THE podcast: microcredentials are knocking. Will higher education answer? - Melissa Highton , Michael D. Smith, Times Higher Ed

Tips from 10 years of Moocs at the University of Edinburgh and a call to arms to embrace technology for greater equity and financial sustainability. From employers to policymakers, universities and their students, everyone agrees that alternative credentials are a good thing for the economy and for expanding access to higher education. But it’s one thing to think it’s a good idea and another to make it happen. The truth is that demand for microcredentials remains low among students, the business plans are patchy, and higher education providers haven’t fully embraced the new models.

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https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/podcast-microcredentials-are-knocking-will-higher-education-answer

How institutions are leaving money on the table with their alternative credential offerings - Alcino Donadel, University Business

Alternative non-degree credentials are slowly becoming higher education’s hottest learning modality. Enrollment is strong and employer buy-in is promising. However, two reports from UPCEA demonstrate that despite institutions’ increased infrastructure to provide these academic programs, challenges persist—and they’re leaving money on the table as a result. In a December 2023 report that studied nearly 100 UPCEA members representing institutions focused on online and continuing education, 94% said their institution offers alternative credentials, and 66% said senior leadership has become fundamental to their institutions’ strategic plans. These schools’ most common alternative credentials were non-credit certificates, professional certificates and digital badges.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-institutions-are-leaving-money-on-the-table-with-their-alternative-credential-offerings/

Microcredentials on the Rise, but Not at Colleges -- Kathryn Palmer, Inside Higher Ed

A new survey found training partnerships between employers and four-year colleges fell between 2022 and 2023 while instruction provided by third-party providers rose.  As the pool of traditional-age students shrinks, colleges are increasingly turning to nondegree credentials to expand the appeal of their academic offerings to working adults. At the same time, an increasing number of employers want their employees to be able to upskill and reskill through microcredential programs. But four-year institutions are lagging behind third-party providers, such as LinkedIn Learning and Coursera, in their efforts to create employer partnerships, according to a new report released Tuesday by Collegis Education, an online program support company, and UPCEA, the organization previously known as the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/teaching-learning/2024/01/23/microcredentials-rise-not-colleges

Udacity launches GenAI nanodegree program - Venture Beat

The online learning platform Udacity has launched a generative AI Nanodegree Program so professionals can keep up with the fast-growing field. Mountain View, California-based Udacity said it aims to equip professionals with essential skills to navigate the dynamic and rapidly growing field of generative AI, anticipating its significant impact on various industries.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/udacity-launches-genai-nanodegree-program/

How Is the Learn-and-Work Ecosystem Like an Ecological Ecosystem—And Why Does This Matter? Holly Zanville, the Evolllution

The term ecosystem is increasingly used in discussions about learning and work. For instance, two national initiatives—Credential As You Go and the Learn & Work Ecosystem Library—are framing their work as an effort to improve the learn-and-work ecosystem. Also, Noah Geisel at the University of Colorado Boulder recently chose a relevant theme for his university’s badging conference in summer 2024: not “it takes a village,” rather “it takes an ecosystem.” Despite the growing understanding that our systems of education and employment do indeed comprise of an ecosystem, that term is still more commonly associated with natural, biological systems than with social ones. Are they the same thing? And does the answer to that question really matter? I have come to believe that they are very similar—and yes, it does matter.

https://evolllution.com/how-is-the-learn-and-work-ecosystem-like-an-ecological-ecosystem-and-why-does-this-matter

Twelve Google and IBM Professional Certificates on Coursera Receive ECTS Credit Recommendations - Business Wire

Coursera is announcing today the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) has certified 12 Professional Certificates from Google and IBM, with European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credit recommendations available exclusively on Coursera. Now, ministries, higher education institutions, and students can accept and transfer university credit for eligible industry micro-credentials on Coursera at institutions across 49 member nations in the ECC/Bologna process. This cross-sector initiative represents a major step toward establishing a global ecosystem for credit recognition of online learning and industry micro-credentials.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/twelve-google-ibm-professional-certificates-090000287.html

University of Jamestown launches online MBA program - Jamestown Sun

The MBA, led by program director Michael Brizek, is one of the only all-online MBA programs in the country to include specialized micro-credentials. According to UJ Executive Vice President and Provost Paul Olson, these micro-credentials offer flexibility, focus and market alignment. “I like the curriculum that Dr. Brizek and the faculty have developed because it has all the essential elements of an excellent MBA program and has the added bonus of micro-credentials that allow students to specialize in the areas that best meet their professional goals and needs,” Olson said.

https://www.jamestownsun.com/community/university-of-jamestown-launches-online-mba-program

What are micro-qualifications? - Blathnaid O’Dea, Silicon Republic (Ireland)

