The best free AI courses (and whether AI 'micro-degrees' and certificates are worth it) - David Gewirtz, ZDnet

So, do certificates have any value? Yes, but how much value they have depends on your prospective employer's perspective. A certificate says you completed some course of study successfully. That might be something of value to you, as well. You can set a goal to learn a topic, and if you get a credential, you can be fairly confident you achieved some learning. Accredited degrees, by contrast, are an assurance that you not only learned the material, but did so according to some level of standard and rigor common to other accredited institutions.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-best-free-ai-courses/

Keeping qualifications relevant in an ever-changing world - Kevin Ebenezer, University World News

The world in 2044 will be very different to that in 2024. As educators, we must do our best to equip students to be ready for this new world. In the face of such transformation, a significant challenge for international qualification providers like Cambridge is recognition: ensuring that we develop the kinds of qualifications universities want – ones that help students not only ‘get in’ to university but equip students with the skills and attitudes to ‘get on’ when they get there, and that universities around the world continue to understand the value of our programmes.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240415185654229

85% of new people managers receive no formal training. This is why you can’t fake it - RON CARUCCI, Fast Company

According to the Gartner Research, 85% of new people managers receive no formal training to become a new manager. Worse, a Chartered Management Institute’s study revealed a surplus of untrained and unskilled individuals are promoted into management positions simply because they are popular, solid in their previous individual contributor role, or available to take charge (in the right place at the right time). The report also reveals that 82% of managers who enter management positions have not had any proper management and leadership training—they are accidental managers. According to research, these accidental managers are often promoted for the wrong reasons, with nearly half of the managers surveyed (46%) believing colleagues won promotions based on internal relationships and profile rather than their ability and performance.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91088693/85-of-new-people-managers-receive-no-formal-training-this-is-why-you-cant-fake-it

Identifying Evidence on Micro-Credentials for Students - Wyoming Dept of Education

The slide deck was presented to the Wyoming Department of Education as a response to an Ask an Expert inquiry to assist with identifying evidence on micro-credentials for students to help inform Wyoming’s computer science micro-credential program. The presentation discusses the possible benefits of secondary student participation in micro-credentials, best practices for the design and implementation of micro-credential programs for secondary students, and how existing micro-credential programs for secondary students are designed and implemented, and to what extent they align to the best practices reported in research.

https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/rel/Products/Region/central/Resource/107698

Check Out These Harvard Online Certificate Programs -Genevieve Carlton and Brenna Swanston, Forbes

Harvard offers 41 graduate certificates and four undergraduate certificates in business, technology, global studies, sustainability and education. Flexible online certificate programs build critical skills with an emphasis on career advancement. Most graduate certificates cost under $13,000, while undergraduate certificates cost around $6,000. You don’t need to apply to Harvard’s online certificate programs; simply enroll in your first class.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/certifications/harvard-online-certificate-programs/

The rise of micro-credentials: The end of universities? - Hakan Ergin and John Brennan, University World News

Micro-credentials have recently been high on the agendas of various higher education stakeholders across the world.  Supranational organisations, such as the OECD and the European Commission, have begun to explore further use of micro-credentials in member countries’ higher education systems. Employers, on the other hand, have started to use micro-credentials in their hiring procedures. In a recent study, 5,000 university students, recent graduates and employers across 11 countries were surveyed by Coursera, a leading micro-credential provider, in collaboration with Repdata and Dynata, two market research companies. It was revealed that 72% of employers tend to employ a candidate who holds a micro-credential. Similarly, 90% of students and recent graduates agree that micro-credentials enable them to stand out to potential employers.

