Saturday, April 30, 2022

Employers Claim to Value Alternative Credentials. Do Their Practices Match Their Promises? - Rebecca Koenig, EdSurge

There’s plenty of interest among workforce experts about the potential of alternative credentials—like certificates, badges and apprenticeships—to help more people find better jobs without necessarily having to go to college. But in order for that to actually work, employers have to value those credentials. Many company leaders say that they do, as part of their efforts to reward skills, not just degrees. And some employers even issue their own credentials, like IBM and Google. Yet all that rhetoric hinges on the moment when a resume lands on the desk of a hiring manager. 

https://www.edsurge.com/news/2022-04-20-employers-claim-to-value-alternative-credentials-do-their-practices-match-their-promises

Friday, April 29, 2022

Rutgers Business School offers stackable certificate programs - Linda Linder, ROI-NJ

Rutgers Business School is offering a twist on traditional learning: stackable programs and microcourses designed to upskill working professionals who are intent on keeping pace with the rapidly changing work world. The Newark and New Brunswick institution said it is planning innovative new programs to draw on the transformative idea of stackable credentials, with an eye to the forces shaping the future of higher education. The programs are designed to instruct students in nontraditional course formats, even if they don’t attain a full master’s degree to do it.

https://www.roi-nj.com/2022/04/20/education/rutgers-business-school-offers-stackable-certificate-programs/

Thursday, April 28, 2022

Digital Credentials Will See an Explosion of Demand, Experts Say - IBL News

The number of digital credentials issued in 2021 saw a 67% growth, according to Accrediblle. Experts expect that this year will be an explosion of demand. The consensus is that the market for digital credentials platforms and products is on fire. The Biden Administration’s view is contributing to this increase. During his first State of the Union Address, President Biden supported skills-based hiring, stressing that “millions of Americans without a college degree are needlessly disadvantaged in the pursuit of good jobs, even when they have the skills and knowledge employers need.”

https://iblnews.org/digital-credentials-will-see-an-explosion-of-demand-experts-say/

Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Micro-Credentials : Macro-Rewards - Digital Promise

Technology has transformed the workplace. How we learn and recognize learning must also transform. Individuals develop new skills while working and are seeking opportunities to be recognized for their professional growth. Research suggests that traditional frameworks and models for recognizing professional growth and providing professional advancement opportunities don’t meet the needs of today’s workers. Micro-credentials provide a pathway to personalizing and recognizing professional learning. They allow employers to verify the skills their employees demonstrate, regardless of where and how they learned them.

https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/educator-micro-credentials/

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

Ten Facts You Need to Know About Micro-Credentials -Contact North | Contact Nord

Micro-credentials are increasingly seen as key to the future of work and learning(link is external) and to ensuring entry to the workforce becomes more accessible to more people.(link is external). 

https://teachonline.ca/tools-trends/ten-facts-you-need-know-about-micro-credentials

Sunday, April 24, 2022

Micro-credentials: What they are and how they can help you secure a job - the Standard

A digital credential is a piece of data that carries information about a learning achievement someone has earned. This might include the training provider, a description of the learning, when the credential was issued and who received it, explains the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Learners can use these digital badges to easily share and verify their learning. For example, through social media, an e-portfolio or a CV.

https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/work-life/article/2001443348/micro-credentials-what-they-are-and-how-they-can-help-you-secure-a-job

Saturday, April 23, 2022

The Tech Labor Shortage Is Only Set to Grow. These Companies Think Apprenticeships Are the Answer - REBECCA DECZYNSKI, Inc.

