There’s plenty of interest among workforce experts about the potential of alternative credentials—like certificates, badges and apprenticeships—to help more people find better jobs without necessarily having to go to college. But in order for that to actually work, employers have to value those credentials. Many company leaders say that they do, as part of their efforts to reward skills, not just degrees. And some employers even issue their own credentials, like IBM and Google. Yet all that rhetoric hinges on the moment when a resume lands on the desk of a hiring manager.
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Friday, April 29, 2022
Rutgers Business School offers stackable certificate programs - Linda Linder, ROI-NJ
Rutgers Business School is offering a twist on traditional learning: stackable programs and microcourses designed to upskill working professionals who are intent on keeping pace with the rapidly changing work world. The Newark and New Brunswick institution said it is planning innovative new programs to draw on the transformative idea of stackable credentials, with an eye to the forces shaping the future of higher education. The programs are designed to instruct students in nontraditional course formats, even if they don’t attain a full master’s degree to do it.
Thursday, April 28, 2022
Digital Credentials Will See an Explosion of Demand, Experts Say - IBL News
The number of digital credentials issued in 2021 saw a 67% growth, according to Accrediblle. Experts expect that this year will be an explosion of demand. The consensus is that the market for digital credentials platforms and products is on fire. The Biden Administration’s view is contributing to this increase. During his first State of the Union Address, President Biden supported skills-based hiring, stressing that “millions of Americans without a college degree are needlessly disadvantaged in the pursuit of good jobs, even when they have the skills and knowledge employers need.”
https://iblnews.org/digital-credentials-will-see-an-explosion-of-demand-experts-say/
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Micro-Credentials : Macro-Rewards - Digital Promise
Technology has transformed the workplace. How we learn and recognize learning must also transform. Individuals develop new skills while working and are seeking opportunities to be recognized for their professional growth. Research suggests that traditional frameworks and models for recognizing professional growth and providing professional advancement opportunities don’t meet the needs of today’s workers. Micro-credentials provide a pathway to personalizing and recognizing professional learning. They allow employers to verify the skills their employees demonstrate, regardless of where and how they learned them.
https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/educator-micro-credentials/
Tuesday, April 26, 2022
Ten Facts You Need to Know About Micro-Credentials -Contact North | Contact Nord
Micro-credentials are increasingly seen as key to the future of work and learning(link is external) and to ensuring entry to the workforce becomes more accessible to more people.(link is external).
https://teachonline.ca/tools-trends/ten-facts-you-need-know-about-micro-credentials
Monday, April 25, 2022
Compare Micro Credential, Professional Certificate, and Advanced Certification - AOTA
American Occupational Therapy Association chart comparing Micro Credentials, Professional Certificates and Advanced Certifications. See link below.
Sunday, April 24, 2022
Micro-credentials: What they are and how they can help you secure a job - the Standard
A digital credential is a piece of data that carries information about a learning achievement someone has earned. This might include the training provider, a description of the learning, when the credential was issued and who received it, explains the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Learners can use these digital badges to easily share and verify their learning. For example, through social media, an e-portfolio or a CV.
Saturday, April 23, 2022
The Tech Labor Shortage Is Only Set to Grow. These Companies Think Apprenticeships Are the Answer - REBECCA DECZYNSKI, Inc.
Apprenticeships have a different structure than internships, and they can reach a different audience, too. For an apprentice's term--typically a year--they receive paid on-the-job training, usually working with a mentor who helps them through the ins and outs of their position. At the end of their term, they're brought on into a full-time, entry level position. "The company gets to hire folks that they already know, and the investment is less than the cost of going out and finding new people," Carlson says.
Friday, April 22, 2022
Canvas LMS Acquires the Micro-Credentials Issuer and Partner Badgr - IBL News
Instructure Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: INST), owner of Canvas LMS, announced yesterday the acquisition of partner Concentric Sky, the maker of Badgr, for an undisclosed amount. Currently, Badgr is the default micro-credentialing tool within Canvas LMS. Now, Badgr will be rebranded as “Canvas Badges.” “With Badgr, the Concentric Sky team has developed the gold standard for verifiable, skill-aligned micro-credentials, fast becoming the currency between learning outcomes and employment opportunities,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure.
https://iblnews.org/canvas-lms-buys-the-micro-credentials-issuer-and-partner-badgr/
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Bond University promotes micro-credentials with tiny interactive doors - Shawn Lim, the Drum
Each has a unique QR code that people can scan for further information on the door locations, as well as a behind-the-scenes film with the artist who created them. “Bond University’s micro-credentials courses were designed in response to market needs and developed in collaboration with industry partners,” said Lisa Shaw, the manager of the micro-credential unit at Bond University. “Our flexible, skills-based learning enables professionals to upskill, advance their careers, change direction, or dive deeper into a specific area.”