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20240409123909775

Upskilling demands the desire to be open to learning - Gaurav Bhagat, Education Times

To enhance your career growth and open new career opportunities, professionals need to upgrade their skills. Investing in continuous learning is becoming a necessity rather than a luxury in today’s dynamic labour market, where 54% of workers report needing to upskill or reskill within the next year, according to a recent LinkedIn survey. One has access to an abundance of courses through educational websites. At your own pace and leisure, master data science from world-class universities, refine your coding abilities with Google, or explore the nuances of negotiation from Oxford. Bite-sized courses are available on microlearning sites are making them ideal for hectic schedules. In just a few minutes, these digestible knowledge chunks can provide you with the necessary abilities for project management, graphic design, or public speaking.

https://www.educationtimes.com/article/campus-beat-college-life/99735292/upskilling-demands-the-desire-to-be-open-to-learning

CELT striving for cohesion in micro-credential offerings - Jay Waagmeester, Iowa State Daily

Micro-credentials have been offered in different pockets at Iowa State for years, and now, an effort to centralize them is underway.  The effort will lead to a more coordinated display of student-earned competencies, according to Tanya Austin, professional learning and micro-credentials program specialist in the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT), as well as give a more direct route to talk about experiences while competing for jobs or to display on social media, such as LinkedIn.  Departments and units offer opportunities to earn micro-credentials, which after further integration and cohesion will appear as an emblem on a student’s transcript. 

https://iowastatedaily.com/294771/news/celt-striving-for-cohesion-in-centralization-of-micro-credentials/

Gov. Hochul Invests in SUNY Microcredential Program - Sophie Moos, Oracle

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $32 million investment towards the Direct Support Professional (DSP) micro-credential program offered by the State University of New York (SUNY) system in partnership with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD).  The announcement, made at Dutchess Community College (DCC), included SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr., OPWDD Commissioner Kerri E. Neifeld and President Peter Grant Jordan with the DCC community for a recognition ceremony of the college’s first DSP cohort. The investment lets SUNY grow the program on participating campuses and add programs to new campuses, assisting New Yorkers with developmental disabilities  and helping expand the Direct Support Professional (DSP) micro-credential program.

https://oracle.newpaltz.edu/hochul-new-policy/

Degrees Earned Fall Again, Certificates Rise - Sara Weissman, Inside Higher Ed

Fewer people are earning degrees for the second year in a row, but certificates are having a moment, according to a new report.  The latest “Undergraduate Degree Earners” report, released Thursday, showed that almost 100,000 fewer people earned bachelor’s and associate degrees or certificates during the 2022–23 academic year, a 2.8 percent decrease. The number of certificate earners, meanwhile, is higher than it’s been in a decade, the report found. Students who earned these kinds of credentials increased by about 4 percent.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/students/academics/2024/04/11/degrees-earned-fall-again-certificates-rise

Big tech unites around AI workforce training for 100M workers - Lindsey Wilkinson, CIO Dive

Microsoft, Google, IBM, Intel, SAP and Cisco plan to collectively train nearly 100 million technology workers over the next ten years to mitigate AI’s disruption to the workforce, the companies said Friday in an announcement. The group, which includes Accenture, Eightfold and Indeed, plans to evaluate the impact of AI on 56 information and communication technology job roles and provide training recommendations. The findings, which will be released in a report, intend to offer practical insights for employers. The efforts are part of a Cisco-led consortium focused on assessing AI’s impact on technology jobs, identifying skills development pathways and training workers. More details on the initiative are expected to arrive in the coming months.

https://www.ciodive.com/news/big-tech-consortium-train-AI-workers/712579/

Saskatchewan student transcripts will soon be available online - Cameron Koch, Discover Moose-Jaw

A partnership between the Association of Registrars of the Universities and Colleges of Canada, the owners of MyCreds, and the Government of Saskatchewan will make transcripts available to high school and adult 12 students online at any time. The move to providing access to transcripts online is expected to make the process more convenient and efficient while cutting down on wait-times and reducing costs while also minimizing paper consumption. Those attending Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions, such as University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and Saskatchewan Polytechnic already have access to their transcripts and micro-credentials though their existing MyCreds accounts. 

https://discovermoosejaw.com/articles/saskatchewan-student-transcripts-will-soon-be-available-online

Ready for the future: Bolstering students’ job competitiveness - Alexandra Pecharich, FIU

