Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Coursera Global Skills Report 2023: U.S. Learners Prioritize STEM Education and Human Skills Amid Changing Job Expectations

The 22 million U.S. registered learners on Coursera represent 8.4% of the country’s working-age population. In the U.S., the average learner age is 35, with 41% using mobile learning and women representing over half (51%) of learners. The US has the highest demand for industry micro-credentials of any country globally, with learners amassing 1.3 million enrollments in entry-level Professional Certificates, in the last year (a 22% increase). The growing demand underscores the trend that individuals are increasingly turning to online micro-credentials to secure new jobs and advance their careers.

Monday, June 26, 2023

Kennesaw State micro-credential initiative earns national recognition

1EdTech, a global, member-based nonprofit educational technology organization, recently presented KSU’s micro-credentialing initiative with a bronze award in its global Learning Impact competition. The annual Learning Impact Awards competition recognizes outstanding, innovative applications of educational technology that address the most significant challenges facing education. The KSU team was one of eight award recipients recognized this week at 1EdTech’s 2023 Learning Impact Conference in Anaheim, California.

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Australian universities to offer ‘microcredentials’ in key areas to address skills crisis - the Guardian

Australian universities will offer almost 30 short courses in the key areas of IT, engineering, science, health and education in an attempt to curtail Australia’s skilled worker shortage. The 28 courses, or microcredentials, from 18 universities are designed to teach targeted skills that are more relevant for employers.The microcredentials include rural nursing, nuclear science, drone mapping and Einsteinian physics for school teachers and are offered at universities such as RMIT University, La Trobe University, University of Technology Sydney, University of New South Wales and University of Canberra.

Saturday, June 24, 2023

Digital credentials: Higher education’s new frontier - Alcino Donadel, University Business

In the workforce, a February report found that 95% of employers said a résumé listing micro-credentials benefited the candidate because it demonstrates a willingness for skill development (76%). Digital credentials and the machine-readable devices that can authenticate them, Geisel believes, are precisely that tool. He joins a budding cohort of higher education professionals, industry leaders and state legislators who recognize its revelatory potential to foster the next chapter of academic equity, workforce access and attractive program offerings in higher ed.

Friday, June 23, 2023

Universities to offer 28 ‘micro-credentials’ to plug skills gap Anthony Galloway - Anthony Galloway, Sydney Morning Herald

Universities will offer more than 20 shortened courses – including in teaching, cybersecurity, engineering and nursing – as the Albanese government moves to plug chronic skills shortages across the country. Education Minister Jason Clare will on Sunday announce the creation of 28 short courses – known as “micro-credentials” – from 18 universities as part of a pilot program.

Thursday, June 22, 2023

UCD Micro-credentials Information Stand

Are you interested in studying at UCD, but struggling to find the time? UCD is excited to introduce our newest innovation in short, trusted, and accredited courses with UCD Micro-credentials. Micro-credentials offer flexible online and hybrid study options, lifting barriers to lifelong learning and boosting knowledge in key areas. Our bite-sized courses are created by leading academics and grounded in research, ensuring you learn from the best. You’ll not only enhance your career prospects, but maybe even start a new career trajectory! With our competitive pricing and alumni discounts, investing in your future has never been easier or more affordable.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Holland College offering 12 new micro-credential programs for green economy jobs - CBC Lite

New micro-credential programs at Holland College are looking to help students get ready for the clean energy transition. The school announced Monday it's developing 12 new programs that will support industry-specific needs as the province moves toward a low-carbon economy. Micro-credentials are rapid-training programs that can help students quickly master new skills. They're designed to help employers find and train the workers they need.

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

FAU’S MADDEN CENTER LAUNCHES FREE ONLINE CERTIFICATE IN VALUE CREATION - Joshua Glanzer, Florida Atlantic University

Florida Atlantic University’s Madden Center for Value Creation is offering a free online certificate to help business professionals analyze and create value in organizations. The certificate aligns with the Madden Center’s mission of promoting value creation as a fundamental part of achieving economic success and educating people to become value creators.

Monday, June 19, 2023

RSU offering new micro-credential program, geared toward law enforcement field - Shea Smith, KJRH

The Rogers County Sheriff's Office and Rogers State University are partnering up for a new micro-credential program aimed at helping high school graduates step straight into a job when they graduate. Professor Curt Sparling and Lt. Bronson Smith say the Sheriff's Office has been working with RSU to create programs to help recruit new hires and help current deputies brush up on their law enforcement skills in the field.

Sunday, June 18, 2023

Expanding Horizons with Online Certificate Programs: A Key to Career Advancement - Tim Worstell, Grit

In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning and upskilling have become the new normal. The rise of online certificate programs has been a game-changer. This is particularly true for adults looking to expand their career possibilities, enrich their resumes, or even embark on a new career path. These programs offer diverse disciplines, such as Information Technology (IT), Paralegal studies, Healthcare, and Business, each providing a unique set of benefits.