Apprenticeships have a different structure than internships, and they can reach a different audience, too. For an apprentice's term--typically a year--they receive paid on-the-job training, usually working with a mentor who helps them through the ins and outs of their position. At the end of their term, they're brought on into a full-time, entry level position. "The company gets to hire folks that they already know, and the investment is less than the cost of going out and finding new people," Carlson says.

https://www.inc.com/rebecca-deczynski/apprenticeships-multiverse-apprenti-onesignal-tech-labor-shortage.html

Friday, April 22, 2022

Canvas LMS Acquires the Micro-Credentials Issuer and Partner Badgr - IBL News

Instructure Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: INST), owner of Canvas LMS, announced yesterday the acquisition of partner Concentric Sky, the maker of Badgr, for an undisclosed amount. Currently, Badgr is the default micro-credentialing tool within Canvas LMS. Now, Badgr will be rebranded as “Canvas Badges.” “With Badgr, the Concentric Sky team has developed the gold standard for verifiable, skill-aligned micro-credentials, fast becoming the currency between learning outcomes and employment opportunities,” said Steve Daly, CEO of Instructure.

https://iblnews.org/canvas-lms-buys-the-micro-credentials-issuer-and-partner-badgr/

Thursday, April 21, 2022

Bond University promotes micro-credentials with tiny interactive doors - Shawn Lim, the Drum

Each has a unique QR code that people can scan for further information on the door locations, as well as a behind-the-scenes film with the artist who created them. “Bond University’s micro-credentials courses were designed in response to market needs and developed in collaboration with industry partners,” said Lisa Shaw, the manager of the micro-credential unit at Bond University. “Our flexible, skills-based learning enables professionals to upskill, advance their careers, change direction, or dive deeper into a specific area.”

https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/04/13/bond-university-promotes-micro-credentials-with-tiny-interactive-doors

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

New Mexico to launch adult diploma program - Roswell Daily Record

New Mexico adults have a new option for attaining a secondary school credential with the National External Diploma Program thanks to a partnership between the New Mexico Higher Education and Public Education Departments. Starting this year, New Mexico will recognize adult diplomas awarded under the National External Diploma Program as valid secondary credentials, according to a press release issued by NMHED.

https://www.rdrnews.com/2022/04/05/new-mexico-to-launch-adult-diploma-program/

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

What the surge in online MBA programs means for business schools - MEGHAN MALAS, Fortune

In November 2021, Stern became the first among the top 10 business schools in Fortune’s ranking to launch a hybrid MBA program. Students in Stern’s online/modular part-time option can complete the core MBA curriculum online, and then complete a portion of their elective courses in person in New York City, through modules, weeknight classes, or Saturday classes. “Adapting, aligning with a changing workplace, and meeting the changing needs of working professionals is a top priority for us,” Gallogly says. The program’s launch was particularly timely and relevant, given the rise of hybrid work and increased demand for the ability to customize the MBA experience with work and life, he adds. 

https://fortune.com/education/business/articles/2022/04/08/what-the-surge-in-online-mba-programs-means-for-business-schools/

Monday, April 18, 2022

Universities must go hybrid to stay relevant, says Coursera CEO - Tom Williams, Times Higher Ed

Students will soon expect to be able to get both a degree and a professional certificate from their university, according to the chief executive of one of the world’s largest edtech firms, who believes that the change will be the next major development in online learning.  Jeff Maggioncalda, who has run Coursera since 2017, said job-specific training courses for students, developed alongside top businesses, is the biggest growth area for his platform.

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/news/universities-must-go-hybrid-stay-relevant-says-coursera-ceo

Sunday, April 17, 2022

Forsyth Tech Receives Funding for Micro-credentials: Biomedical Emerging Technology Application Skill Standards - Devin Purgason, Yes Weekly

Forsyth Tech Community College has received more than $100,000 in funding from the National Science Foundation Advanced Technical Education (NSF/ATE) to support micro-credentials. Micro-credentials, often described and issued as digital badges, are a recent development for workforce training and skills building. According to Forbes Magazine, however, they are important to effectively recruit, retain and upskill workers. Forsyth Tech’s National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce (NCBW), based at the Innovation Quarter, will use the funds to implement a 2023 in-person workshop for instructors, to introduce and pilot new BETA Skills micro-credentials in collaboration with the Bioscience Core Skills Institute of Kansas (BCSI, www.coreskillsinstitute.com).

https://www.yesweekly.com/business/forsyth-tech-receives-funding-for-micro-credentials-biomedical-emerging-technology-application-skill-standards-beta/article_5f940d94-b689-11ec-b55e-9bac7a3ca113.html

Saturday, April 16, 2022

George Washington, Pittsburgh, and Seton Hall expand certificate and program offerings - Trevor Mason, PreLaw

