Talking with Ana Goodman, Snr Dr of People and Culture at D2L, about lifelong learning opportunities, micro credentials and much more! - Alex Zaharov-Reutt, IT Wire

Whether you’re a student or in the workplace, technology continues to evolve and create new opportunities for lifelong learning. In a world that depends on people having digital literacy skills to perform a role, the importance of technology as a learning tool can’t be underestimated. D2L's Ana Goodman joined iTWireTV to discuss this all and more!

https://itwire.com/guest-articles/guest-interviews/technology-%C3%97-video-interview.html

Building a Microcredential Program Framework to Meet the Needs of a Changing Academic Landscape - Justin Louder, Campus Technology

From curriculum to technology concerns, consider these essentials for creating alternative education opportunities at your institution.  Call them badges, short courses, certificates, microcredentials or nanodegrees, but no matter the name, these short, focused academic programs are a higher education hot topic. Just as learners are looking to reskill or upskill in the face of the changing employment market, institutions are looking for new education pathways to counteract shrinking traditional enrollment numbers. Short microcredential programs allow students to gain new skills without committing to a full degree program and they are an avenue for institutions looking to increase enrollment, boost revenue, and most importantly meet the needs of today's learner.

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2023/03/15/building-a-microcredential-program-framework-to-meet-the-needs-of-a-changing-academic-landscape.aspx

Biggest barrier to skill development is cost, survey finds - Laura Ascione, eCampus News

Employees worry that digital credentials may be costly to obtain, but working while earning a credential is particularly important to career changers. These were some of the global findings from a new study administered by Morning Consult and commissioned by IBM, based on more than 14,000 interviews of students, people seeking new jobs, and people seeking to change careers located across 13 countries. Respondents also cited concerns that career options may not be available to them. These findings contrast with market data that employers are investing in the reskilling of their current workforce to keep pace with rapid advances in technology and stay relevant in the modern, digital economy. “Technology training can have a transformational effect on a person’s life,” said Justina Nixon-Saintil, IBM Chief Impact Officer. 

https://www.ecampusnews.com/2023/03/15/biggest-barrier-to-skill-development-is-cost-survey-finds/

Students Want More Workplace Skills From Colleges. Will Higher Ed Adjust? - Jenn Hofmann, EdSurge

Today’s high school graduates are increasingly questioning whether higher education is worth it, and that’s pushing colleges to rethink the value they bring students. This was a key theme I heard at last week’s SXSW EDU conference, where several panels addressed what today’s generation of students want, and how colleges can respond. It was also a top-of-mind issue for me coming into the conference. 

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2023-03-15-students-want-more-workplace-skills-from-colleges-will-higher-ed-adjust

Credentials Count - Adam Bruns, Site Selection

In January, Indiana-based Lumina Foundation released an update of its “A Stronger Nation” scorecard that tracks the share of working-age adults with degrees or other credentials of value. The national post-high school education rate among adults 25 to 64 years old reached 53.7 percent in 2021, an increase of nearly 2 percentage points since 2019 when the percentage was 51.9.  Courtney Brown, Lumina’s vice president of strategic impact and planning and director of the Stronger Nation project, said the gain represents the largest two-year increase the organization has seen since it started tracking the data in 2009 after issuing a call for 60% of adults to have college degrees or other high-quality credentials beyond high school by 2025 to meet labor-market demand and ensure the country’s global competitiveness.

https://siteselection.com/issues/2023/mar/credentials-count.cfm

Worries run high about digital credentials’ expense, academic degrees’ relevance for STEM jobs, survey finds - Rick Seltzer, Higher Ed Dive

About 6 in 10 students, job seekers and employees aiming to change careers think they don’t have the right academic degrees for jobs in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math, according to a new survey commissioned by IBM. The survey, conducted in 13 countries and released Tuesday, also found that 6 in 10 respondents worry digital credentials will be too expensive to earn. And roughly 4 in 10 said the greatest barrier to gaining more skills is not knowing where to start.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/ibm-digital-credentials-study-expense-worries/642647/

