In today’s data-driven world, the ability to communicate complex information clearly and compellingly is essential, especially in the realm of urban planning and policymaking. This is a professional learning course crafted for junior and mid-career professionals who want to leverage the art of using data to drive impactful decisions and foster positive changes in urban environments.
Through this course, you will build a strong foundation in data literacy –including how to interpret, critique, and effectively use data – by learning to understand data sources, evaluate data quality, and apply insights to real world problems. You will become skilled at pinpointing the types of data and metrics that are most impactful in urban planning and policy, while developing proficiency in storytelling techniques that transform data into engaging and relatable narratives. You will learn to effectively convert data into persuasive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including stakeholders, community leaders, and the public.
Course overview
Format:
Online asynchronous
Teaching team:
◦ Content creator: Karen Chapple, Director, School of Cities, U of T; Professor, Geography & Planning, U of T; Professor Emerita, City & Regional Planning, UC Berkeley
◦ Facilitator and assessor: Michelle Zhang, Program Lead
Class size:
Up to 25
Location:
Online, Quercus (Canvas)
Duration:
24 hours across 6 weeks
Course dates:
March 3, 2026 – April 14, 2026
Registration deadline:
February 23, 2026
Discount Code: DSM620 (expires January 13, 2026)
Fees:
CAD: $1,000 (HST exempt)
USD: ~$750
Designed for communicators, strategists, analysts, and planners, this course helps you turn data into influence. You’ll learn to:
Define data storytelling and articulate its benefits in the context of urban environments
Identify and ascertain the types of data, metrics, and evidence necessary to develop champions and overcome negative narratives related to urban planning, policy, and governance issues
Apply storytelling techniques to communicate data insights
Summarize and apply the elements of data literacy
Evaluate and apply key principles of data visualization
Describe ethical considerations when engaging with and applying data
Earn a verified digital badge to showcase your storytelling skills on your LinkedIn, portfolio, or CV.
Course outline
The course spans six modules over six weeks and is fully online and self-paced, featuring asynchronous modules, multimedia content, learning activities, knowledge/progress checks, and assessments.
| Module 1 | Introduction to storytelling for change |
| Module 2 | Data storytelling methods |
| Module 3 | Building data literacy |
| Module 4 | Understanding data ethics |
| Module 5 | Principles of data visualization |
| Module 6 | Effective communication |
| Assessments | Presentation proposal, final presentation |
FAQs
This course is designed for professionals working with or around urban data—such as planners, policy advisors, analysts, program managers, strategists, or communications staff—who want to strengthen how they communicate insights in their role.
No formal background in data analysis or visualization is required. The course is designed for participants with a range of familiarity levels.
The course allows you to learn on your own schedule, while assignment due dates help keep you on track throughout the six-week duration.
Learners should plan for approximately 4–6 hours per week to engage with the course materials.
Yes. While the course is asynchronous, there are opportunities for peer engagement
Yes. Learners have access to instructional support with the course facilitator.
Yes. You may complete this course on its own or apply it toward a larger certificate pathway if desired.
Yes. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a digital microcredential they can share on platforms like LinkedIn.
Learners need standard access to a computer, fast-speed internet, and the course learning platform. No specialized software is required.
Yes. The course is fully online and open to learners globally.
Deferrals may be possible depending on timing and space availability. Please contact the program team for details at education.sofc@utoronto.ca.
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