New online short course offers free evidence-based classroom management assistance - EducationHQ News Team (AU)

A free micro-credential course on classroom management has been released this week for any teacher keen to upskill in ‘preventive and proactive’ strategies to improve student behaviour and engagement. 

Taking an estimated 48 hours to complete, the short course will see participants “investigate strategies for creating safe, predictable, productive and orderly learning environments...”. Offered by the University of Adelaide, and designed for both primary and secondary educators, the self-paced course is aligned to the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers at the highly accomplished level. Funded by the Federal Government, the targeted course is part of the broader National Teacher Workforce Action Plan and builds on the Engaged Classrooms initiative, which is developing free classroom management resources for teachers.

https://educationhq.com/news/new-online-short-course-offers-free-evidence-based-classroom-management-assistance-177886/

New class of hometown interns embarks on adventure - Norfolk Daily News

Hometown interns began the summer at a retreat in Keith County where they connected with their peers and learned about asset-based community development, an approach to development that focuses on identifying and leveraging the strengths and assets within a community. Over the course of the summer, they worked alongside their supervisors and other members of their local affiliated fund on a mission to discover and unleash the assets in their community. “This internship isn't just about gaining experience,” said Becky Boesen, NCF community and cultural impact specialist. “It's designed to be a journey of self-discovery and shared growth. Together, we'll explore roads less taken, lift up hidden assets, celebrate the uniqueness of our places and co-create an experience alongside local affiliated funds that will add value to the future of both students and their communities.”

https://norfolkdailynews.com/news/new-class-of-hometown-interns-embarks-on-adventure/article_a022c13c-4e82-11ef-a03d-87c8a7aa9868.html

Oregon Tech launches 12 online professional certificates in writing; social, culture, and ethics; and business and technology

Oregon Tech’s Online Learning campus is expanding its offerings with 12 new certificates. The expansion is in response to growing demand in three focus areas: writing; social, culture, and ethics; and business and technology. Oregon Tech’s Dean of Online Learning and Global Engagement Ruth Claire Black, Ed.D., explained that demand for online certificates is increasing nationwide with strong enrollment increases among young students and individuals in career transition and those seeking career advancement. “This new suite of online certificate offerings will support these student communities and expand Oregon Tech’s reach to include students who are not looking for a full degree program,” said Dr. Black.

https://www.oit.edu/news/oregon-tech-launches-12-online-professional-certificates-writing-social-culture-and-ethics-and

New online certificate prepares grad students for complex challenges of US democracy - Hailey Torborg, ASU

In order to help students explore these complexities, Arizona State University is now offering an American studies program through the School of Social Transformation, with an exciting new addition tailored to online graduate students. ASU Online launched the new American studies graduate certificate, offered by The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, further expanding its courses for students seeking online education. This new certificate allows students to explore the different experiences that make up the United States, the global impact of the U.S. and how diverse communities work together to achieve social change.

https://news.asu.edu/american-studies-online-certificate

Best Data Science Certifications Of 2024 - Heidi Borst, Forbes

The demand for skilled data scientists is skyrocketing in today’s data-driven world. As industries strive to harness the power of data, professionals who can extract insights and drive informed decision making are in high demand. Online data science certificates offer a flexible and accessible pathway to acquire the skills required in this dynamic field. These certifications allow you to learn from industry experts and gain hands-on experience. But with so many choices, where do you begin? In this guide, we explore six reputable online data science certificate programs. 

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/certifications/best-data-science-certifications/

University of Houston-Downtown Elevates Wind Energy Industry with Innovative Online Certificate Program - Energy Central

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is making significant strides in the renewable energy sector with the launch of its Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program. This cutting-edge program is designed to meet the global demand for skilled technicians capable of servicing, diagnosing, repairing, and installing wind turbines and related equipment. UHD's Wind Turbine Technician Certificate Program is offered online and asynchronously, allowing students the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

https://energycentral.com/news/university-houston-downtown-elevates-wind-energy-industry-innovative-online-certificate-program

A look at part of Amazon’s $1.2 billion on-the-job training investment - David Brancaccio and Alex Schroeder, Marketplace

Amazon has pledged to spend $1.2 billion to provide free skills training to about 300,000 Amazon employees. Part of that is an apprenticeship program for running and fixing robots at company warehouses, with hopes of future career advancement for participants.  J. Ofori Agboka is Amazon’s vice president of People Experience and Technology. "I’m actually right now at one of our newest fulfillment centers that’s opening up where, you pointed out, people will be sorting and picking and stowing, but they’re gonna be working alongside some amazing robots. And so our apprenticeship program is a three-month in-class, technical learning, online learning, experiential learning, and then … hours of on-the-job training to get you upskilled, knowledgeable and comfortable with working with and around the machinery to keep these robots moving, working properly, and coming on to the next generation."

