Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Apprenticeship programs are becoming more popular as an alternative to college - Jessica Dickler, CNBC

Some experts say the value of a bachelor’s degree is fading and more emphasis should be directed toward career training. A growing number of companies, including many in tech, are also dropping degree requirements for many middle-skill and even higher-skill roles. In an apprenticeship program, a company generally trains a student in one skill for a specific field. That often leads to a job, sidestepping the traditional college path — and costs. Over a decade, the number of registered apprentices rose 64%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Monday, February 27, 2023

Cabrini University Joins Global edX Network, Offering Its First MicroMasters® and MicroBachelors® Programs and Bringing Existing Online Degrees to the edX Platform

Cabrini University and edX, a leading global online learning platform from 2U, Inc., today announced that Cabrini has joined the global edX partner network and will be bringing its existing online Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Master of Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment programs to edX under the platform's flexible degree model. Additionally, Cabrini—a renowned private Catholic university—will launch a MicroMasters program in education, creating a stackable master's degree pathway for those looking to continue their studies at a renowned institution, as well as a MicroBachelors program in social sciences.

Sunday, February 26, 2023

TRU tasked with developing provincial process to assess short-term courses STUDYING MICRO-CREDENTIALS - Kristen Holliday, CastaNet

 Thompson Rivers University’s Open Learning division has been tasked with developing a provincial process to assess micro-credentials — short-term, easy to access courses — offered at institutions across B.C. In a news release, TRU said it received $73,143 to assess up to 15 provincially funded micro-credentials that have been awarded to post-secondary institutions.The university said it formed a committee of representatives from post-secondary institutions to develop an assessment process and provide recommendations.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Kamloops/411524/TRU-tasked-with-developing-provincial-process-to-assess-short-term-courses

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Senate legislation would address teacher shortage in Kentucky schools - THE NEWS-ENTERPRISE

The bill addresses workforce shortages and alternative teacher certifications under what is known as “Option 6” certification. This bill will extend the current program from three to five years. This legislative reform will benefit over 1,600 teachers currently enrolled in the program across our commonwealth. Kentucky, like all states, faces a workforce shortage in various industries and education is not immune, the release said. According to recent reporting by the Courier Journal using figures from the Kentucky Department of Education, the state is short approximately 1,700 classroom educators. SB 49 will help alleviate the teacher shortage by extending how long a provisional teacher certificate lasts, providing more time for candidates with baccalaureate degrees to complete alternate teacher certification, the release said.

Friday, February 24, 2023

Akowe wants to put Nigerian certificates on the blockchain, and here’s how it will work - Bolu Abiodun, TechPoint Africa

If you graduated from a Nigerian public university, getting your certificate or transcript was probably a time-consuming process, with verification taking forever. Akowe, a startup founded by Ayodeji Agboola in 2020, wants to leverage the power of the blockchain to digitise certificate issuance and verification. Per the founder, it is a digital wallet for verified and verifiable academic records.

Thursday, February 23, 2023

Online learning: Placing efficiency and quality at the AI revolution’s heart - Mark Dawe, FE Week

The development of good quality online learning is not cheap because it requires a significant investment of time, resources and expertise. To truly benefit from all online learning has to offer, we have to consider curriculum development, content creation, developing and maintaining the technologies themselves, supporting and maintaining a high-quality and accessible student experience, accessibility, quality assurance and professional development. In effect, moving into the world of online learning requires using the kinds of expertise we already have within our teams – such as subject knowledge, instructional design and communication skills – but in a totally new environment. And to that, we need to add whole new areas of professional knowledge.


