Here’s why the Education Department’s proposed financial transparency website has higher ed worried - Lilah Burke, Higher Ed Dive

The U.S. Department of Education’s proposed gainful employment regulations have the potential to significantly change the higher education landscape. Career education programs that leave graduates with poor earnings or unmanageable debt would risk losing access to federal financial aid under the new rules. But those requirements would only apply to certificate programs and programs at for-profit colleges. The department has proposed other, more wide-ranging regulations to apply to nearly all college programs. 

https://www.highereddive.com/news/gainful-employment-disclosure-website-regulations-biden/654378/

Online learning to support workers handling packaged gases - Paul Pflieger, Gas World

For over 110 years, CGA has been at the forefront of developing safety standards that reflect industry best practices for handling industrial, medical, and food gases. Now, we have gathered up our knowhow to share in e-learning lessons that provide a safety roadmap for employees that are working with packaged gases. It is a format that really works, being accessible, engaging, and results-driven. Here’s a run-down of why we’ve taken this approach, as well as a look at the packaged gas-related modules.

https://www.gasworld.com/story/online-learning-to-support-workers-handling-packaged-gases/

Microsoft unveils first professional certificate for generative AI skills - Lance Whitney, ZDnet

Microsoft has added a new type of training and certification to its lineup that taps into the latest interest and excitement around AI. Part of the company's Skills for Jobs program, the new professional certificate on Generative AI will be given to anyone who takes the free classes on AI and passes the required exam. Available through LinkedIn Learning, the Career Essentials in Generative AI program offers a free course on generative AI, a technology so named because it can generate different kinds of content. This form of AI has created a huge buzz due to such companies as OpenAI, Microsoft, and Google launching their own AI chatbots that people can use to ask questions, get information, and create content.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-unveils-first-professional-certificate-for-generative-ai-skills/

The 2023 Emeritus Global Workplace Skills Study Finds 80% of Professionals Look to Continuing Education for Career Success - Emeritus

Emeritus announced results from its 2023 Global Workplace Skills Study, which gathered insights from 6,600 people between the ages of 21 and 65, across 18 countries and five continents, to assess how professionals are approaching learning and skill development amidst continued economic, geopolitical, and technological change. Findings show that interest and investment in pursuing continuing education continues to rise globally, with significant uptick in the last year. 80% believe that upskilling will help them stand out in the job market and 74% would choose a job at an organization that invested in their education over one that did not.

https://emeritus.org/newsroom/the-2023-emeritus-global-workplace-skills-study-finds-80-of-professionals-look-to-continuing-education-for-career-success/

Education Interrupted? Learners who dropped out during Covid look at online learning to complete their degree: Report - Times of India

Online learners express strong interest in alternatives to full degree programs. Two-thirds of respondents said they are open to pursuing quicker, more affordable, non-traditional degree programs such as trade skill certificates, industry certifications and non-credit certificates in place of college degrees, and most (83%) of these learners would remain interested even if financial aid wasn’t available for them.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/news/education-interrupted-learners-who-dropped-out-during-covid-look-at-online-learning-to-complete-their-degree-report/articleshow/101344259.cms

Executive Education Grads Learn the Power of Upskilling - Cnxtoday

Microcredentials certify the learning outcomes of short-term learning experiences. They offer a flexible, targeted way to help people develop the knowledge, skills, and competences they need for their personal and professional development. According to the World Economic Forum’s most recent Future of Jobs Report, 61 percent of workers will require retraining between now and 2027, further validating the need for these types of specialized, skills-focused training programs.

https://cnxtoday.com/executive-education-graduates/education-news-updates/

The revolution in bite-sized education courses that’s boosting careers - Julie Hare, Financial Review

One thing about the future of higher education that is not in dispute is that it is being disrupted. A revolution is under way in how education is being created, delivered and consumed. And a lot of it is happening outside the ivy walls of traditional universities. Traditional qualifications are being supplemented – some say supplanted – by tiny, bite-sized, skill-specific offerings called microcredentials.

https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/the-revolution-in-bite-sized-education-courses-that-s-boosting-careers-20230531-p5dcr9

Education Levels Nationally - Lumina Foundation

A strong economy benefiting every American requires at least 60 percent of adults to have college degrees or other credentials of value. To realize this level of education, business, community, education, and government leaders must rethink and restructure education and training systems. Over time, colleges and universities and training providers have created exceptional opportunities for some individuals and groups while failing to offer real opportunity for economic opportunity and social mobility to others–many of whom are Black, Hispanic, Latino, and Native American. Economic shifts, technological advancements, and demographic changes are among reasons American leaders and society must do better.

https://www.luminafoundation.org/topics/todays-students/education-levels/

Intercultural competence, micro-credentials, reflection critical in career readiness - Maureen Manning, the PIE News

