Pitching free micro-credentials for all - Herman M. Lagon, Mindanao Times

Enter the concept of the Free University Microcredential International (UMI) Hybrid Program—a groundbreaking proposal designed to democratize education on an unprecedented scale and to champion social justice by making it accessible and free for all who wish to enhance their employability. This innovative idea was formulated by a group of forward-thinking individuals, including the author of this column, during the Asian International Mobility for Students (AIMS) Summer Intensive Program held from August 1-8, 2024, at Hiroshima University, Japan. The heart of this proposal lies in the concept of micro-credentials. Micro-credentials are bite-sized, specialized certifications, or badges, pivoting on very specific skills or competencies. Unlike a traditional degree, which can take years to complete, micro-credentials are earned over a much shorter period of time, often just a few weeks or months. 

https://mindanaotimes.com.ph/impulses-pitching-free-micro-credentials-for-all/

Govt Should Subsidise Micro Cred Courses For Grads, Here’s Why - Business Today

Investments into smart city infrastructure, integration of artificial technology in digital services and new information technological services in finance require digital know-how necessary to effectively manage these developments. The issue however is the intense pace at which these developments are being facilitated, making it difficult for graduates in Malaysian universities to be sufficiently future-proof at the time of graduation, prepared with the necessary skillset. Graduates are typically syllabus bound during their time of study, subject to a curriculum that is often outdated and requiring years of auditing, reviewal and update before it can catch up with the latest trends. The implication that this has is that it leaves graduates with a skills match, affecting their overall employability.

https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2024/08/10/govt-should-subsidise-micro-cred-courses-for-grads-heres-why/

Self-Paced E-Learning Market size is set to grow by USD 6.17 billion from 2024-2028 - Technavio

The global self-paced e-learning market size is estimated to grow by USD 6.17 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.31% during the forecast period. Availability of subject proficiency assessments and certifications is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing popularity of microlearning. However, increase in number of free online courses poses a challenge.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/self-paced-e-learning-market-210500465.html

UNO Partnering With EDUCAUSE to Deliver Popular Professional Development Program

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) is excited to partner with EDUCAUSE, a national leader in advancing higher education with information technology, to launch a co-branded Learning Lab on Developing and Teaching a Humanized Course. EDUCAUSE is a community of more than 100,000 individuals at member organizations from around the world. As education rapidly grows into new digital spaces, it’s important to ensure that online learning environments have a humanized approach fostering empathy, active engagement, and valuable connections.

https://www.unomaha.edu/news/2024/08/uno-partnering-with-educause-to-deliver-popular-professional-development-program.php

Sault College Secures Funding to Develop Five New Micro-Credential Courses

Expanding on its comprehensive suite of micro-credential courses, Sault College has received $250,000 from the provincial government through the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund. Micro-credential courses offer flexible, self-paced learning opportunities to assist individuals looking to upskill and support evolving labour market needs. This funding will allow for the development of five new micro-credential courses:

Business Analytics: Content Creation Using AI

Business Analytics: Business Analysis Fundamentals

Business Analytics: Microsoft Power BI Fundamentals

Business Analytics: Data Analysis Using Power BI

Business Analytics: Business Analysis Using Excel

Each course will be designed with input from industry experts and partners ensuring relevance and practical application and are expected to be available by January 2025. These new courses will bring Sault College's micro-credential offerings to 190.

https://educationnewscanada.com/article/education/category/economy/96/1094971/sault-collegeaugust-9-2024-sault-college-secures-funding-to-develop-five-new-micro-credential-courses.html

In New Hampshire, a Mandate to Collaborate - Liam Knox, Inside Higher Ed

This spring, after weathering years of plunging enrollments and tuition revenue, New Hampshire lawmakers gave the state’s public colleges and universities an order: work together, or sink together. A state law passed in May requires the two systems to collaborate on easing credit transfer pathways, aligning enrollment initiatives and sharing recruitment resources, among other reforms. The systems will be required to follow recommendations for alignment put forward by a state task force in March. It’s the Legislature’s latest effort to reverse steadily declining enrollment trends.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/admissions/adult-post-traditional/2024/08/05/enrollment-woes-and-new-law-unite-new-hampshire

Brock launches new Business Admin Professional Certificate - Brock University

A new Professional Certificate in Business Administration offered by Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies (Brock PCS) is creating new opportunities for individuals seeking to strengthen their business skills. The professional certificate is the second to be offered by Brock PCS and the first to use micro-credentials as stackable components towards earning the qualification. “This certification was designed to help working professionals who may not have a business background obtain the skills required to manage a business or team,” says Barb Mercer, Associate Director, Brock Professional and Continuing Studies Programming.