Wednesday, February 22, 2023

FUTURE OF WORK: Micro-credentials key to future of work training at Mohawk College - Mark Newman, Hamilton Mountain News

For most people the future of work includes being trained in the latest and emerging technology. Mohawk College is doing this in part by offering a series of micro-credentials designed to upgrade a person’s skills in a more flexible manner and in a shorter time than a traditional college program. “Continuing education departments have always pushed the envelope of traditional post-secondary learning, by offering flexible and in-demand courses, programs and workshops for working professionals and part-time learners. Adapting to the needs of our learners is in our DNA,” said Janet Shuh, dean of continuing education and academic development at Mohawk.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Alternative Credentials Provide More Educational Opportunities - MarketScale

In this episode of Voices of E-Learning, hosts JW Marshall and Leena Marie Saleh, speak with Lisa Haueisen Rohrer, the Senior Advisor for Emeritus, about the rising demand for alternative credentials. Emeritus is a platform that offers online certificates and programs in collaboration with the world’s best schools. “With Emeritus, where we focus is really in this alternative credential market,” Rohrer continued. “We have built our business with one less executive education program or professional education program really aimed at working professionals looking to upskill—that’s the perspective I come from as I talk about the impact of COVID.”

Monday, February 20, 2023

ISU to introduce special education online certificate program to train Illinois teachers - ERIN GESSERT, Vidette

To increase the number of trained special educators in Illinois, Illinois State University’s Department of Special Education will begin offering an online certificate program. The program will allow current practicing general education teachers to become equipped with learning behavior specialist requirements. Mark Zablocki, associate professor and master’s program coordinator in the Department of Special Education, explained that the program will open new doors for current practicing teachers with a passion for working with children with disabilities.

Sunday, February 19, 2023

What’s New in Digital Equity: 92 Percent of Jobs Require Digital Skills - Julia Edinger, Zack Quaintance, Government Technology

This week, the National Skills Coalition released a report titled Closing the Digital Skill Divide: The Payoff for Workers, Business and the Economy in partnership with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The report states that 92 percent of jobs now require definitely digital or likely digital skills. The report was created using empirical data from 43 million online job postings listed in 2021. Findings show that digital skills are now required in jobs across industries and at all skill levels. In addition, the report reveals a direct correlation between jobs that require digital skills and higher wages.


Saturday, February 18, 2023

What Are Certificate Programs? A 2023 Guide - Coursera

A certificate program is a specialized education designed to develop or strengthen specific career skills. A certificate program is considered continuing education in some cases because it builds on your knowledge of a particular career or industry. In other cases, it requires no prior education and can help you learn about a subject, career, or industry to pursue related jobs. In this article, we’ll go over the differences between certificate programs and degrees, the benefits of completing a certificate program, and how you can determine which certificate program is best for you.  

Friday, February 17, 2023

Guidelines to Create a University Certificate and Professional Certification - Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University awards University Certificates as a credential for completing a set of courses (possibly in combination with other learning experiences) that focus on a specific topic or theme. Courses taken as part of a Certificate program are to be regular courses that appear in the General Bulletin. Certificates are recorded at the university level in the Student Information System and will appear as awarded on the student’s official university transcript upon final confirmation from the units that certify degree requirements (i.e., Undergraduate Studies, Graduate Studies, school registrars).

Thursday, February 16, 2023

ESP Micro-credentials to Work on During Social Distancing - National Education Association

Education Support Professionals (ESP) are critical members of the education workforce. There are more than 2.8 million ESP in our nation’s public schools and colleges. One out of every 3 public school employees is an ESP. ESP meet the needs of the whole student, ensuring quality education. ESP are represented in the following 9 career families: Clerical Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food Services, Health and Student Services, Paraeducators, Security Services, Skilled Trades, Technical Services, and Transportation.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Shifting Paradigms: Understanding Institutional Perspectives on Microcredentialing A Needs Assessment Surrounding New Credentials - Modern Campus & UPCEA

For many higher education institutions in financial peril, having previously delayed financial collapse through the rapid adoption of online degrees, new models for educating the workforce are needed. These models will need to be better aligned with the needs of employers, as well as be nimbler and more flexible to rapid growth and changing technologies.  UPCEA and The EvoLLLution believe this research is coming at a critical juncture for higher education. Institutions are often struggling to stay above water. As an industry, we must reevaluate the model of higher education that has codified over the last few
decades. Microcredentials will be paramount for the future success and long-term viability
of institutions. 

