, calendar and meeting management, and practical time management tips. Examples focus on real-world use to help streamline daily work.

Excel Formulas:
This course builds on basic Excel skills and focuses on using formulas to work more efficiently with data. Participants will learn how common functions such as SUMIFS and TEXTJOIN can be used to calculate, combine, and analyze information. The session is structured around an interactive demonstration using practical, real-world examples. A practice workbook is included to support hands-on learning after the session.

Project & Change Management:
This session contains an introduction to project and organizational change management. Topics include an overview of leading industry methodologies and approaches, integration with organizational strategy, core considerations, key definitions, and examples of application.

Navigating the Non-Profit Portal:
Learn how the Non-Profit Portal can streamline the processes and simplify the communication and exchange of documents between BC Housing and Non-Profits. These training sessions are required for Non-Profit Providers who are not part of PartnerHub Operational Review process yet.

PartnerHub:
Join the PartnerHub training session to explore BC Housing’s new Operational Review process and system. This session will cover assessment frameworks, including the element on IT Risk Assessment. We will share various learning and training opportunities provided by the PartnerHub Support Team such as e-learning modules and live online training sessions. Equip yourself with the knowledge to effectively support your organization during BC Housing’s Operational Reviews.