Course Outline
Module 1: An Introduction to PowerApps for Government
This module provides an introduction to Microsoft PowerApps, a powerful tool designed to streamline application development without requiring extensive coding knowledge. Traditionally, building custom applications involved writing complex code and was often limited to internal use within the organization. With PowerApps, agencies can quickly develop and deploy applications that can be shared across different departments or with external stakeholders. Deployment is rapid, and testing can be done on mobile devices immediately. This module will cover the key features of PowerApps, its benefits for government operations, and various methods for building and accessing apps on different devices.
Lessons
- Overview of PowerApps for Government
- The Benefits of Using Apps in Government Operations
- How to Access PowerApps for Government
- Understanding Canvas Apps and Model-Driven Apps for Government Use
- Licensing Options and Costs for Government
- Exploring Templates for Government Applications
Lab : Introduction to PowerApps for Government
- Try the Cost Estimator App for Government Projects
- Download and Review App Design for Government Use
- Select and Evaluate a Sample App Relevant to Your Agency
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Explain when PowerApps should be used in government operations
- Access PowerApps within their agency environment
- Make informed design decisions based on PowerApps licensing for government
- Understand the two types of apps available in PowerApps for government use
- Utilize sample apps to meet specific government needs
Module 2: Getting Started with PowerApps for Government
This module will guide students through the initial steps of using PowerApps for government applications. We will start by exploring pre-built templates that can be customized to fit agency-specific requirements. These templates serve as a starting point to understand the capabilities of PowerApps and how they can be leveraged effectively. Students will also become familiar with the editor interface, which they will use throughout the course. Additionally, we will build our first app using static data, test changes instantly, configure app settings, and share the app within the agency.
Lessons
- Building a New App from a Data Source for Government Use
- Adding, Editing, and Removing Controls in Government Apps
- Introduction to Formulas for Government Applications
- Testing an App Before Sharing It Within the Agency
- Configuring App Settings for Government Operations
- Publishing and Sharing Apps Within Government Agencies
- Version History and Restore for Government Apps
- Using the PowerApps Mobile App for Government Use
Lab : Getting Started with PowerApps for Government
- Create an App from an Existing Data Source for Government Operations
- Publish and Share the App Within Your Agency
- View the App on a Mobile Device for On-the-Go Access
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Build functional apps using wizards in minutes for government use
- Make simple modifications to existing government apps
- Understand how formulas are used in PowerApps for government applications
- Test an app before it is shared within the agency
- Restore a previous version of an app if issues arise
- Use the mobile app to access and use government apps on the go
Module 3: Branding and Media for Government Apps
In this module, we will explore options for implementing agency branding in PowerApps. This includes both aesthetic elements and time-saving techniques to ensure consistent branding across all applications. We will also discuss how to embed media into apps, which can be particularly useful for apps that include video content or other multimedia elements.
Lessons
- Best Practices for Minimalist Design in Government Apps
- Duplicating Screens for Efficient Development
- Selecting and Using Appropriate Fonts for Government Use
- Configuring Screen Colors and Matching Brand Colors
- Setting Screen Backgrounds to Reflect Agency Identity
- Using Buttons and Icons Consistent with Agency Branding
- Hiding Controls on a Timer for Enhanced User Experience
- Sizing and Aligning Controls by Reference for Professional Appearance
- Show and Hide Controls on a Timer for Dynamic Content Display
Lab : Branding and Media for Government Apps
- Customize App Backgrounds with Images and Colors Reflective of Your Agency
- Import Class Data from Excel for Government Use
- Duplicate Screens to Maintain Consistent Design
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Customize app backgrounds with images and colors that align with agency branding
- Add images and logos to enhance the professional appearance of government apps
- Use timers to show and hide controls for a dynamic user experience
- Align and size controls to maintain a consistent and professional layout
Module 4: PowerApps Controls for Government Applications
In this module, we will delve deeper into the various controls available in PowerApps and how they can be used to create effective government applications. Students will learn about different types of text controls, data entry forms, charts, and other interactive elements that enhance user engagement. The instructor will demonstrate each control's purpose and configuration to help students make informed decisions when designing their apps.
