Monday, April 15, 2024

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.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

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.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

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.

Friday, April 12, 2024

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.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

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.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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!

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

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.

Monday, April 8, 2024

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.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

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.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

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.

Friday, April 5, 2024

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

Thursday, April 4, 2024

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.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

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.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

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.

Monday, April 1, 2024

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.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Singapore employers urged to look beyond degrees in hiring - Dexter Tilo, HRD

Employers across Singapore are being urged to hire candidates based on skills — despite persistent preferences for educational qualifications, according to reports.  This was the message in a panel discussion hosted by Accredify earlier this month, which gathered various experts who discussed the importance of looking beyond degrees in hiring practices, GovInsider reported. "We need to look away from hiring someone based on the job description, to what they can do to boost the competencies and capabilities of the organisation," said Zuhui Yap, HR Director with Singtel, in the report.

Saturday, March 30, 2024

Lamar Community College to Offer Five Micro-Credential Pathways in Behavioral Health this Fall - Barbara Crimond, Prower's Journal

In response to the escalating demand for skilled professionals in the field of behavioral health, Lamar Community College (LCC) is set to introduce five innovative “micro-credential” pathways this fall. These pathways aim to equip students with fundamental skills in mental health and substance misuse treatment, catering to the pressing need for qualified workers in this critical sector. 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.

Friday, March 29, 2024

Jamaica'sEducation Ministry Endorses UCJ’s Micro Credentials Push - COURTENEY LEWIS, Jamaica Information Service

The Ministry of Education and Youth is in support of the plan by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) to expand opportunities for post-secondary education through the implementation of micro credentials. Micro credentials are a series or collection of specially designed courses that result in certification. They demonstrate the learner’s skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a specific subject area or capability. State Minister, Hon. Marsha Smith, said the “Ministry is very much interested in expanding access to tertiary education and post-secondary training especially within the context of our current efforts to transform the education sector for national development”. “The need for continuous learning and acquisition of new skills is more crucial than ever, and micro credentials offer a way for individuals to stay relevant in their fields and demonstrate their competencies in a tangible way. 

Thursday, March 28, 2024

IIT Delhi invites applications for Project Management online certificate course - Indian Express

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) today launched applications for an online certificate programme of Project Management. Interested students can apply for this course at the official website of IIT Delhi — iitdelhi.emeritus.org. This course will be a six months long programme for which the technical orientation will be conducted on May 30 and academic orientation will be held on June 9. The programme fee is Rs 85,000 + GST. The primary mode of learning for this programme is via weekly live online sessions with IIT Delhi faculty members.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Leading Education and Technology Communities Announce New Partnership to Advance the Edtech Ecosystem - Yahoo!

Global nonprofits 1EdTech® and Digital Promise announce a new partnership to power learner potential and create equitable learning ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. The two educational technology nonprofit organizations bring thought leaders from K-12, higher education, and edtech suppliers together to find solutions to educational challenges around the world. Through this new partnership, both communities are committed to supporting the other's work to create a greater impact on teaching and learning, particularly in digital credentials. 1EdTech leads the evolution and certifies the Open Badges, Comprehensive Learner Record Standard™ (CLR Standard™), and the Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange® (CASE®) open standards.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Report: College Degrees Not Valued As Highly as Job Training and Certificates - Arrman Kyaw, Diverse Education

Though confidence about the value of pursuing a two- or four-year college degree is higher among high schoolers than graduates who either dropped out or chose not to attend in the first place, neither demographic view such pursuits as the most valuable, according to a recent report from Edge Research, HCM Strategists, and D2 Strategies. ot only did the non-enrolled have less confidence about degrees than juniors and seniors, they were also shown to be losing confidence across the board compared to last year. Notably, both demographics were shown to view on-the-job training and courses towards licenses and certificates as excellent or good value more than two- and four-year college, with high schoolers generally showing more positive sentiment than the non-enrolled.