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
New Mexico to launch adult diploma program - Roswell Daily Record
New Mexico adults have a new option for attaining a secondary school credential with the National External Diploma Program thanks to a partnership between the New Mexico Higher Education and Public Education Departments. Starting this year, New Mexico will recognize adult diplomas awarded under the National External Diploma Program as valid secondary credentials, according to a press release issued by NMHED.
https://www.rdrnews.com/2022/04/05/new-mexico-to-launch-adult-diploma-program/
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
What the surge in online MBA programs means for business schools - MEGHAN MALAS, Fortune
In November 2021, Stern became the first among the top 10 business schools in Fortune’s ranking to launch a hybrid MBA program. Students in Stern’s online/modular part-time option can complete the core MBA curriculum online, and then complete a portion of their elective courses in person in New York City, through modules, weeknight classes, or Saturday classes. “Adapting, aligning with a changing workplace, and meeting the changing needs of working professionals is a top priority for us,” Gallogly says. The program’s launch was particularly timely and relevant, given the rise of hybrid work and increased demand for the ability to customize the MBA experience with work and life, he adds.
Monday, April 18, 2022
Universities must go hybrid to stay relevant, says Coursera CEO - Tom Williams, Times Higher Ed
Students will soon expect to be able to get both a degree and a professional certificate from their university, according to the chief executive of one of the world’s largest edtech firms, who believes that the change will be the next major development in online learning. Jeff Maggioncalda, who has run Coursera since 2017, said job-specific training courses for students, developed alongside top businesses, is the biggest growth area for his platform.
Sunday, April 17, 2022
Forsyth Tech Receives Funding for Micro-credentials: Biomedical Emerging Technology Application Skill Standards - Devin Purgason, Yes Weekly
Forsyth Tech Community College has received more than $100,000 in funding from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education (NSF/ATE) to support micro-credentials. Micro-credentials, often described and issued as digital badges, are a recent development for workforce training and skills building. According to Forbes Magazine, however, they are important to effectively recruit, retain and upskill workers. Forsyth Tech’s National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce (NCBW), based at the Innovation Quarter, will use the funds to implement a 2023 in-person workshop for instructors, to introduce and pilot new BETA Skills micro-credentials in collaboration with the Bioscience Core Skills Institute of Kansas (BCSI, www.coreskillsinstitute.com).
Saturday, April 16, 2022
George Washington, Pittsburgh, and Seton Hall expand certificate and program offerings - Trevor Mason, PreLaw
George Washington University Law School is working with the Animal Legal Defense Fund to create the Animal Legal Education initiative. The goal is to develop animal law as a stand-alone discipline that is fully integrated into legal education. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is adding two new certificates to its online certificate programs. The new programs are a Sport, Entertainment, and Arts Law Certificate and a Corporate Compliance Certificate. Seton Hall Law School is introducing the Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Sports Law Program (“GHamES”). The program is a response to the constant shifts in each of these industries as well as the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel and recreation.
Friday, April 15, 2022
Micro-credential programs surge at UB - CHARLES ANZALONE, University of Buffalo
In 2018, UB unveiled 10 micro-credential programs. Since then, interest in these nimble and innovative educational programs, which provide in-demand workforce skills and a more personalized higher education experience, has exploded. There are now 78 micro-credential programs, including everything from data science and clinical pharmacy research to quality engineering and social justice. More than 3,330 students enrolled in UB micro-credentials last fall semester.