As such, third-party skills verification is required in certain internships, such as in healthcare and mechanics, to ensure students have appropriate skills and competencies in that field before they engage in the work.However, some employers indicated while students may be proficient in the technical skills required for employment, many in the “pandemic generation” of students are lacking in the “soft skills” that are equally necessary in the workplace such as communication, working in teams and business etiquette.

https://thepienews.com/news/intercultural-competence-micro-credentials-reflection-critical-in-career-readiness/

Certificate in Open Education Librarianship - University of Minnesota

The Certificate in Open Education Librarianship is a structured and supportive professional development opportunity preparing librarians like you to champion open education. Guided by our expert mentors, you’ll hone critical skills, gain insight, and transform your librarianship into a catalyst for open education, all while working within a collaborative cohort of your peers. More than 200 higher education librarians throughout the U.S. have earned our certificate, building proficiency and confidence.

https://open.umn.edu/oen/certificate-in-open-education-librarianship

Coursera's Education Forum discusses the transformative role of micro-credentials in shaping UAE's job market

With a strong market and rising foreign direct investment, the UAE job market is set to boom in the coming years. Companies are actively seeking top talent, and the qualification benchmark for recruitment is rapidly changing. Entry-level candidates are now expected to have job-relevant skills and hands-on experience. Coursera's recent study further supports this trend, revealing that 77% of employers believe a Professional Certificate would enhance a candidate's job application.

https://www.zawya.com/en/press-release/events-and-conferences/courseras-education-forum-discusses-the-transformative-role-of-micro-credentials-in-shaping-uaes-job-market-hmr5ct0b

Employees seek a competitive edge with micro-credentials - Kaleah Salmon, Channel Life

According to research from D2L, more employees seek to gain a competitive edge by upskilling with micro-credentials. These findings are revealed as economic growth continues to slow, and the RBA forecasts the unemployment rate will gradually increase to over 4% by mid-2025. Micro-credentials are defined as a bite-sized approach to acquiring knowledge and skills, described as the building blocks of learning.  They offer a targeted, modular and structured way for employees to learn new skills or proficiency in a specific area rapidly. Micro-credentials can also show that a learner has tangibly improved rather than simply attended class.  

https://channellife.co.nz/story/employees-seek-a-competitive-edge-with-micro-credentials

How micro-credentials play a major role in game-changing skills development - Irish Times

If you’re looking to boost your career progression - or to make a career change - MicroCreds.ie has the answer. The new website is a virtual front door into seven of Ireland’s best-known universities. Led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA) they have come together to develop a suite of fully university accredited micro-credential courses. Micro-credentials are bite-sized, accredited qualifications that allow learners to build skills and competencies in a flexible, fast, and affordable way. The EU has adopted 2023 as the European Year of Skills and the EU-level target of 60 per cent of all adults taking part in training each year by 2030. 

https://www.irishtimes.com/sponsored/2023/05/18/how-micro-credentials-play-a-major-role-in-game-changing-skills-development/

How Micro-Credentials Can Help Create More Opportunities For A Diverse New Zealand - Scoop

The promise of more granular ‘micro-credentials’ will go some way towards closing the skills gap and provide many benefits to employers, employees and industries while building a more diverse New Zealand by creating real opportunities for people with disabilities.

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/BU2306/S00232/how-micro-credentials-can-help-create-more-opportunities-for-a-diverse-new-zealand.htm

ACU to Develop Micro Credentials in Phonics and STEM Education with Funding - Mirage News

Australian Catholic University has received funding to develop short courses that will upskill teachers in phonics, maths and science. ACU will share $18.5 million in funding as part of the federal government's new Microcredentials Pilot in Higher Education program. ACU Executive Dean of Education and Arts, Professor Mary Ryan, said the new courses were part of the University's broader focus on STEM education and literacy.

https://www.miragenews.com/acu-to-develop-micro-credentials-in-phonics-and-1027381/

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.

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230614120511/en/Coursera-Global-Skills-Report-2023-U.S.-Learners-Prioritize-STEM-Education-and-Human-Skills-Amid-Changing-Job-Expectations

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.

https://www.kennesaw.edu/news/stories/2023/kennesaw-state-micro-credential-initiative-earns-national-recognition.php

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.

https://www.theguardian.com/education/2023/jun/11/australian-universities-to-offer-microcredentials-in-key-areas-to-address-skills-crisis

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.

https://universitybusiness.com/micro-credentials-higher-educations-wild-wild-west/

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.

https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/universities-to-offer-28-micro-credentials-to-plug-skills-gap-20230608-p5df6l.html

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.

https://festival.ucd.ie/events/ucd-micro-credentials-information-stand/