https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2024/08/brock-launches-new-business-admin-professional-certificate/

eB-Valuate: Project in evaluation processes for integration of microcredentials - Times of Malta

This brief article outlines the eB-Valuate project, a collaborative effort between AllSecure Ltd operators of eBusiness Systems (eBS) and EduAlliance to establish a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution for microcredentials. The project was partially funded by Malta Council of Science & Technology (MSCT) as part of the Fusion R&D scheme focussed on commercialisation of Research & Development. The skills card approach adopted in the EU was taken as the benchmark reference for the development of the ebValuate system and platform. The EU SkillsCard is a standardized approach to documenting and verifying an individual's skills and qualifications for specific job-related tasks or professions across the European Union. It functions as a tool to promote mobility amongst EU countries since it offers a recognized format for skills documentation. The SkillsCard aims to ease movement of workers within the EU. It enhances transparency as employers can readily understand the qualifications of potential hires based on the SkillsCard. Similarly, it recognizes skills since the SkillsCard system can track skills obtained through various learning pathways, including formal education, vocational training, work-based learning, or non-formal courses. 

https://timesofmalta.com/article/ebvaluate-project-evaluation-processes-integration-a2.1096188

What is generative engine optimization (GEO)? - Christina Adame, Search Engine Land

Change is the only constant in today’s rapidly evolving digital marketing landscape. Keeping up with the latest innovations isn’t just a choice – it’s a necessity for survival. Generative engine optimization (GEO) is the latest major development revolutionizing the way people search and interact with information online. As GEO and its effects on SEO and digital marketing continue to evolve, we’ll cover the basics to equip you with the knowledge to navigate these dynamic changes and stay ahead.

https://searchengineland.com/what-is-generative-engine-optimization-geo-444418

Most ‘Good Jobs’ Will Require a Bachelor’s Degree by 2030s - Kathryn Palmer, Inside Higher Ed

While greater emphasis on workforce readiness and growing public skepticism about the value of a traditional college degree have led to a microcredential boom, these courses alone will be on par with a high school diploma’s ability to help applicants land a good job, according to a new report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce published Tuesday. “Our numbers are very clear: Bachelor’s and graduate degrees are going to dominate,” said Artem Gulish, senior federal policy adviser at CEW and co-author of the report. “They’ll require much more of those quantitative and analytical skills. The organizational and business complexities are going to grow with greater technological capabilities.”

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/tech-innovation/alternative-credentials/2024/07/30/2031-more-good-jobs-will-require-bachelors

The Michigander Scholars Program - Michigan Development Corporation

Michigan's talented workforce and education institutions make the state a top choice for employers to grow their business. To further grow the talent pipeline in Michigan, MEDC and the Talent Action Team (TAT) launched The Michigander Scholars program. The Michigander Scholars is one of many innovative solutions developed by MEDC Talent Solutions to help meet the tech workforce recruitment challenges of Michigan’s major industries. It is the first of its kind in the US, and an unprecedented public-private partnership with some of Michigan’s TAT employers and universities. The program provides qualifying tech and engineering undergraduate and graduate students with unprecedented access to industry knowledge, career opportunities, and scholarships. 

https://www.michiganbusiness.org/why-michigan/workforce/the-michigander-scholarship/

Student Success Champion: Q&A With Jennifer Lasater, Purdue Global - Ashley Mowreader, Inside Higher Ed

Adult learners are a growing population in higher education, but how colleges and universities serve post-traditional students looks different from best practices for their traditional-aged peers, as many hold additional responsibilities such as caregiving or full-time work. Purdue Global, Purdue University’s online arm, mainly serves adult learners, helping students complete a degree or credential and start their next career chapter. The Center for Career Advancement, led by Jennifer Lasater, vice president of student and career advancement, works to equitably reach students with career touch points throughout their time at the university, considering their career interests, geographic region and vocational goals.

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/student-success/life-after-college/2024/07/31/qa-purdue-global-vp-student-career-advancement

US graduates face cut-throat job market as companies scrap internships - Taylor Nicole Rogers, Financial Times

Goldman Sachs hired 200 fewer summer analysts this year than in 2023. JPMorgan reduced the size of its own class of summer analysts by 600, more than ten per cent of the total. Tesla rescinded its internship offers just weeks before students were due to start. As US employers attempt to cut costs and increase efficiency, in anticipation of an economic slowdown, internships have been axed. 

https://www.ft.com/content/b3684ec2-53ba-4fc3-9f21-c7454c310d3b

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/