A few years ago, FIU took a bold, intentional step to catapult soon-to-be graduates into the jobs of their choice. In a rapidly evolving labor market, the university looked to ensure that those entering the workforce for the first time had the specialized skills – in addition to their solid degrees - critical for success in the 21st century. The university began offering “micro-credentials” as a relatively easy way for young people get up to speed in specific areas not traditionally taught in a formal setting. The non-credit minicourses focus on developing proficiencies useful to students with any major. 

https://news.fiu.edu/2024/ready-for-the-future-a-progress-report-on-fius-plan-to-bolster-students-job-competitiveness

Walford University forges new partnership to support homeland security - Mike Bunge, KIMT

Waldorf University has joined a partnership to prepare tomorrow’s leaders in homeland security and law enforcement and to support the law enforcement community through higher education programs. Waldorf says it will award college credit for successfully completing flagship Trilogy courses at the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA).  Students can earn credits towards their degree online at their convenience or onsite at Waldorf University’s Forest City campus. “Through our collaboration with Waldorf University, FBI-LEEDA is empowering law enforcement professionals to thrive in both their careers and personal endeavors,” says FBI-LEEDA Chief Operating Officer Michael Robinson. 

https://www.kimt.com/news/iowa/walford-university-forges-new-partnership-to-support-homeland-security/article_e588de9e-f50b-11ee-aa9b-8bb3dd193f94.html

UMaine Extension launches volunteer management micro-credential for beginners - University of Maine Cooperative Extension

University of Maine Cooperative Extension, in partnership with Volunteer Maine, launched a new online training for individuals getting started in a volunteer management role. Three self-paced courses make up the Introductory Volunteer Management micro-credential. The micro-credential course is open to any learner, whether a working professional, a volunteer leader managing other volunteers, a student looking to complement their academic program, or other interested community members. Improving volunteer engagement is a first step in getting more Mainers engaged with civic organizations and strengthening ties between neighbors.

https://observer-me.com/2024/04/07/living/umaine-extension-launches-volunteer-management-micro-credential-for-beginners/

Microcredentials a new avenue in higher education - ZAHIRUDDIN FITRI ABU HASSAN, New Straits Times

Microcredentials support a culture of lifelong learning and is gaining ground among employers. Therefore, it is not surprising that technology giants such as Microsoft, Google and many others, each offer their own online courses, with certificates in the form of digital badges and microcredentials in areas of IT needs, such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science and others. Those who want to get a better job, or negotiate a promotion and salary, have started using microcredentials to prove the skills they have, to boost confidence and also trust in potential employers.

https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2024/04/1034891/microcredentials-new-avenue-higher-education

SUNY Canton to begin offering direct support professional microcredentials at no-cost - North Country Now

SUNY Canton will soon launch fully-funded Direct Support Professional (DSP) microcredentials that will train and upskill a workforce dedicated to empowering those with developmental disabilities. A grant from the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) will cover tuition, certification, fees, books, and support, as well as provide a $750 stipend, for students who complete any of SUNY Canton's DSP microcredentials (6 credits each) and go on to earn a National Alliance for Direct Support Professional certification.

https://www.northcountrynow.com/stories/suny-canton-to-begin-offering-direct-support-professional-microcredentials-at-no-cost,234985

UTA EXPANDS MICROCREDENTIAL PROGRAM TO ALL MAVERICKS - Jeff Carlton, UT Arlington

Students, employees and alumni of The University of Texas at Arlington will have free access to an expanded microcredential program that can prepare them with high-demand training under a new initiative launching immediately through the University. Mavericks can access 40 professional certificates from leading companies such as Google, Salesforce, IBM, Meta and Intuit through the Coursera Career Academy platform. The certificates span 29 different areas and focus on specific skills for careers in cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, social media marketing, front- and back-end development, career coaching, human resources and more.

https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2023/10/17/uta-expands-microcredential-program-to-all-mavericks

ASU introduces trailblazing 'stackable microcredentials' pilot - Braveman Mpafa, ASU