Kennesaw State nationally recognized for micro-credential initiative - Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University has received recognition from the nation’s leading university professional development organization for an initiative that creators say has helped students and professionals better market their skills. The University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) awarded KSU the 2023 UPCEA Innovation in Alternative Credentials Association Award. KSU received the recognition for its micro-credential initiative, which provides students, faculty and staff with badges and certified links they can use on resumes and LinkedIn profiles that demonstrate verification of a particular skill to prospective employers. 

https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2023/kennesaw-state-nationally-recognized-for-micro-credential-initiative.php

Auburn Career Center awarded $330,000 job-training grant - CHAD FELTON, News-Herald

Auburn Career Center in Concord Township has been awarded a $330,000 job-training grant to establish a workforce-development initiative for adult residents of Lake and Geauga counties with developmental disabilities. Officials confirmed Auburn is one of four institutions of higher education to be chosen for the program — “Pathways to Careers – Improving Post-Secondary Education Options for Students with Developmental Disabilities” — by the Ohio Board of Developmental Disabilities. The Ohio State University, the University of Cincinnati and Youngstown State University were also selected.

https://www.news-herald.com/2023/02/16/auburn-career-center-awarded-330000-job-training-grant/

FGCU, FutureMakers awarded $23 million grant to offer training to untapped workforce Erica Van Buren, Fort Myers News-Press

The FutureMakers Coalition and Florida Gulf Coast University partner for the Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline project in an effort to help connect workers with the necessary training to attain better careers while meeting the workforce needs of employers. The organizations received a $23 million grant to fund the project. The FutureMakers Coalition and Florida Gulf Coast University are united in an effort to help connect workers with the necessary training to attain better careers while meeting the workforce needs of employers.  The four target industries for the Equitable Jobs Pipeline are health care, manufacturing, K-12 public education and logistics. The project is being funded by the United States Department of Commerce.

https://www.news-press.com/story/news/2023/02/16/fgcu-futuremakers-get-23-million-grant-for-equitable-jobs-pipeline/69889645007/

Congreso de Latinos Unidos selected as one of four local organizations to receive Workforce Solutions grant - Jensen Toussaint, Aldia News

One of the four organizations selected for the Workforce Solutions Grant is Congreso de Latinos Unidos, which will receive $200,000. The organization plans to use the funds to expand its Human Services Pathway Program and partnership with Peirce College. The partnership strengthens the pathway to associate and bachelor’s degree attainment by providing additional college credits and expanding course offerings to students. Through the Workforce Solutions Grant, Congreso will continue to expand and innovate its curriculum that further aligns with the needs of employers, with the goal of preparing their program graduates for a diverse array of career paths and opportunities. 

https://aldianews.com/en/leadership/advocacy/200k-congreso-program

Employer demand for microcredentials is on the rise - Laura Ascione, eCampus News

Employer demand for microcredentials is on the rise, according to a new study from Collegis Education and UPCEA, the association for college and university leaders in online and professional continuing education. The report, “The Effect of Employer Understanding and Engagement on Non-Degree Credentials,” includes the viewpoints of leaders from 500 organizations on their perceptions of the value of non-degree and alternative credentials. Ninety-five percent of those surveyed said they saw benefits from microcredentials, particularly because they show an employee’s willingness to develop their skills (76 percent); demonstrate initiative (63 percent) and are an easy way to communicate employee competencies and skills (60 percent). Organizational leaders were particularly interested in stackable credentials leading to a degree, with 80 percent saying that increased their appeal.

https://www.ecampusnews.com/2023/03/08/employer-demand-for-microcredentials-is-on-the-rise/

CertNexus Updates AI Certification Program, Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner® - PR Underground

CertNexus, the leading provider of vendor-neutral, emerging tech certifications and micro-credentials, has updated its Certified Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (CAIP) certification and training curriculum. CAIP is the leading high-stakes, vendor-neutral certification for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning professionals who want to develop and validate their skills to select, train, and operationalize ML algorithms.

https://www.prunderground.com/certnexus-updates-ai-certification-program-certified-artificial-intelligence-practitioner/00277814/

KSU LEADS NATION IN MICRO-CREDENTIALS. HERE’S HOW IT’S CHANGING LINKEDIN PROFILES IN YOUR NETWORK - Maija Ehlinger, Hypepotemus