Semantics aside, the 24 new micro-qualifications are skills programmes to be delivered by Ireland’s network of local education and training boards (ETBs). There are 16 of those across the country, so courses will be available in a lot of different locales. The courses have been developed by industry and are aimed at employees with little or no cost to employers. Organisations involved in their development include Solas, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Irish Water, IDA Ireland, Enterprise Ireland and the Regional Skills Fora. Like micro-credentials, which are provided by third-level institutions, micro-qualifications are intended to address current skills gaps in areas such as sustainability, digital, advanced manufacturing, robotics, aquaculture, business innovation and market development.

https://www.siliconrepublic.com/careers/micro-qualifications-skills-education-ireland-solas-government

Alternative Credentials: 5 Things Universities & Colleges Need to Know Articles - Digital Marketing Institute

In a hyper-connected digital age, professionals across industries are looking for new ways to acquire relevant skills and showcase their value to employers. As a result, alternative credentials including badges, certificates, and micro-credentials have seen an enormous rise in popularity due to their accessibility, flexibility and demonstrable practical value. With digital transformation changing how people learn, work, and communicate, non-traditional credentials offer people a way to master skills in niche areas of expertise. In this article, we explore five key ways that alternative credentials can drive success in universities and colleges.

https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/alternative-credentials-5-things-universities-colleges-need-to-know

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts to end degree programs - Laura Spitalniak, Higher Ed Dive

 The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts will discontinue its bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at the end of the 2024-25 academic year, citing declining enrollment and increased operating costs. PAFA’s board of trustees unanimously voted to end the programs Tuesday after attempts to find an academic partner proved unsuccessful, it announced Wednesday. The 218-year-old Philadelphia institution, which bills itself as the first art school and museum in the U.S, will continue to offer its certificate and continuing education programs.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/pennsylvania-academy-of-the-fine-arts-pafa-to-end-degree-programs/704357/

A New App Just Launched To Help HBCU Students Prepare For The Workforce - Jasmine Browley, Essence

“PROPEL Learn is a pioneering app that empowers HBCU students with the latest technological innovations, shaping the future of our workforce. Our unique approach of co-developing micro- credentials with industry partners and HBCU faculty ensures an unparalleled learning experience for the entire ecosystem of learners,” said Dr. Camesha Whittaker, Senior Vice President of Innovation and Design at PROPEL in a statement. “With the ability to reach nearly 300,000 students, PROPEL Learn leaves no institution behind. It is the ultimate solution for advanced engagement, up-skilling, and an indispensable companion to all HBCU institutional offerings.”

https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/propel-app-hbcu-students/

How the Online Certificate Status Protocol and OCSP Stapling work & more - Sectigo Team, Security Boulevard

The Online Certificate Status Protocol (OCSP) allows clients (e.g., web browsers) to verify the validity of digital certificates in real time. Certificate Revocations Lists (CRLs), are lists of digital certificates that have been revoked by the issuing Certificate Authority (CA) before their scheduled expiration date, can also be used to check untrustworthy or revoked certificates. However, due to CRLs being updated at intervals and providing stale information and also OCSP responses being smaller than CRL files and suitable for devices with limited memory they are often preferred. Let’s look at how OCSP works, its pros and cons, the potential privacy concerns OCSP stapling helps solve, and how OCSP differs from certificate revocation lists (CRLs).

https://securityboulevard.com/2024/01/how-the-online-certificate-status-protocol-and-ocsp-stapling-work-more/

More than half of Americans no longer believe college is worth the cost. Paid internships could help - Stephen Moret and Jeff Selingo, Fast Company

Estimates from the New York Federal Reserve indicate that recent college grads have faced higher unemployment rates than other workers, a shift from typical historical patterns. What’s more, roughly 40% of recent college grads are considered “underemployed,” meaning they are not working in a college-level job. With those sobering statistics in mind, it’s not surprising that more than half of Americans no longer believe college is worth the cost. We believe internships are a crucial component of translating the college experience into a career. One year after graduation, students who completed a paid internship, for instance, earn $3,000 more than those who didn’t have one.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91006729/why-paid-internships-may-be-the-solution-to-higher-educations-pr-crisis

3 Questions for Illinois Tech About Its Innovative New Online Programs - Joshua Kim, Inside Higher Ed

Addressing the growing some college, no credential population is crucial. Our bachelor’s completion degree through Coursera caters to this segment, delivering quality education aligned with career success. We are committed to ensuring that our online students experience the same impressive outcomes, such as starting salaries, that our on-campus students do.

https://www.insidehighered.com/opinion/blogs/learning-innovation/2024/01/10/three-questions-about-illinois-techs-new-online

Strategic Integration Challenges And Opportunities For Alternative Credentials In Higher Education - JOY LIWANAG, UNIVERSITYHERALD