https://www.marketplace.org/2024/07/17/a-look-at-part-of-amazons-1-2-billion-on-the-job-training-investment/

Part of the Story: From Disney Interns to Disney Technologists - Disney

At The Walt Disney Company, the possibilities for your career are endless. Meet five technologists at Disney who started their careers as Disney Interns and now work for the company in full-time roles.

https://sites.disney.com/lifeatdisney/employee-stories/2024/07/16/part-of-the-story-from-disney-interns-to-disney-technologists/

DOE Applications for 2025 Student Internships Open

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2025 term of two programs offered by the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science (SC): the Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program and the Community College Internships (CCI) program. The application deadline for the two programs is 5:00 pm (ET) October 2, 2024. Through the SULI and CCI programs, undergraduate students and recent graduates discover science and technology careers at the DOE national laboratories and gain the experience needed to transition from internship to employment. Interns work directly with national laboratory scientists and engineers, assisting them on research or technology projects that support the DOE mission.

https://www.hpcwire.com/off-the-wire/doe-applications-for-2025-student-internships-open/

ODU Receives $100k Grant for Federal Work-Study Internship Program - Kelsey Kendall, Old Dominion University

The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia awarded Old Dominion University a two-year $100,000 grant to support innovative work-based learning for students. The grant, which was awarded through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership, will allow the University to pilot the Federal Work-Study Internship Program this fall. This allows on-campus Federal Work-Study jobs to function more like internships and promotes work-based learning for all students. “ODU’s Center for Career & Leadership Development is excited to continue working with SCHEV to expand work-based learning opportunities to college students by making Federal Work-Study (FWS) positions more internship-like by incorporating career readiness competencies,” said Lisa Moser, associate director for experiential learning.

https://www.odu.edu/article/odu-receives-100k-grant-for-federal-work-study-internship-program

Role and significance of artificial intelligence in diverse fields (and internships) - the Statesman

The participation of students in AI internships belonging to management, commerce, humanities, and liberal arts is rising exponentially, thereby propelling interdisciplinary collaboration and leading to more innovative and people-centric solutions. Students of such streams often possess skills such as critical thinking, interpersonal communication, soft skills, etc., that are valuable for fine-tuning AI approaches. By participating in AI internships and live projects, these students can contribute their diverse skills to tasks like data analysis, user experience design, market research, business ethics, etc., which make AI models more socially responsive. AI applications have profound implications for societal well-being through ethical considerations, bias mitigation, and enhancing accessibility. 

https://www.thestatesman.com/supplements/career/role-and-significance-of-artificial-intelligence-in-diverse-fields-1503318588.html

Micro-Credentials offer bite-sized skills to boost youth employability - Cape Business News

At 45,4%, South Africa’s youth unemployment rate dwarfs the national average (32,9%), highlighting the struggle many young people face entering the workforce. Though a traditional university degree can increase job prospects, factors like cost, time commitment, and location often make it inaccessible. Furthermore, 35,5% of young South Africans are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), further compounding the problem. “A means to reducing this is through online micro-credentials, which are compact courses certifying specific skills and knowledge that can overcome these barriers by providing young people with access to learning, thereby improving their chances of employability,” says Dr Andrew Dickson, engineering executive at CBI-electric: low voltage.

https://www.cbn.co.za/industry-news/skills-training-development/micro-credentials-offer-bite-sized-skills-to-boost-youth-employability/

Governor touts ‘Ready for Industry’ program, free online learning for high-demand jobs - Northern Ky Tribune

Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that Kentuckians seeking to enter the workforce now have free access to a new online learning program to help prepare them for good jobs in several high-demand industries. Team Kentucky is offering free access to the Ready for Industry program thanks to $5 million in funding awarded to the Education and Labor Cabinet through a federal Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training (QUEST) grant. Each Ready for Industry course is 15-20 hours of instruction designed to help jobseekers understand what it’s like to work in several high-demand industries, like manufacturing, health care, information technology, transportation, distribution and logistics and architecture and construction.

https://nkytribune.com/2024/07/governor-touts-ready-for-industry-program-free-online-learning-for-high-demand-jobs/

Fostering Upward Mobility through Low-Cost Certification: A Practical Guide for Higher Education - Melissa Wells, Faculty Focus

The development of programs that not only meet the needs of working people but also guarantee their upward mobility through accessible, affordable routes is essential in the effort to improve the quality of education and assist different learners. The new Teaching Assistant Certificate Program at Empire State University is a prime example of a workable strategy for accomplishing this objective. It was created especially to help paraprofessionals—including those from underrepresented groups—to progress in the teaching profession (Smith and Johnson, 2021).

