Application deadline
15 January 2027
Summer 2026 Session 1 registration.
In-person Program
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O)
by University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach
A hands-on coding course connecting programming, AI and cybersecurity with a mobile app and business plan addressing a community problem.
Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens
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Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Applications open
Eligibility
Grades 8-12; winter gender restriction
Age range / Year group
Ages 13-18
Location / Region
Ottawa, Canada
Cost
Free; $975
Duration
4 weeks; January-May
Format
In-person
Computer ScienceArtificial IntelligenceCybersecurityTechnology
Language: English
Certificate / Outcome: 1.0 Ontario secondary school credit
Sessions / cadence: Wednesdays 2h; Saturdays; 4h independent work/week
Tutors / faculty: Kainia Cloutier; industry mentor presentations
Assessment style: 70% classwork; 30% final project
Campus experience: Computer laboratories and required equipment
Accreditation: Ontario Ministry credit-granting authority
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World summary
ICD2O combines introductory programming with hardware, software, AI and cybersecurity. Its practical focus is a mobile app and business plan responding to a community problem.
Students learn through demonstrations, individual practice and collaboration, then explain their decisions in project presentations. It suits learners who want to connect coding with a useful real-world application.
What is Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O)?
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O) is a computer studies course delivered by the University of Ottawa Faculty of Engineering Secondary School. It follows Ontario curriculum expectations and connects fundamental programming with hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
Students apply those ideas through hands-on projects, including a mobile app and business plan addressing a community problem. Teacher demonstrations, collaborative practice and presentations connect technical decisions with ethical, environmental and societal questions.
Why Succeed highlights Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World
The community-focused app project gives introductory coding a clear purpose.
Hardware, cybersecurity and AI sit alongside programming, providing useful breadth.
The final prototype and presentation require students to explain their technical choices.
Required software, materials and equipment are provided for practical learning.
Successful completion earns a recognized Ontario secondary school credit.
Who is Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World for?
Best for
Students who want an introduction to coding through app development and enjoy solving practical problems with others.
Not ideal if
You want a casual drop-in activity or advanced specialization in one programming language, because this is a broad assessed course with attendance expectations.
Is Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World worth it?
ICD2O is a strong option when a student wants to turn introductory coding into a working project. The app, business plan and presentation provide concrete work to reflect on, while the credit connects enrichment with school progress.
The main tradeoff is commitment: students must attend regularly and complete assessed work. Its breadth is useful for exploration, but learners seeking deeper specialization may prefer a course focused entirely on one computing topic.
A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
Free; $975; includes Access to all course materials., Access to required course software., Access to required course equipment., No textbook purchase required..
Provider details
Review the University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
4 weeks; January-May; Ottawa, Canada.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World need?
Effort level
Substantial for an introductory course.
Best started
Gather registration documents four to six weeks before the winter registration deadline.
Main challenge
Balancing coding, documentation, collaboration and independent project work.
Typical preparation
Gather proof of age, a recent report card and an IEP if applicable.
Grade 8 students should arrange parent/guardian and principal signatures early.
Map the Wednesday meetings, Saturday sessions and independent work onto your weekly schedule.
Think of a community problem that a simple app could help address.
Useful if
You want to test whether computer studies suits you.
What do students do on Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World?
You investigate digital technology, practise programming and use the engineering design process to develop a mobile app. Alongside the technical work, you build a business plan and explain how your project addresses a community problem.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Explore hardware, software, file management and safe computing.
- 2
Investigate networking, AI and emerging digital innovations.
- 3
Define a community problem and plan an app and business approach.
- 4
Write, debug and document programs through individual and collaborative practice.
- 5
Develop a prototype and present your design and learning journey.
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World dates and deadlines
Upcoming
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O) — Summer 2026 Session 1 application deadline
17 June 2026
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O) — Summer 2026 Session 1
29 June-24 July 2026
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; no class on 1 July.
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World - ICD2O course (Technovation) — Winter 2027
30 January-19 May 2027
In-person Wednesday and Saturday schedule; approximately four hours of independent work weekly.
Saturday course days
30 January, 6 February and 10 April 2027
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday course meetings
3 February–19 May 2027
6:30-8:30 p.m.; no meeting during March Break.
Coding Days
27 February and 3 April 2027
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
March Break
17 March 2027
No Wednesday session.
Pitch Celebration Event
15 May 2027
In person.
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 15 January 2027 | Local | Upcoming | Save deadline |
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O) — Summer 2026 Session 1 application deadline | 17 June 2026 | Local | Past | |
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O) — Summer 2026 Session 1 | 29 June-24 July 2026 | Local | Past | |
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World - ICD2O course (Technovation) — Winter 2027 | 30 January-19 May 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Saturday course days | 30 January, 6 February and 10 April 2027 | Local | Date not confirmed | |
Wednesday course meetings | 3 February–19 May 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Coding Days | 27 February and 3 April 2027 | Local | Date not confirmed | |
March Break | 17 March 2027 | Local | Upcoming | |
Pitch Celebration Event | 15 May 2027 | Local | Upcoming |
Eligibility and requirements
Students in Grades 8-12.
