African continental approach to micro-credentials needed: Survey - Clemence Manyukwe, University World News

A survey of 28 African countries on micro-credentials has established that they are offered mostly by technical and vocational education and training (TVET) colleges, followed by higher education institutions, with respondents saying there is strong consensus on the importance of developing a common continental approach. The survey was undertaken as part of the African Continental Qualifications Framework (ACQF-II), which is being implemented in partnership with the European Training Foundation and the African Union. The ACQF-II initiative undertakes regular mapping of qualifications frameworks and related policies across the continent.5

https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=2024043009373914

Firms must embrace personalised learning for workforce development - Shannon Williams, IT Brief NZ

In the progressively dynamic and rapidly evolving world of work, personalised learning has come to the forefront as a key solution embraced by forward-thinking organisations. This practice is seen as essential in addressing the diverse needs and experiences of employees, be they widely dispersed remote workers or individuals managing hybrid work environments; thereby ensuring team members remain engaged, equipped, adaptable, and upskilled for the future. Tony Maguire, Regional Director for Australia & New Zealand at D2L, defines personalised learning as "more than having an individualised learning plan based on what learners already know and their learning preferences and styles." He perceives it as a novel approach that encourages self-sufficiency, empowering employees to proactively manage their workplace and skills development alongside their professional journey. 

https://itbrief.co.nz/story/firms-must-embrace-personalised-learning-for-workforce-development

What Do We Know About Micro-Credentials? Academic Minute - Doug Lederman, Inside Higher Ed

Daniel Douglas is a Lecturer in Sociology & Director of Social Science Research at Trinity College in Hartford, CT. He is also a Senior Researcher at the Education and Employment Research Center at Rutgers University. My colleagues and I surveyed students in non-credit programs at two community colleges.  A review of existing studies on non-degree credentials, including micro-credentials, found that outcomes like hiring and wages varied widely. Micro-credentials in high-demand fields like IT and construction appeared more valuable than those in office administration or education. But lacking systematic evidence, micro-credentials should be viewed at this point as a supplement to degrees, not a replacement for them.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/quick-takes/2024/04/30/what-do-we-know-about-micro-credentials-academic-minute

Alternative Credentials: A Best Practice Guide for Latin America and the Caribbean - the Dialog

Micro-credentials have the potential to promote social and economic mobility for individuals in and out of the labor market in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) through a cost-effective, relevant model adapted to changing industry needs. For institutions, the alternative credential approach can increase enrollment, especially of traditional and non-traditional students, improve institutional reputation and the quality of existing curricular offerings, and foster more and better partnerships with companies and key industry players. Given the reported benefits, how do we promote quality micro-credential offerings and their effective adoption in Latin American and Caribbean institutions?

https://www.thedialogue.org/analysis/alternative-credentials-a-best-practice-guide-for-latin-america-and-the-caribbean/

Higher Education Regional Alliance secures $1.5 million in federal funding for microcredential programs - Cara Spoto, Biz Times

The Higher Education Regional Alliance of Wisconsin (HERA) announced it has secured $1.5 million in federal funding to accelerate the development and implementation of new microcredential programs. The funding will allow HERA, an alliance of 17 southeastern Wisconsin higher education institutions and partners, to develop at least 20 new priority microcredentials to serve 400-plus users during a one-year pilot phase in 2025, according to a press release issued Monday.

https://biztimes.com/higher-education-regional-alliance-secures-1-5-million-in-federal-funding-for-microcredential-programs/

Embed microcredentials into lifelong learning for optimal skill-building - FE

A vital consideration around the importance of offering microcredentials is social mobility and ensuring that the education system is fit for everyone, regardless of background, ability or pathway. Through funded, flexible and market-relevant courses we can equip people with highly valued skills that will enable them to get better-paid jobs. Facilitation of microcredentials is the next hurdle. While microcredential providers can improve their offerings and work to increase awareness and accessibility, it is also essential to employ a robust Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to facilitate courses and content. 

https://www.fenews.co.uk/exclusive/embed-microcredentials-into-lifelong-learning-for-optimal-skill-building/

Policies promoting digital education credentials - Sopiko Beriashvili & Michael Trucano, Brookings

Policymakers, organizations, and practitioners around the world that are attempting to implement digital credentials and LERs at scale have identified three common challenges. Countries do not often consider employers as key stakeholders in the process of developing and implementing policies surrounding digital credentials and LERs. It is often unclear how digital credential and LER programs should be funded once they move beyond pilot stages, which are typically publicly funded. Countries may need to make changes in existing legal frameworks in order to support the implementation of digital credential and LER initiatives.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/policies-promoting-digital-education-credentials/

Why we’re developing micro-credentials – and you should too - Louise Wolsey & Mark O'Reilly, FE Week

As a group of eight FE colleges across north and south east London (along with partner sixth form colleges, HE providers and adult education centres), we’re doing just that. After being awarded £6.5 million as part of the Government’s Local Skills Improvement Fund, we’re using a chunk of that to consult closely with employers and design new courses and qualifications. Specifically, we’re focusing on micro-credentials in green and digital skills. These mini courses are based around a particular learning outcome an employer has told us they need. They can be a stand-alone qualification or can be stacked to form part of a larger qualification which could be equivalent to a HNC or HND.

https://feweek.co.uk/why-were-developing-micro-credentials-and-you-should-too/

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