https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/course-design-ideas/fostering-upward-mobility-through-low-cost-certification-a-practical-guide-for-higher-education/

The push for micro-credentials in Singapore: What are they and are they for you? - Jalelah Abu Baker, CNA

These courses, called micro-credentials, are already being offered by Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), but will be improved, Education Minister Chan Chun Sing said on Tuesday (Jul 9) at the SkillsFuture Forum 2024. He cited numbers showing that they are popular: The number of completed micro-credential courses increased from 34,000 in 2019 to 42,000 in 2022.  The providers, which include polytechnics, universities and Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs), will standardise the naming of such courses. They are also working on how to make micro-credentials recognisable across institutions.  More micro-credentials are set to be developed, especially on skills in emerging areas, including in collaboration with industry. 

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/micro-credentials-institutes-higher-learning-moe-chan-chun-sing-skills-upgrade-4475331

State university ‘microcredential’ programs offer flexible education for high-needs industries - BROOKLYN DRAISEY, Iowa Capital Dispatch

From his experience working with Iowa State University business students seeking a deeper education through microcredential programs, Board of Regents member JC Risewick said the skills, experience and enthusiasm they’ve shown would get them hired on the spot. Microcredentials are what Iowa State University Associate Provost Ann Marie VanDerZanden described as shorter disciplinary programs that instill knowledge, skills and abilities through focused learning. She said they allow learners to get a leg up on the workforce competition and possibly push them to receiving more educational credentials down the line. “They’re coming out of school with some really specific skill sets that they can use right away,” Risewick said. “So I think these are wonderful programs.”

https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2024/02/28/state-university-microcredential-programs-offer-flexible-education-for-high-needs-industries/

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.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/how-to-choose-a-microcredential

Weber State University to develop degrees, certificates taught in Spanish - Rob Nielse, Standard

Weber State University is launching a sweeping program in the hope of building a stronger bilingual workforce. The university announced last month it is aiming to develop a program that will offer certificates and degrees through classes taught entirely in Spanish. Known as the Building Puentes program, the effort was made possible in large part thanks to a $2.5 million grant from the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, according to a press release. “The Building Puentes program will offer ‘stackable credentials’ — courses designed to build on each other so that a certificate could count toward an associate’s degree, which could then count toward a bachelor’s degree in the same area of study,” the release said.

https://www.standard.net/news/education/2024/apr/08/weber-state-university-to-develop-degrees-certificates-taught-in-spanish/

CU Boulder, Google launch free career certificate program for students and staff - University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder is the first four-year institution in Colorado to partner with Google to offer the Google Career Certificates program.“This innovative partnership—the first of its kind in the state—allows students to add a quality, industry-recognized credential to their collegiate experience potentially enhancing a student’s marketability in the workforce,” said Angie Paccione, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. “It also aligns with our stackable credentials work, which allows employers to inform postsecondary program curriculum to ensure graduates are developing the skills and competencies most valued by employers—a clear win-win for students and employers.”

https://www.colorado.edu/today/2024/02/05/cu-boulder-google-launch-free-career-certificate-program-students-and-staff

Stackable certificates kickstart career opportunities - Seattle Times

Across Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges, stackable certificate programs are growing to align with the needs of both students and employers. Through these programs, students learn specific, job-related skills and knowledge in a relatively short period of time, often ranging from a few months to a year. Students can immediately improve their economic status with certificates, and later return to college and apply those certificates to associate and bachelor’s degrees. Stackable certificates benefit students of all ages and stages in their careers. People use them to kick-start their careers, to change jobs, or to move up in their current professions.

https://www.seattletimes.com/sponsored/stackable-certificates-kickstart-career-opportunities/

ASU introduces trailblazing 'stackable microcredentials' pilot -Braveman Mpafa, ASU

Arizona State University's Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering is at the forefront of transforming engineering and technology education through "stackable microcredentials." These microcredentials address the urgent demand for adaptable upskilling and reskilling across engineering and technology fields, reflecting the dynamic nature of today's workforce requirements. According to the World Economic Forum, in an era where job skills expire in less than five years, and technical expertise deteriorates even faster, stackable microcredentials offer a timely remedy. The World Economic Forum’s 2020 Future of Jobs Report highlights that, by 2025, half of the global workforce will require reskilling, emphasizing the urgent necessity for ongoing learning and skill augmentation.

https://news.asu.edu/20240402-science-and-technology-asu-introduces-trailblazing-stackable-microcredentials-pilot