Micro-credentialing has become a key part of the continuing education space. Young professionals, career transition candidates, and those scouring job boards for new positions have used the smaller courses to level up a specific skill.  Unlike a full degree track, micro-credentials are short-form, competency-based badges designed to showcase someone’s mastery in a hyper-specific subject.  Georgia’s own Kennesaw State University is leading the charge to make it easier for students and professionals to market their skills through such credentials. Those in the KSU network can use credentials to verify new skills on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles.  KSU recently earned national recognition by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association for its work in the alternative credentialing space. 

https://hypepotamus.com/community/resources/micro-credentialing-kennesaw-state-university/

How to Use Micro-Credentials to Fill Resume Gaps (and Get a Job) - Electra Nanou, MakeUseOf

University degrees are great for your career, but they take time and money that you may not want to spend more than once on. If you want to fill in the gaps in your resume, consider micro-credentials—fast, cheap, and effective training. Here’s everything you need to know about micro-credentials, from what they are and how they work to where they go on your resume. Keep an eye out for opportunities to get new skills and improve your career prospects.

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-micro-credentials/

Clarkson University Awarded $729,000 State Workforce Development Grant for Micro-credential Program

Clarkson University has been awarded $729,000 from the New York State Office of Strategic Workforce Development as part of the Workforce Development Capital and Pay for Performance Grant Programs, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Thursday.  The funding was awarded to Clarkson for its Advancing Industry with Micro-credentials program, which will allow Clarkson to expand its existing micro-credential program to include courses in advanced manufacturing, clean tech, and construction that will result in ready-to-hire graduates in in-demand fields.

https://www.clarkson.edu/news/clarkson-university-awarded-729000-state-workforce-development-grant-micro-credential-program

Microcredentials Confuse Employers, Colleges and Learners - Susan D'Agostino, Inside Higher Ed

Three recent studies highlight confusion about alternative credentials. But all parties seek quality, verifiable, bite-size, low-priced online offerings targeting specific industries.  Reskilling. Upskilling. Certificates. Certifications. Badges. Licenses. Microcredentials. Alternative credentials. Digital credentials. So many terms. So little agreement on what they mean, least of all in higher ed. “Employers say, ‘It’s great that this individual has these skills, but we’ll ask our own questions to verify the learner’s knowledge,’” Kyle Albert, assistant research professor at the George Washington University Institute of Public Policy, said. “It’s a trust-but-verify situation.”

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/03/03/microcredentials-confuse-employers-colleges-and-learners

Survey Reveals Employers' Views on Microcredential Benefits, Concerns - Rhea Kelly, Campus Technology

Out of 510 organizational leaders surveyed, 95% reported being at least somewhat familiar with microcredentials, and more than two-thirds (69%) said they were extremely or very familiar with alternative credentials or training. Most survey respondents associated a number of benefits with the inclusion of microcredentials on a prospective employee's résumé. Those included: showing an employee's willingness to develop their skills (cited by 76% of respondents); demonstrating initiative (63%); easily communicating employee competencies and skills (60%); and showing that the employee stays up to date with particular subject areas (56%).

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2023/02/28/survey-reveals-employers-views-on-microcredential-benefits-concerns.aspx

Strategically Aligning Higher Ed and Workforce Using Microcredentials - Falecia Williams, Evolllution

Microcredentials are the next big disruptor in higher education, but implanting them successfully means listening to students and responding to their needs as well as close collaboration with industry to ensure relevancy. With the talent gap continuing to grow and learners looking to stay relevant in the job market, workforce and higher ed need to be on the same page. Microcredentials can help align these two industries—if done correctly. In this interview, Falecia Williams discusses the need to focus on microcredentials, the importance of speaking the same skills language and how to work closely with industry to meet the employer and learner needs.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/strategically-aligning-higher-ed-and-workforce-using-microcredentials/

Why higher ed needs to get on board with micro-credentials - Alcino Donadel, University Business