Stackable microcredentials enable individuals to stay competitive in today's job market by responding swiftly to industry demands and offering relevant skill development opportunities. By breaking learning into modular units, ASU makes professional development financially feasible, aligning with the evolving needs of employers who value employees with up-to-date skills. "Intel is proud to support ASU's development of stackable microcredentials as an innovative approach to addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in microelectronics. By providing individuals with accessible pathways to acquire essential skills, we are not only empowering them to thrive in their careers but also fostering innovation and driving economic growth," said Aziz Safa, vice president of analytics and automation at Intel.

https://news.asu.edu/20240402-science-and-technology-asu-introduces-trailblazing-stackable-microcredentials-pilot

How to Choose a Microcredential - Sarah Wood, US News

Microcredentials – sometimes referred to as non-degree or short-term credentials – have grown in popularity, raising many questions about their worth. In the U.S., the public has more familiarity with degrees than short-term credentials, says Marni Baker Stein, chief content officer at Coursera, an open online course provider. "There's a lot of information about short-form credentials out there on the internet that people can search for," she says. "But one has to really make sure that you are reaching out to a trusted source because there's so much misinformation out there around certificates and their value." Here's what to consider before pursuing these credentials.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-choose-a-microcredential

What’s an innovation micro-credential? - University of Maine

Put simply, you’ll learn to develop an innovative mindset through exposure and practice with innovation. Once you have completed the innovation micro-credential pathway, you’ll be able to demonstrate the ability to not only create meaningful and unique ideas, but will have learned how to act on those ideas. While 66 percent of hiring managers indicate that it is “very important” that recent graduates demonstrate the ability to innovate, only 41 percent think recent graduates are well-prepared to apply those skills in the workplace. (Source: Association of American Colleges and Universities). An innovation micro-credential will help you develop the skills you need to excel in the workplace and beyond. UMS micro-credentials are issued digitally  and designed to be shared on social media and professional sites, such as LinkedIn, as well as on your website, e-portfolio or résumé!

https://umaine.edu/innovation/innovation-academic-programs/innovation-micro-credentials/

USC Introduces Immersive New Online Certificate in Real Estate Law - Business Wire

The University of Southern California Gould School of Law announces the addition of the online certificate in Real Estate Law to its robust lineup of graduate certificates. Designed to meet the growing demand for specialized expertise in real estate, this program offers professionals the opportunity to upskill and deepen their legal knowledge in this dynamic industry. “USC Gould is dedicated to providing innovative and interdisciplinary education that prepares professionals to succeed in today's ever-changing legal landscape." The Real Estate Law certificate focuses on the practical application of real estate laws to real-world scenarios, providing students with a fundamental understanding of legal principles and contracts related to real estate.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240402276705/en/USC-Introduces-Immersive-New-Online-Certificate-in-Real-Estate-Law

Micocredentials – preparing school students for life after graduation - Andrew Broadley, Teacher

Microcredential programs are a way that secondary schools can help their students build key skills and knowledge to thrive in study or work after they graduate. These short courses are typically on offer from, or developed in partnership with, external institutions such as universities.  ‘Microcredentials are a quick, easy and affordable way to upskill and provide professional and “soft skill” development for young people entering the workforce or embarking on further education,’ Brendan Begley, Deputy Principal at Queensland’s Cairns State High School (CSHS) tells Teacher.

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/micocredentials-preparing-school-students-for-life-after-graduation

How schools can streamline their alternative credentials programs - Chris Morgan, University Business

Alternative credentials have become a driving force in education, increasingly favored by non-traditional students who helped reverse a decade-plus long trend of declines that started in 2010 and fell sharply during the pandemic. Likewise, this trend has been embraced by corporations and employers that are increasingly focused on hiring people based on skills rather than academic degrees. At a time when many students, especially older students, are questioning the ROI of a college education, alternative credentials are an easy way to align educational offerings with available jobs in the community. Although educational institutions have supported the interest in these programs, they could do a lot more to build alternative credential programs and connect students with potential employers.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-schools-can-streamline-their-alternative-credentials-programs/

