Best Online Certificates In Information Technology - Doug Wintemute and Valerie Catalano, Forbes

Whether you’re attending college for the first time, returning to change your career or continuing your education in your field, pursuing a certificate in information technology online can be beneficial. These condensed and career-focused credentials provide direct and specialized training with a fraction of the commitment required for a full degree. Many schools offer certificates in various subjects, particularly regularly evolving disciplines like IT. These flexible and accessible programs help you make significant life and career changes in a short period, while also offering transfer credits and certification preparation in some cases. To help you choose among the growing number of study options available, we’ve ranked the 10 best certificates in information technology online. Find out what each program has to offer you.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/certifications/information-technology-certificate-online/

UBC Okanagan celebrates expansion, innovation during Nursing Week - UBC Okanagan

"Nurses perform vital work in our clinics, hospitals and communities. The new and expanded programs at UBC Okanagan will create more training opportunities for nurses looking to grow their knowledge as they care for British Columbians and their families," says Lisa Beare, Minister of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills. New Micro-Credentials in Primary Care UBCO Nursing launched the first of four micro-credentials, which will together comprise a Primary Care Practice Essentials Certificate. The certificate will build nurses' knowledge and skills in team-based primary care, which is crucial for health promotion, early disease detection and managing chronic disease. Specialty Nursing Pathways In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, the school is supported in integrating specialty nursing education pathways--including critical care, perinatal and perioperative nursing--into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. This will allow new graduates to move quickly and competently into specialty nursing practice.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Campus-Life/486426/UBC-Okanagan-celebrates-expansion-innovation-during-Nursing-Week

Minnesota college expands brewing degree with online-only course - Torey Van Oot, Axios Twin Cities

Dakota County Technical College's beer degree is going digital. Why it matters: The Minnesota school's new online-only Brewing Science and Production certificate trains aspiring brewers, regardless of where they live or the hours they work. The big picture: Stagnating consumption and production have sparked closures and consolidations across the Twin Cities' once-booming craft beer scene. Yes, but: Boosters of the program say those shifts make opportunities for continuing education more important, not less.

https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2024/05/08/craft-beer-certificate-online-dakota-county-techical-college-degree

Liberal Arts Microcredentials on the Rise - Sara Weissman, Inside Higher Ed

Colleges have recently begun to rapidly expand their microcredential offerings as state lawmakers clamor to fill workforce gaps and students question the value of a traditional degree. Such nondegree options have mostly proliferated in career and technical education fields, such as cybersecurity, information technology and welding. But some institutions are starting to branch out into microcredentials in the liberal arts disciplines, hoping to capitalize on the hype surrounding these flexible alternatives to degree programs and highlight the market value of the humanities, arts and social sciences.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2024/05/08/students-pursue-microcredentials-liberal

Empowering tomorrow’s scientists by inspiring today’s teachers - Massey University

It was through Horizons Regional Council’s Enviroschools scheme that Jiselle found out about the Science Teaching Leadership Programme, that provides opportunities for nominated teachers to connect with science organisations in their communities. Through this programme, teachers gain a deeper understanding of the nature of science and use their experiences to expand their school’s science curriculum to improve teaching and learning. With two months completed, she has already been inspired on how to enhance her school’s science programme upon her return in term three. She says the experience has shifted her perspective as an educator. “There has been immense value in this placement. It’s been insightful experiencing the conversations to explain data and problem-solving within a team that has a broad range of expertise, experience and perspective. Observing discourse and collaboration modelled well within this team of scientists has inspired me to develop this skill in pupils. Listening, thinking, contributing and relating well to others are all key competencies in the New Zealand curriculum that can be developed through an effective science programme.”

https://www.massey.ac.nz/about/news/empowering-tomorrows-scientists-by-inspiring-todays-teachers/

8 Reasons Why Microcredentials Are Popular - Christopher Pappas, eLearning Industry

Everything is becoming faster these days as life's rhythms increase and our schedules tighten. So, those in need of enriching their CVs and acquiring new skills often turn to quick, online solutions. Microcredentials are the credentials earned for completing short units of learning designed to equip you with skills and knowledge in a short period of time. They satisfy your desire for knowledge and give you some extra proof of expertise to boost your career. And it's because of their ability to offer targeted learning that microcredentials have gained popularity recently. Below, we will explore the reasons behind microcredential courses becoming the go-to learning solution and why that's a good idea.

https://elearningindustry.com/reasons-why-microcredentials-are-popular

Management practices in the implementation of police curriculum through blended learning - Mildred Bolinget & Bernadette Soliba, Educational Technology Quarterly

Few studies were found to have focused on curriculum implementation and management in police education vis-à-vis utilization of blended learning. Thus, this study, utilizing the embedded mixed-method design, determined the commonly employed management practices of the police training centres in implementing their curriculum through the blended learning approach in the Philippines and further identified the challenges encountered during the implementation. This study revealed that training centres have commonly employed management practices in classroom instruction, examination administration, non-academic activities, and management. Likewise, they effectively achieve the curriculum goals, deliver the subject matter, and provide learning experiences. However, minor challenges such as technological concerns, financial constraints, and human resource concerns emerged. Henceforth, providing appropriate infrastructure, promoting personnel welfare, enhancing learning experiences, investigating the causes of challenges, and adopting adaptive ways were suggested.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/380271481_Management_practices_in_the_implementation_of_police_curriculum_through_blended_learning

Miles College Launches Milestone, a New Academic Marketplace for Credentials and Certifications - Miles College

According to President Bobbie Knight, “this new initiative aims to provide students and professionals with valuable skills and knowledge in specialized areas, opening doors to enhanced career opportunities and professional growth.” Milestone offers current students, alumni, faculty and staff, corporate professionals, and local employees a range of non-credit courses and credentials. Users can access a library of hundreds of online credentials aligned with the fast-changing needs of today's workforce. "Colleges and universities must ensure that students can compete in an increasingly fast-changing, and often volatile, labor market," said Dr. Marjorie Hass, president of The Council of Independent Colleges. "Augmenting degree pathways in the humanities, arts, social sciences, and sciences with skills, experiences, and credentials give students a holistic education and a competitive edge in the workforce."

https://www.miles.edu/news/miles-college-launches-milestone-new-academic-marketplace-credentials-and-certifications

Legal Zems: Online Certificate Course On Legal Drafting 2024 - LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

Legal Zems, a prominent litigation-focused law firm, has introduced an online certificate course on Legal Drafting. The course, spanning 45 days from June 1st to July 15th, 2024, provides an exclusive opportunity for law students from recognized universities/colleges and recent law graduates to refine their legal drafting abilities. With a curriculum tailored to encompass various real court drafting scenarios, the program aims to equip participants with practical skills and profound insights into the legal field. The issuance of certificates will be contingent upon the successful completion of a 45 days course, accompanied by the successful completion of a qualifying examination. Students are required to diligently complete all assignments assigned by their instructor during the tenure.

https://www.livelaw.in/lawschool/diploma-certificate-courses/legal-zems-online-certificate-course-legal-drafting-256989

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