https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2022/04/micro-credentials.html
Thursday, April 14, 2022
Opportunities and threats of alternative credentials - EAB
Stackable certificates, microcredentials, and MOOCs 2.0—among a plethora of alternative offerings—are evolving quickly, engaging a growing share of post-baccalaureate learners. Continuing education leaders are concerned that traditional approaches to alternative degrees are being disrupted, potentially replaced altogether. But college and university leaders are also looking to the market for revenue growth and diversification. In fact, a recent survey of adult and grad leaders showed over 70% believe alternative credentials will help them meet their revenue goals. To maximize the market opportunity and minimize the disruption presented by alternative credentials, institutions will need to rethink both their investments in and approaches to post-baccalaureate programs.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Frostburg State University’s new academic programs serve workforce needs - Cumberland Times-News
In an effort to provide real-world, high-quality training to working adults, FSU has launched the Working Professional Certificates program in Manufacturing Leadership, Retail Management, Small Business Management and Nonprofit Management. The Working Professional Certificates program, designed for students with an associate degree or equivalent, is designed to take one year of part-time study, earning 12 to 18 credits. Coursework will be entirely online, with accessible scheduling for working adults. Students may also apply the credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
Savannah State University Kicks Off New Live Events Certificate Program - Destiny Wiggins, HCBU Buzz
Savannah State University is kicking off a new certificate program with an unlikely partner!Savannah State University has partnered with an American exhibition basketball team to give students real-world experience on what it takes to build a career in the live entertainment industry. SSU’S new live events certificate program will create opportunities for students to learn about merchandising operations, tour management, licensing requirements and all things to play a role in putting together live entertainment. School officials say students have already shown interest in the program.
Monday, April 11, 2022
University of Northern Iowa launches new, flexible general education program - Andrew Wind, Courier
The University of Northern is launching a new, more flexible general education program that puts a greater focus on career needs. The result of a years-long process by faculty and administrators, UNI Foundational Inquiry – or UNIFI – will be offered starting in the fall. “We were hoping to provide students with more flexibility, and I think we achieved that through a longer list of courses and innovative courses,” said Brenda Bass, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The program helps students stay on track with their major because there are fewer credit requirements than the 45 needed to complete what is now called the liberal arts core. “It ends up being 37 credits,” said Professor Jeremy Schraffenberger, UNIFI curriculum coordinator. Those working on UNIFI had been charged with creating a 36-credit program. But they added one more for a science lab experience.
Sunday, April 10, 2022
UGA students will soon be able to enroll in the Certificate in News Literacy program - LaShawn Hudson, WABE
University of Georgia (UGA) students of any major will soon have the opportunity to enroll in classes that explain and explore the role and function of news, journalistic responsibility and journalism ethics. The Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership at UGA is launching the Certificate in News Literacy program this fall. Charlotte Norsworthy, a newsroom adviser for the Red & Black student newspaper and program coordinator for the News Literacy Certificate, and Keith Herndon, a professor of journalism at UGA and the executive director of the Cox Institute for Journalism, were guests on Friday’s edition of “Closer Look.”
Saturday, April 9, 2022
Libraries employees pursuing Open Education Network librarianship certificate - Penn State University
Two Penn State University Libraries employees have been accepted into the 2022 cohort of professionals seeking an Open Education Network (OEN) certificate in Open Librarianship. The OEN is a community dedicated to working together to make higher education more affordable, equitable and accessible. Participants admitted to the certificate in Open Librarianship connect and collaborate with librarians from around the country to implement sustainable and effective open education programs for their local context, culture and goals. These objectives fit well with Penn State’s own open initiatives, which aim to enable affordable access to education and reduce barriers to the sharing and use of knowledge and information.
Friday, April 8, 2022
Focus EduSolutions is partnering with Cleveland State University to now offer industry-based Micro-Credentials in Smart Manufacturing - Longview News-Journal
Focus EduSolutions, in partnership with Cleveland State University, is excited to announce the launch of three industry-based micro-credentials in Smart Manufacturing. This will provide greater educational opportunities for a transitioning industry that drive local economies. These micro-credentials have been created by experts of the industry and in partnership with industry associations to ensure quality and alignment to the needs and operations of manufacturing today. Students taking these micro-credentials will understand the foundations of smart manufacturing, changing technologies, new operations processes, and leading the business with new technologies and data for better decision-making and stronger bottom-lines. These credentials are designed for multiple industry positions, such as those in production, engineering, and leadership.