Microcredentials yield substantial benefits in construction, tech fields - Associated Press

As private firms and governments struggle to fill jobs — and with the cost of college too high for many students — employers and elected officials are searching for alternative ways for people to get good jobs without having to earn a traditional college degree. Microcredentials are one such alternative. But just what are microcredentials? And do they lead to better jobs and higher earnings? As a sociologist who has examined the research on microcredentials, the best available answer right now is: It depends on what a person is studying.

https://finance-commerce.com/2024/03/microcredentials-yield-substantial-benefits-in-construction-tech-fields/

Deciphering the Worth of Microcredentials in Today's Job Market - Joy Liwanag, University Herald

The landscape of microcredentials is multifaceted and ever-evolving, making it challenging to establish a universal definition. Generally offered by educational institutions, professional organizations, and online platforms, microcredentials can vary in format and duration, ranging from certificates and badges to boot camps. Unlike traditional degree programs, microcredentials may or may not be for credit, and they often target specific skill sets or competencies relevant to various industries. Julie Uranis, Senior Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives at UPCEA, highlights the diverse nature of microcredentials, emphasizing their potential to serve as standalone achievements or as integral components within broader degree programs. This flexibility allows learners to tailor their educational pursuits to align with their professional goals and aspirations.

https://www.universityherald.com/amp/articles/78680/20240329/deciphering-worth-microcredentials-todays-job-market.htm

Lamar Community College to Offer Five Micro-Credential Pathways in Behavioral Health this Fall - Lamar Ledger

The micro-credential programs at LCC are designed to impart crucial skills and concepts within a single semester or less, providing a seamless progression toward additional certifications and professional development opportunities. Distinct from traditional models, LCC will concentrate on providing students with targeted skill sets that directly align with the needs of the job market. By earning a micro-credential in behavioral health, students will learn foundational skills to begin working in their community and earn college credit to continue their professional training.

https://www.lamarledger.com/2024/03/20/lamar-community-college-to-offer-five-micro-credential-pathways-in-behavioral-health-this-fall/

Quinnipiac provides students with micro-credential courses and digital badges - Lily Philipczak, Quinnipiac Chronicle

Quinnipiac University offers a variety of credit and non-credit micro-credentials and digital badges made for undergraduate and graduate students, to showcase their specialized training, abilities and skills to future colleagues and prospective employers. Micro-credentials and digital badges are educational programs that teach career-oriented skills or competencies tailored to students’ needs, with a focus on experiential learning. Students can register for these through Self Service.

https://quchronicle.com/86332/news/quinnipiac-provides-students-with-micro-credential-courses-and-digital-badges/

How to Choose a Microcredential - Sarah Wood, US News

Microcredentials – sometimes referred to as non-degree or short-term credentials – have grown in popularity, raising many questions about their worth. In the U.S., the public has more familiarity with degrees than short-term credentials, says Marni Baker Stein, chief content officer at Coursera, an open online course provider. "There's a lot of information about short-form credentials out there on the internet that people can search for," she says. "But one has to really make sure that you are reaching out to a trusted source because there's so much misinformation out there around certificates and their value." Here's what to consider before pursuing these credentials.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-choose-a-microcredential

Micro-credentials in quality management, industrial maintenance at NPRC - Bradfordera.com

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development Division added two new micro-credential programs in quality management and industrial maintenance. These programs are available to manufacturing businesses and organizations by working with NPRC’s customized training team. To complete either of these programs, it’s required for students to complete all six of the respective courses that last from a few hours to a few weeks. However, individual course certifications are an option as a part of the program. Each class can include up to 15 learners. Programs can even be brought to a company’s workplace to ensure training is provided in their working environment and on their own time.

https://www.bradfordera.com/news/micro-credentials-in-quality-management-industrial-maintenance-at-nprc/article_6dee89da-e622-11ee-8d96-9b9a98d1e78a.html