With alternative and non-degree credentials becoming ever more appealing to employers, colleges and universities are in the perfect position to corner the market.  A new study focusing on employers’ perspectives on micro-credentials reveals that while a strong majority of them believe it boosts a prospective hire’s value, not enough colleges and universities are capitalizing on it.  More than 70% of respondents agreed that job applicants with non-degree or alternative credentials have increased the past two years and those hires helped their organization fill an existing skill gap (74%) and improved the quality of their workforce (73%). It’s no wonder, then, that 71% affirmed that their organization is becoming more accepting of non-degree or alternative credentials in lieu of traditional four-year degrees.

https://universitybusiness.com/why-higher-ed-needs-to-get-on-board-with-micro-credentials/

Micro-Internships Give Women a Foot in the Tech Industry Door - Ashley Mowreader, Inside HIgher Ed

Judy Spitz, a former Verizon chief information officer, wants to close that gap by helping college-age women receive paid summer internships. Spitz founded Break Through Tech working with Cornell Tech as a partner. The organization’s Sprinternship program places students in short-term programs to gain hands-on tech experience in a workplace setting. The program has proven successful in giving project-based learning opportunities to over 1,000 women and getting the majority of them in that coveted next-step intern role.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2023/02/24/how-micro-internships-prepare-women-tech-careers?mc_cid=13a4532eff&mc_eid=879d6835e3

Micro-credentials, maximum impact: Quick Train courses contribute to cleaner, more inclusive economy - Red River College Polytechnic

 Manitoba’s only polytechnic is ready to boost Canada’s resilient recovery, with the introduction of Quick Train Canada, a fully funded series of micro-credentials from post-secondary institutions throughout the country. RRC Polytech is part of a coalition of Canadian colleges, polytechnics and cégeps, called Canadian Colleges for a Resilient Recovery (C2R2), that worked together to secure federal funding for this important training initiative, and is the only Manitoba institution to offer Quick Train courses. 

https://www.rrc.ca/news/2023/02/22/micro-credentials-maximum-impact-quick-train-courses-contribute-to-cleaner-more-inclusive-economy/

Graduates with industry micro-credentials more likely to be hired, reveals Coursera report - Ayantika Palm, Financial Express

Employers are 72% more likely to hire candidates with professional certificates along with degrees, revealed Higher Education to Employment Survey by Coursera. Furthermore, it suggested that 37% of ‘middle skills’ jobs, (defined as jobs which require some post-secondary education or training but less than a four year degree), still need a degree. In India, unemployment among youth between the age of 20-24 years was at an all-time high of 43.7% in June of 2022 the report read. 

https://www.financialexpress.com/education-2/coursera-graduates-higher-education-to-employment-survey-employability-unemployment-middle-eastern-countries-india-skill-hiring-united-arab-emirates/2988254/

Employers value microcredentials but don’t know how to assess their quality - Natalie Schwartz, Higher Ed Dive

Although a majority of surveyed employers say they value alternative credentials, many also harbor concerns over assessing the quality of education and understanding the skills and competencies they represent. That’s according to a recent survey of 510 employers from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association, also known as UPCEA, and Collegis Education, a technology services provider for colleges. Despite their concerns, 23% of respondents said the greatest benefit alternative credentials provide are giving workers real-world experience.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/employers-microcredentials-alternative-credentials-quality/643340/

Ministry of Education, Coursera to develop innovative lifelong learning system in UAE - Emerates News

The Ministry of Education (MoE) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Coursera, a leading online learning platform, to develop an innovative lifelong learning system in the UAE. The agreement was signed during the World Government Summit (WGS) 2023 by Dr. Mohamed Ebrahim Al Mualla, Under-Secretary for Academic Affairs at MoE, and Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera, in the presence of Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, and other senior officials. The MoU aims to enhance cooperation between the two parties in establishing local and international partnerships to promote credit-recommended content in the UAE. The partnership will also support UAE-based higher education institutions in developing credit-worthy micro-credentials.

http://wam.ae/en/details/1395303130853

Specialization Recruitment Employers turning to micro-credentials in hiring - Dexter Tilo, Human Resources Director