Thursday, April 7, 2022
College Enrollment Is Down, But Experts Say There Could Be Silver Lining - Alanna Quillen, NBC DFW
Ryan Lufkin, VP of Marketing for Instructure, the creator of online learning platform Canvas, explained that a silver lining from the pandemic could be the acceleration in improved technology for online learning, opening up new doors and flexibility for college or job opportunities that people didn't have before. “There's so many different paths, one of the cool things I love is that it's brought new light to the skills programs,” said Lufkin. “Google, for instance, is offering their own certification programs that they offer online as a replacement for a bachelor's degree.” Lufkin said schools are also looking into specific programs for trade and industry jobs like welding, engineering, information technology, and other sectors that are in dire need of workers.
Wednesday, April 6, 2022
The promises and perils of new technologies to improve education and employment opportunities -Annelies Goger, Allyson Parco, and Emiliana Vegas, Brookings Institution
Digital technologies are rapidly developing and transforming the way individuals work, learn, and participate in civic life. As digital innovations become more available and present opportunities to make quality learning and career opportunities more accessible across the globe, educational institutions, administrative data systems, and regulatory frameworks have struggled to adapt. Through research on the landscape of digital micro-credentials, we hope to provide insights and policy recommendations to decisionmakers and stakeholders, such as education and labor policymakers, to expand access to skills and quality jobs to the most disadvantaged learners and workers across the world. [note: this includes a link to a longer "policy brief"]
Tuesday, April 5, 2022
Industry 4.0 is transforming the future of engineering practice and education - Create Digital
The pathway into an engineering career will look very different 10 years from now, according to a model co-developed by industry, government, education and union leaders. A high-achieving student graduates from school and enters an advanced apprenticeship program with an engineering firm. As they complete the advanced apprenticeship program, on their way to becoming an engineer, formal education is delivered via a series of customisable “stackable” modules based on skills and capabilities that are co-designed and co-delivered with industry and business. Pathways to graduate engineering careers will be very different, allowing for greater diversity of incoming students with a broader range of backgrounds and talents, supported by bespoke learning pathways enabled through new generation digital education platforms.
Monday, April 4, 2022
How an overhaul of talent assessment can bridge the giant skills gap and solve our labour crisis - Japman Bajaj, World Economic Forum
There's a massive skills gap among workforces where traditional assessments have been poor to match talent to jobs. An abundance of credentializing and discriminatory recruitment practices create further barriers to good talent acquisition. Modern assessment methods like competency-based assessments match recruitment to skills rather than credentials. There are 6.5 million unemployed people in the United States, yet nearly 11 million job openings point to the massive skills gap among current workforces. Meanwhile, the Great Resignation is in full swing, fuelled by toxic work environments and unaddressed grief from two years of pandemic life.
Sunday, April 3, 2022
Connecticut Committee Explores CHESLA Loan Eligibility Expansion - CBIA
A General Assembly committee is considering legislation enhancing the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority lending capabilities. The Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee heard testimony Feb. 18 on SB 103, which expands the type of post-secondary education programs eligible for CHESLA loans.
https://www.cbia.com/news/issues-policies/chesla-loan-eligibility-expansion/
Saturday, April 2, 2022
Education is yours for life - Joe Graves, Mitchell Republic
In a process that some call micro-credentialing and others call competency-based recognition or even just demonstrations of mastery, industries in the West are turning away from an emphasis on degrees and toward one of specific skills attainment. According to industry experts, corporations including Apple, Costco, and Amazon, are going right to the heart of the matter by identifying precisely what employees need to know in order to enhance their performance or earn a promotion and then offering it. Rather than recommending a degree in the computer sciences, industrial engineering, or business management, these companies target specific skills and ask that their employees take the necessary training to master them.
https://www.mitchellrepublic.com/opinion/graves-education-is-yours-for-life
Friday, April 1, 2022
Small But Mighty: Why Micro-Credentials Are Huge For The Future Of Work - Mark C. Perna, Forbes
Here are three big reasons why micro-credentials can be your secret to recruiting, retaining and upskilling workers for the future of work. Today, the pressing talent shortage is hitting just about every business and organization in a big way. It’s more than just a matter of sourcing people willing to work; they also have to possess the skills that match up with the role. Research by Robert Half indicates that 95% of executives say it’s somewhat or very challenging to find employees with the appropriate skills and talents—a longstanding impasse that’s come to be known as the “skills gap.”
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