A recent study by the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) sheds light on the adoption of alternative credentials in higher education. While many colleges prioritize online, professional, and continuing education, a significant number have yet to integrate alternative credentials strategically. The study delves into the challenges, opportunities, and varying business models associated with these credentials.

https://www.universityherald.com/articles/78352/20240110/strategic-integration-challenges-opportunities-alternative-credentials-higher-education.htm

College Launches New Micro-Credential Program - Mike Robertson, the College Today

The College of Charleston is partnering with global online learning platform Coursera to launch a new program providing industry-branded micro-credentials to students, faculty and staff at no cost. Students will be able to earn professional certificates for in-demand workplace skills that will complement any academic major or minor. Faculty and staff will also be able to earn professional certificates through flexible, online training.   “This partnership will provide members of the College of Charleston community the opportunity to build skills using resources from some of the world’s leading companies,” says College of Charleston President Andrew T. Hsu. “As one of the oldest colleges in the nation, the College of Charleston is setting the blueprint for other liberal arts institutions to follow.” 

https://today.cofc.edu/2023/11/08/college-launches-new-micro-credential-program/

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2023/12/new-msu-programs-grow-opportunities-student-research-internships - Mississippi State University

New programs at Mississippi State University are enhancing opportunities for undergraduate research and internship experiences. In 2023, the second cohort of students participated in the BRIDGES (Building Relationships that Intentionally Develop Generations of Excellent Scholars) Undergrad Research Program and the first cohort participated in the Workforce Scholars Initiative. Administered jointly by MSU’s Office of Research and Economic Development and the Division of Access, Opportunity and Success, BRIDGES aims to increase the participation of undergraduate minority and underserved students in MSU research activities. The program engages students in meaningful paid work that helps prepare them for career and graduate school opportunities.

https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2023/12/new-msu-programs-grow-opportunities-student-research-internships

Minnesota DNR looking to fill 200 paid summer internships - Grand Forks Herald

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for passionate and dedicated students interested in learning more about natural resource careers through paid summer internships, the agency said in a news release. DNR summer interns gain valuable training, build meaningful experience and help create a healthy, sustainable and inclusive Minnesota, the DNR said. The DNR has a wide variety of internship opportunities throughout the state – about 200, in all – including in fisheries, forestry, park operations, watercraft inspections, communications and more. Interns work 20 to 40 hours per week and receive a competitive wage of $19 per hour. To be considered for an internship, fulfilling an academic requirement or receiving academic credit is required.

https://www.grandforksherald.com/sports/northland-outdoors/minnesota-dnr-looking-to-fill-200-paid-summer-internships

Internship scholarship supports teacher education students - University of Alaska, Local First Media

The Alaska College of Education Consortium (ACEC), encompassing the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), and University of Alaska Southeast (UAS), has announced the second year of its Teacher Internship Scholarship Program.  This initiative, supported by the collaborative efforts of the Alaska State Legislature, Governor, and UA President Pat Pitney, and coordinated with the assistance of ACEC Liaison Bridget Weiss, highlights the strength of unity in advancing educational opportunities across the state. UAA School of Education Dean Tonia Dousay remarked on the impact of this program: “This opportunity ensures our teacher candidates can focus on their professional growth rather than their personal finances. It’s a game-changer for aspiring educators in Alaska.”

https://localfirstmediagroup.com/internship-scholarship-supports-teacher-education-students/

New Research: UPCEA Reveals Key Findings on Alternative Credentials - UPCEA

UPCEA, the online and professional education association, is proud to share findings and takeaways from a new research study, Alternative Credentials: Business and Program Models. The research, supported by a grant from Walmart, is part of UPCEA’s “Building Capacity, Expanding Pathways: Accelerating the Growth of Credential Innovation in Higher Education” project. The project aims to accelerate the development and delivery by colleges and universities of noncredit, short-term credentials for and with local, regional, or statewide businesses. The study reveals a widespread embrace of alternative credentials among institutions, ranging from non-credit certificates to massive open online courses (MOOCs), particularly within UPCEA's membership, which is predominantly focused on online and professional continuing education. Despite the acceptance of alternative credentials, a notable finding is that a significant number of institutions do not yet view them as a strategic priority. 

https://www.einnews.com/pr_news/679320356/new-research-upcea-reveals-key-findings-on-alternative-credentials

10 Disruptive Trends for Higher Education 2024 - Sanjay Sharma, Times of India

Explore the transformative landscape of higher education in 2024 with these 10 disruptive trends. from the surge in micro-credentials to the rising prominence of apprenticeships, witness the evolution reshaping learning approaches, employment paradigms, and student well-being.  In response to the changing job landscape, more learners are opting for shorter, targeted education options known as micro-credentials. These focused and specialized programs provide practical skills, making them attractive to both students and employers. 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/education/web-stories/10-disruptive-trends-for-higher-education-in-2024/photostory/106540102.cms