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Budget plan details teacher apprenticeship reducing college requirements - Anne Geggis, Florida Politics

Those with an associate degree would spend two years under a teacher's mentorship before being fully certified. Specifics for reducing the amount of college needed to become a public schoolteacher was part of the Gov. Ron DeSantis budget released Wednesday. The Governor announced the Teacher Apprenticeship Program in August as one way to open new avenues for filling classroom vacancies. And the budget recommendation laid out more details in a conforming bill.

Monday, February 13, 2023

Tennessee launches online certificate program - John Reitman, Turfnet

For those interested in pursuing a potential career in turfgrass management, or experienced industry professionals seeking supplemental education, the University of Tennessee is launching the UT Certified Lawn Care Professional Program.Despite its name, this introductory-level online program is designed for anyone interested in golf turf, sports turf and lawncare management. It is targeted toward everyone from industry newcomers to experienced turfgrass professionals seeking supplemental education.

https://www.turfnet.com/news.html/tennessee-launches-online-certificate-program-r1800/

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Students turning to micro-credentials to boost education and land jobs - Dominic Bernard, HR Magazine

Students and graduates are turning to online skills certifications to boost their CVs and win jobs they might not otherwise be qualified for, according to research published today (1 February). While half (50%) of students and graduates find it hard to understand what employers are looking for from candidates, nearly all (87%) said entry-level skills qualifications from large tech companies like Google and Meta would help them land a job in 2023. The research, from skills platform Coursera, also revealed 80% of UK employers look beyond degrees when hiring graduates to find job-relevant skills. More than three quarters (71%) said a professional certificate would influence their decision to hire a candidate.

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Solvent Partners With Udacity To Offer Technology Job Training and Career Readiness To System Impacted Individuals

Today, Solvent announced its partnership with Udacity in an effort to provide access to  technology job training and career readiness for System Impacted individuals, via Udacity’s nanodegree programs and scholarships. This latest partnership is another step in Solvent’s mission to empower socioeconomically disadvantaged and formerly incarcerated individuals with tools, products, and services for financial empowerment and wealth building.

https://ventsmagazine.com/2023/02/02/solvent-partners-with-udacity-to-offer-technology-job-training-and-career-readiness-to-system-impacted-individuals/

Friday, February 10, 2023

24 High-Paying Certification Jobs That Pay Well in 2023 - Simplilearn

Certification helps individuals stand out from the crowd. For instance, if you have an IT certification that aligns with your current job, you may be paid more than a regular employee. Certifications work as a qualifier for the job role. Moreover, it does help to get better promotions, which directly increments the salary.  Certifications upgrade skills and continually build them. This, in return, enhances the practical experience, which helps in high pay. By getting certifications, there are chances to grow in the career sphere. The higher the professional training certification, the higher the salary one can expect as it gives a professional skill set to demonstrate the knowledge. 

Thursday, February 9, 2023

Lakewood University Prepares Students for Exciting Career Opportunities in the Legal Fraternity

Lakewood University offers undergraduate degrees and certifications related to different branches of the legal sector.  They offer undergraduate certifications for law office management, legal assistants, legal secretaries, and legal document preparers while also offering an associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies. Each program is tailored to a niche within the legal sector, providing recipients with relevant skills for each role. The certifications are a great way to learn legal research skills, legal language, and an understanding of various legal processes, including finances and paperwork. Many certifications complement one another and can prepare students for multiple job opportunities.

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

EdTech: What’s needed to set students and educators up for success in 2023 - Daniel Hill, FE News

Digital learning technologies such as virtual learning environments have opened new avenues for accessible and immersive schooling. Since the pandemic, vernacular learning, re-skilling, up-skilling, and micro-credentials are some trends that have become popular and are only expected to grow in the coming year. However, what else is in store for education in 2023?