Saturday, June 17, 2023

A Strategic Institutional Response to Micro-Credentials: Key Questions for Educational Leaders - Mark Brown Rory McGreal Mitchell Peters, Journal of Interactive Media in Education

However, the emergence of the micro-credential raises several crucial questions for educational leaders, set against fear of missing out. Importantly, the paper identifies a significant gap in the literature regarding leadership and strategic institutional responses to micro-credentials. Indeed, there is a dearth of literature. Leadership is crucial to the success of any educational change or innovation, so five key questions are presented for institutional leaders. They challenge institutions to make strategic decisions around how they engage with and position micro-credentials. If micro-credentials are part of an HEI’s change agenda, then serious consideration needs to be given to the type of leadership and internal structures required to develop and execute a successful micro-credential strategy. Consideration must also be given to fit-for-purpose business models and how to mitigate potential risks. We hope to bring these strategic questions to the table as institutions plan, envision and develop their micro-credential strategies.

Friday, June 16, 2023

Data expertise is now most in-demand skill, analysis reveals - Adam McCulloch, Personnel Today

Its analysis showed that in 2019, businesses favoured a range of marketing skills including performance, social media, mobile, as well as general ecommerce skills, what the firm described as “a mix of training that had largely remained unchanged in previous years”. Interestingly, many of the training priorities before the pandemic have not reemerged” – Richard Townsend, QA The company, whose clients include Coca-Cola, Nike, GM, Pfizer, and Nestlé, looked at the most popular skills courses from 2019-2022, covering 388 companies and 755,000 employees.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Trinity College Dublin micro-credentials: Empowering engineers to lead sustainable change

In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainability is a critical concern, prompting engineers to adopt innovative approaches that minimise environmental impact. Trinity College Dublin, Ireland’s leading university, has introduced a series of micro-credentials to equip engineers with the necessary skills and knowledge to address sustainability challenges head on. These micro-credentials cater specifically to professionals interested in sustainability, low-carbon technologies, and environmental impact, enabling them to expand their expertise and drive positive change.

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Stepping up to the microcredential challenge - Kevin Ashford-Rowe, Campus Morning Call

Since 2019, a group of K12, tertiary and public/private sector educators have met in a semi-formal (virtual) setting about six times a year. The intention has been to enable developmental conversations across the range of challenges and opportunities with which we are all grappling, to better understand and make sense of the ways in which microcredentials (and badges!) might positively impact our educational contexts. More importantly, we are considering how microcredentials might be used to enhance and improve the learner journey across all sectors of the educational continuum for lifelong learning into industry and workplaces.

Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Microcredentials: why, what and how - Journal of Interactive Media in Education

The European Commission states that microcredentials “certify the learning outcomes of short-term learning experiences, for example a short course or training. They offer a flexible, targeted way to help people develop the knowledge, skills and competences they need for their personal and professional development.” They can be viewed as an extension of the interest in MOOCs, and a means of addressing employability and upskilling. A number of higher education institutions globally have made significant investments in relation to microcredentials. In this collection five articles are presented that contribute to our understanding of microcredentials, including critical perspectives and experiences.

Monday, June 12, 2023

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith hosts testing for biotechnology micro-credentials, certified evaluator training - Thomas Saccente, NW Arkansas Democrat Gazette

The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith hosted an outside nonprofit group last week to test people for a new kind of credential designed to help them compete and stand out in the job market. The university worked with the Kansas-based Bioscience Core Skills Institute to provide assessments for people to receive digital "micro-credentials" in five areas in the biotechnology field Wednesday. Those who passed the assessments could also undergo additional training Thursday to become a certified evaluator, allowing them to test other people to see if they qualify for their own micro-credentials from the institute.

Sunday, June 11, 2023

Micro-credentials Survey. 2023 Trends and Insights. - HolonIQ

Whilst there has been progress in the emergence of frameworks, regulation and funding for micro-credentials over the last few years, institutional adoption of micro-credentials is still in developmental stages. Nearly 1 in 5 indicate that micro-credentials are non-existent at their institution (the same proportion as in 2021) and nearly two-thirds describe their adoption as 'emerging'. We do see some change, however, in those describing their adoption of micro-credentials as 'mature' - increasing from 7% in 2021 to 13% in 2023.

Saturday, June 10, 2023

Types of Certificate Programs - Campus Explorer

It used to be that employers valued certificates much less than degrees. This isn’t the case anymore, as employers see certificates as a valid way for an employee to increase his knowledge or specialize in a subject. Today there is a certificate program for pretty much all industries, as technology and industry standards continue to evolve.

Friday, June 9, 2023

Certificate vs. Degree: What's the Difference? - Indeed

When hiring for a position, many employers look for candidates who have received a certain amount of training or education in that career field. You can receive this type of training by completing a certificate or degree program. Whether you choose to earn a certificate or a degree depends on your resources and the type of job you want to pursue. In this article, we will explain the difference between the two so you can determine which one will benefit you the most.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

What Is a Certificate Program? portrait of Anne Dennon - Anne Dennon, Best Colleges

Certificate programs establish and redirect careers in a growing number of fields. As a whole, certificate programs are more affordable and faster than bachelor's degrees. College students and recent graduates can strengthen their resumes by adding a certificate.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Grow with Google Career Certificates - Google

Get on the fast track to in-demand jobs with top employers. Complete a Google Career Certificate to get exclusive access to CareerCircle, which offers free 1-on-1 coaching, interview and career support, and a job board to connect directly with employers, including over 150 companies in the Google Career Certificates Employer Consortium.