No prerequisites or corequisites.
Grade 8: parent/guardian approval and written principal support.
Winter Technovation: girls and non-binary youth only.
How much does Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World cost?
Winter Technovation course
Free — Full credited winter 2027 course.
Funding or discounts
- Summer course: $975 — Full summer 2026 course; CAD.
- Bursaries: For underrepresented STEM groups and financial need, subject to funding.
What's included
Access to all course materials., Access to required course software., Access to required course equipment., No textbook purchase required.
How to apply to Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World
- 1
Choose the ICD2O run that matches your eligibility and schedule.
- 2
Use the Faculty of Engineering Secondary School registration portal.
- 3
Provide your email address, legal status in Canada, birth certificate and recent report card.
- 4
Include your IEP if you have one.
- 5
Grade 8 students must submit permission signed by a parent/guardian and principal.
- 6
Submit the separate bursary application form if seeking financial support.
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What does Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Hardware, software and cybersecurity
Study devices, file management and privacy, then justify technology recommendations in a presentation.
Networks, innovations and AI
Investigate connectivity, automation and AI while assessing their benefits and limitations.
Mobile app development
Use the engineering design process to build an app and business plan for a community problem.
Programming
Practise variables, conditions, loops, subprograms and AI functionality through increasingly demanding assignments.
Technology, society and careers
Research computing innovations and career connections, presenting findings through a chosen media format.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World?
A typical day during the program.
Winter weekly meetings
6:30-8:30 p.m., with 15 meetings and a March Break exception.
Winter course Saturdays
9 a.m.-4 p.m. on the three scheduled course days.
Winter Coding Days
10 a.m.-2 p.m., alongside a separate Pitch Celebration Event.
Summer course
9 a.m.-3:45 p.m.; the school calendar specifies a 45-minute lunch break.
Who teaches on Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World?
The ICD2O course outline names Kainia Cloutier as its teacher and Julie Olivier as department head. Teaching combines guided coding demonstrations, individual and group practice, frequent formative feedback and presentations from mentors working in the field.
Where do students stay on Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World?
Non-residential plan
- Campus learning spaces: Attend scheduled classes in university learning spaces and computer laboratories.
- Learning resources: Access required course equipment, software and materials.
- Learning accommodations: Request a learning-specialist needs analysis for instructional, environmental or assessment support.
What happens after Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn 1.0 secondary school credit through successful completion.
Develop a mobile app and business plan.
Present a prototype and explain your development journey.
Build programming foundations relevant to Introduction to Computer Science.
Explore computing careers and further learning pathways.
Credit depends on successful completion; a final mark below 50% does not earn credit.
Where does Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World take place?
The winter Technovation course meets at the Learning Crossroads (CRX) Building, 100 Louis-Pasteur Private, Ottawa. The summer course uses the SITE Building at 800 King Edward on the University of Ottawa campus.
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World FAQs
Yes. ICD2O carries 1.0 credit toward a secondary school diploma. Students must successfully complete the course; a final mark below 50% does not earn credit.
No prerequisites or corequisites are required. Fundamental programming concepts are introduced through demonstrations, practice and projects.
Students develop a mobile app and business plan addressing a community problem. They also present a prototype and explain their development journey.
Daily classroom work accounts for 70% of the grade. A final design project with a prototype and presentation accounts for 30%, supported by assignments, quizzes and practical tasks.
Yes, as a reach-ahead course. They must provide a permission form signed by a parent or guardian and their current principal.
No textbook is required. Students receive access to course materials, required software and equipment.
Students can request a needs-analysis meeting with a learning specialist. Support can include instructional, environmental and assessment accommodations; students should provide an IEP if applicable.
Alternatives to Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World
Compare these computing options if you prefer online study or a different project focus.
Alternatives to Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World
Online study focused on game design
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Deadline: Not announced
From $3200
13-17
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Online
Best for
Students drawn to games and creative computing
Online course centered on artificial intelligence
Artificial Intelligence
Deadline: Not announced
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Best for
Students wanting a narrower AI focus
In-person software development and gaming program
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25 May 2026
From £5995
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In-person
Best for
Students exploring software and gaming interests
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Sean Stevens
Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)
Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- Technovation Girls Ottawa | Faculty of Engineering
- Conventions and Reservations | About us
- Course calendar | Faculty of Engineering
- Policies and frequently asked questions | Faculty of Engineering
- Permission Form
- Outline of Course of Study - DCO3O
- Outline of Course of Study
- Outline of Course of Study - ICS3U
- Outline of Course Of Study - ICD2O
- Outline of Course of Study - TDJ2O
- Outine of Course of Study - TAS1O
- Outline of Course of Study - TEJ2O
- Faculty of Engineering Secondary School | Faculty of Engineering
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)
Registration deadlines checked
Run-specific fees compared
Eligibility restrictions reviewed
Credit requirements checked
Curriculum and assessment reviewed
Teaching schedule checked
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World (ICD2O)
by University of Ottawa Engineering Outreach
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