Lessons
- Text Controls for Data Entry and Display in Government Apps
- Data Entry Controls: Drop-Downs, Combo Boxes, Date Pickers, Radio Buttons, and More
- Forms: Adding and Editing Data in Underlying Data Sources Quickly
- Charts: Presenting Information Using Pie, Line, and Bar Charts for Government Use
Lab : Building Apps from Blank Templates for Government
- Create an App from a Blank Template for Government Use
- Add Controls to Collect and Display Data for Government Operations
- Use Formulas to Enable Interactions Between Controls in Government Apps
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Utilize a wide range of controls to provide the best data entry experience for government users
- Edit control properties to meet specific agency requirements
- Use formulas to enable multiple controls to interact with each other in government apps
- Present information using charts and graphs for clear data visualization in government applications
Module 5: Data Sources and Logic for Government Apps
This module focuses on connecting PowerApps to various data sources, which is essential for maintaining and viewing critical government information. We will cover how to connect to cloud and on-premises data sources, understand delegation, and work with specific data examples. Students will learn how to display data using controls and leverage the common data service unique to PowerApps.
Lessons
- Data Storage and Services for Government Use
- Selecting the Appropriate Database for Government Applications
- Connecting to On-Premises Data Using Gateways
- Understanding Delegation in PowerApps for Government
- Working with Specific Data Sources in Government Apps
- Displaying Data Effectively in Government Applications
Lab : Data Sources and Logic for Government Apps
- Connect a SharePoint List to a PowerApp for Government Use
- Create a Flow to Collect Tweets and Save Them in SharePoint for Government Analysis
- Display Tweets in PowerApps Using the Twitter Service for Government Monitoring
- Create a Reply Screen in PowerApps for Engaging with Social Media Content
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Connect to various data sources, including cloud and on-premises, for government use
- Understand the financial implications of working with different data sources in government apps
- Identify which data sources can handle large volumes of data effectively for government operations
- Display data using controls to enhance information presentation in government applications
Module 6: Model-Driven Apps for Government
This module introduces model-driven apps, a new type of PowerApp that offers a different development process compared to canvas apps. While model-driven apps can be faster to build, they are less customizable and typically have higher costs. We will discuss the pros and cons of each app type to help students make informed decisions about which one to use for their government projects.
Lessons
- Overview of Model-Driven Apps for Government
- Data Storage Options for Model-Driven Apps in Government
- Creating a Model-Driven App for Government Use
- Comparing Canvas and Model-Driven Apps for Government Applications
Lab : Model-Driven App for Government
- Switch to Model-Driven Mode in PowerApps for Government
- Navigate the Model-Driven App Interface for Government Use
- Test a Sample Model-Driven App Relevant to Your Agency
- Edit the Sample App to Meet Specific Government Requirements
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Describe the differences between canvas apps and model-driven apps for government use
- Access and work with model-driven apps in a government environment
- Edit model-driven apps to meet specific agency needs
Module 7: PowerApp Integration for Government Operations
This module explores how PowerApps can be integrated with other business systems, such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint Online, and Power Automate (formerly Flow), to create comprehensive solutions for government operations. By integrating these tools, agencies can enhance collaboration, streamline workflows, and improve data management.
Lessons
- Embedding PowerApps in Microsoft Teams for Government Use
- Embedding PowerApps in SharePoint Online for Government Operations
- Starting a Flow from a PowerApp for Government Workflows
Lab : PowerApp Integration for Government Operations
- Embed Your App in Microsoft Teams for Government Collaboration
- Embed Your App in SharePoint Online for Enhanced Data Management
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Make PowerApps available for users via Microsoft Teams and SharePoint Online for government operations
- Understand the benefits of integrating PowerApps with Power Automate for government workflows
Module 8: Administration and Maintenance of PowerApps for Government
In this final module, we will focus on managing existing PowerApps within a government agency. This includes using analytics to track usage trends, exporting and importing apps for reuse in different environments, and ensuring data security and compliance. Office 365 administrators will learn how to configure high-level settings that help maintain data segregation and security.
Lessons
- Identifying Users Who Are Using PowerApps in Your Agency
- Moving Apps from Testing or Development Environments to Production for Government Use
- Reviewing App Usage Trends and Analytics for Government Operations
- Preventing Specific Users from Accessing PowerApps Services in Your Agency
- Managing Environments for Government Applications
Lab : Administration and Maintenance of PowerApps for Government
- Export an App for Use in Another Location Within Your Agency
- Review Current PowerApp Users in Your Test Environment to Ensure Security
After completing this module, students will be able to:
- Identify who is using PowerApps within their agency
- Prevent specific users from accessing the PowerApps service for security reasons
- Reuse or move existing apps between different environments as needed for government operations
Requirements
- Prior experience with PowerApps is not required for government employees.
