IDEA Academy
IDEA Academy is IDEA Lab’s self-paced training program for research assistants, focused on specialized research methodologies and cloud technologies.
What you’ll learn
The IDEA Academy builds competencies in cloud computing delivery, equity, diversity, and inclusion in research, research data management, and agile project management methodologies for research.
This training enables research assistants (RAs) to support, advance, and contribute to projects developed and supervised by AU faculty researchers. After completing the training, RAs are deployed to support IDEA Lab projects. Through this unique work-integrated learning opportunity, AU learners who become IDEA Lab RAs gain valuable hands-on experience, applying their skills and knowledge in digital- and cloud-based technologies for research development, delivery, and dissemination in IDEA Lab’s virtual research domain.
The training takes approximately 30 hours to complete. RAs that complete the required training, obtain the AWS Cloud Practitioner Certification, and spend at least 100 hours supporting IDEA Lab projects will receive:
- A digital badge
- A certificate of completion and a note on official AU transcripts from AU's Registrar's Office
- A letter summarizing the details of the training and role from AU’s Research Office
"My overall experience with the IDEA Academy was very positive, and I learned so much more than I had expected coming into this opportunity. I valued the experience very much and therefore re-applied for the second round. The IDEA Lab Academy not only gave researchers the opportunity to utilize AWS Services towards their projects but also for AU students and those interested in research the opportunity to learn more about various projects within AU, learn and utilize AWS Services and apply these skills in real life, and take these valuable experiences towards our future endeavours."
– A former IDEA Lab Research Assistant
How to get involved
We have previously recruited up to 15 RAs for each cohort, typically at the start of each calendar year. When open, the opportunity is available to AU undergraduate or graduate learners, irrespective of their digital literacy. If you’d like to learn more about accessing the describe self-paced training program, please submit a query at the bottom of this page.
Connect with us
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Updated April 28, 2023 by Digital & Web Operations (web_services@athabascau.ca)