Industry micro-credentials are emerging as the latest hiring preference for many employers across the world as they begin leaning into skills-based hiring, according to a new report. In a Coursera survey of 1,668 employers from 11 countries, 88% said they believe that industry micro-credentials can help a job candidate stand out. Micro-credentials are a "record of focused learning achievement," according to UNESCO's International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP).

https://www.hcamag.com/ca/specialization/recruitment/employers-turning-to-micro-credentials-in-hiring/437013

Lessons Learned: Implementing Digital Badging Strategies - Sherri Braxton, Evolllution

Digital badging and credentials allow students to tangibly prove their skills to employers—skills they can learn quickly and efficiently as needed, pointing to a broader trend of higher education needing to work for the student and not the other way around.

With an increasing amount of people looking to change careers or find the skills to keep them relevant in the workforce, there’s growing interest in credentials and digital badging. Learners want to be able to gain skills employers can immediately verify without interrupting their careers. This means more institutions are looking to get onboard and implement credentials and badges—but they don’t have to start from scratch. In this interview, Sherri Braxton discusses the importance of developing digital badges, how to overcome common obstacles and the lessons she learned while implementing these strategies.

https://evolllution.com/programming/credentials/lessons-learned-implementing-digital-badging-strategies/

The Role of Soft Skills in the Workplace - Emily Torp, At Work Daily

In today’s competitive job market, possessing technical skills alone may not be enough to ensure career success. Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of soft skills in the workplace. Job seekers who possess these skills are more likely to be hired and promoted. So, what are soft skills? Soft skills are a set of personal attributes that enable individuals to interact effectively with others. These skills are often referred to as interpersonal skills or people skills. They include things like communication, problem-solving, teamwork, time management, and leadership.

https://www.atworkdaily.com/2023/02/20/the-role-of-soft-skills-in-the-workforce/

91% students, 92% employers in India believe professional certificates can help get jobs - India Today

Both students and businesses are placing an increasing priority on the value of professional certifications in response to a cutthroat, rapidly evolving job market. As per a recent Coursera survey, 91% of students, 92% of employers in India believe professional certificates can help get jobs. The findings of Coursera's Higher Education to Employment Survey show the extent to which skills-first credentials are impacting both college selection by students and employment decisions by employers.

https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/latest-studies/story/91-students-92-employers-in-india-believe-professional-certificates-can-help-get-jobs-2336231-2023-02-17

Expert's Voice | Jeff Maggioncalda, Global CEO of Coursera, Says Micro-Credentials Help Secure Jobs - Forbes

Jeff Maggioncalda, Global CEO of Coursera, tells Ramia Farrage that micro-credentials will help applicants secure the jobs of the future #ExpertsVoice #Forbes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-f4x-yPQaI

Westminster launching micro-credential programs - Gia Francisco, WCN

What exactly are micro-credentials, and how will they apply to Westminster students? According to the National Education Association, micro-credentials are "a competency-based recognition issued for professional learning experiences." Westminster will now introduce the micro-credential as digital badges that appear on transcripts. The College will award the badges to students who learn, demonstrate and showcase specific skills in a particular field.

 This month, the Board of Trustees approved the Data Analytics Micro-credential program. It comes from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science and the School of Business. To complete the credential, a student must complete 12 hours of coursework identified in computer science and business. Data analytics focuses on analyzing raw data to make conclusions about that information.

https://www.wcn247.com/holcad_and_campus/when-will-micro--credentials-take-action/article_2f6f7548-aff0-11ed-95a2-37cd8bbbd8a3.html

New Coursera survey shows high demand for industry micro-credentials from students and employers in tight labor market - Scott Shireman, Global Head of Coursera for Campus

In a competitive and fast-changing labor market, employers increasingly expect their entry-level talent to join their workforce already equipped with job-relevant skills and hands-on experience. At the same time, university-age students and their parents are thinking more critically about the ROI of traditional three and four-year degree programs: most notably, whether students will secure a job after graduation. As a result, Coursera is seeing universities and colleges around the world leverage entry-level professional certificates, also known as industry micro-credentials, and career-relevant skills training in their degree programs to improve student recruitment and graduate employability. 

https://blog.coursera.org/from-higher-education-to-employment/