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

The Importance of Upskilling Leaders and Managers - Dan Marzullo, Zenefits

In today’s rapidly changing world, leaders and managers should stay ahead of the curve. Keeping skills up to date is essential to stay relevant in this technological age. The emergence of new technologies and stiff recruiting competition will leave old habits and processes in the dust. With the nature of the economy today, people are looking to their employers for guidance now more than ever. Employees value skilled problem-solving and interpersonal skills from their managers. Insufficient management can cost a business billions. Therefore, it’s crucial that they stay sharp and knowledgeable about updates and new skills.

https://www.zenefits.com/workest/the-importance-of-upskilling-leaders-and-managers/

Monday, February 6, 2023

The benefits of a well-calibrated micro-learning ecosystem - Libing Wang, University World News

One way to increase relevance is to shorten and downsize learning programmes. Unbundling qualification programmes into small learning units can serve this purpose if they are separately recognised through credits that can either stand alone as micro-credentials or are stackable for full qualifications.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20230125071706463

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Show off students’ employability with e-portfolios - Lourdes Guàrdia , Marcelo Maina; Times Higher Education

E-portfolios are collections of work in an electronic format that showcase a student’s learning achievements over time. They are a useful tool in providing support for transversal and evidence-based assessment of students’ achievements. Skills-focused e-portfolios enable students to link their learning experiences with real-world practice, demonstrate their capacities through selected evidence and build reflective metacognition. Moreover, new developments can help connect e-portfolios and microcredentials to offer flexible routes to certification and extended recognition, increasing the graduate profile’s visibility.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

IIE Refugee EdTech Program – edX MicroMasters®

IIE’s Refugee EdTech Program, is designed to help displaced and refugee students pursue advanced education online, from anywhere in the world, without the need to travel to a university campus. The scholarship is administered as part of IIE’s Student Emergency Initiatives. IIE is currently accepting applications for the 2023 IIE Refugee EdTech Program – edX MicroMasters. Please review all sections of this website before applying. The deadline is February 14, 2023 at 5 p.m. eastern standard time. 

Friday, February 3, 2023

Micro-credentials help Sarnia-area long-term care homes looking for staff - Paul Morden, Sarnia Observer

Sandy Vascotto, director of Lambton College’s Innovation Institute, spoke about the success of micro-credential training offered through the college during a job fair held Wednesday afternoon at Sarnia’s Dante Club to encourage people to explore careers in long-term care. Vascotto said the career exploration event was organized by a local long-term care staffing co-operative.  “What we’re trying to do is bring all the long-term care homes together under one organization to basically reflect as a team the challenges of staffing in the industry,” he said. One of its initiatives was creating micro-credential training through the college for human resources orientation for workers starting jobs at local homes.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Micro-credentials guarantee quality of more flexible education - Mirage

WUR is participating in a national pilot aimed at offering accreditation-worthy education for professionals, given by colleges and universities. A micro-credential meets the needs of people who want to develop further during their careers. It is awarded after completing a short programme, such as a Master’s course or a minor, with a study load of up to 840 hours, or 30 EC. Those courses no longer have to be part of a full degree programme but will get their own award this way.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

7 'Wicked Problems' Facing Higher Education and Solutions to Address Them in 2023 - Kate Lucariello, Campus Technology

In terms of higher education, WGU Labs believes institutions are not delivering what students need and expect from their education, and they are "seeking career-aligned credentials elsewhere with 220 million learners using Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) in 2021, and non-academic providers offering 549,712 badges, course completion certificates, licenses, certifications, and apprenticeships," according to the report. WGU Labs, quoting statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics, noted that three in five students who enroll in a four-year degree spend time, accrue debt, and don't get their degree within eight years.