George Washington University Law School is working with the Animal Legal Defense Fund to create the Animal Legal Education initiative. The goal is to develop animal law as a stand-alone discipline that is fully integrated into legal education. The University of Pittsburgh School of Law is adding two new certificates to its online certificate programs. The new programs are a Sport, Entertainment, and Arts Law Certificate and a Corporate Compliance Certificate.  Seton Hall Law School is introducing the Gaming, Hospitality, Entertainment, and Sports Law Program (“GHamES”). The program is a response to the constant shifts in each of these industries as well as the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on travel and recreation.

https://nationaljurist.com/george-washington-pittsburgh-and-seton-hall-expand-certificate-and-program-offerings/

Friday, April 15, 2022

Micro-credential programs surge at UB - CHARLES ANZALONE, University of Buffalo

In 2018, UB unveiled 10 micro-credential programs. Since then, interest in these nimble and innovative educational programs, which provide in-demand workforce skills and a more personalized higher education experience, has exploded. There are now 78 micro-credential programs, including everything from data science and clinical pharmacy research to quality engineering and social justice. More than 3,330 students enrolled in UB micro-credentials last fall semester.

https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2022/04/micro-credentials.html

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Opportunities and threats of alternative credentials - EAB

Stackable certificates, microcredentials, and MOOCs 2.0—among a plethora of alternative offerings—are evolving quickly, engaging a growing share of post-baccalaureate learners. Continuing education leaders are concerned that traditional approaches to alternative degrees are being disrupted, potentially replaced altogether. But college and university leaders are also looking to the market for revenue growth and diversification. In fact, a recent survey of adult and grad leaders showed over 70% believe alternative credentials will help them meet their revenue goals. To maximize the market opportunity and minimize the disruption presented by alternative credentials, institutions will need to rethink both their investments in and approaches to post-baccalaureate programs. 

https://eab.com/research/professional-and-adult-education/past-event/opportunities-threats-alternative-credentials/

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Frostburg State University’s new academic programs serve workforce needs - Cumberland Times-News

In an effort to provide real-world, high-quality training to working adults, FSU has launched the Working Professional Certificates program in Manufacturing Leadership, Retail Management, Small Business Management and Nonprofit Management. The Working Professional Certificates program, designed for students with an associate degree or equivalent, is designed to take one year of part-time study, earning 12 to 18 credits. Coursework will be entirely online, with accessible scheduling for working adults. Students may also apply the credits toward a bachelor’s degree.

https://www.times-news.com/outlook/outlook-frostburg-state-university-s-new-academic-programs-serve-workforce-needs/article_8232be3e-a925-11ec-b041-0370dc6fa4ce.html

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

Savannah State University Kicks Off New Live Events Certificate Program - Destiny Wiggins, HCBU Buzz

Savannah State University is kicking off a new certificate program with an unlikely partner!Savannah State University has partnered with an American exhibition basketball team to give students real-world experience on what it takes to build a career in the live entertainment industry. SSU’S new live events certificate program will create opportunities for students to learn about merchandising operations, tour management, licensing requirements and all things to play a role in putting together live entertainment. School officials say students have already shown interest in the program. 

Monday, April 11, 2022

University of Northern Iowa launches new, flexible general education program - Andrew Wind, Courier

The University of Northern is launching a new, more flexible general education program that puts a greater focus on career needs. The result of a years-long process by faculty and administrators, UNI Foundational Inquiry – or UNIFI – will be offered starting in the fall. “We were hoping to provide students with more flexibility, and I think we achieved that through a longer list of courses and innovative courses,” said Brenda Bass, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The program helps students stay on track with their major because there are fewer credit requirements than the 45 needed to complete what is now called the liberal arts core. “It ends up being 37 credits,” said Professor Jeremy Schraffenberger, UNIFI curriculum coordinator. Those working on UNIFI had been charged with creating a 36-credit program. But they added one more for a science lab experience.

https://wcfcourier.com/news/local/education/university-of-northern-iowa-launches-new-flexible-general-education-program/article_12b3410b-6ee6-53be-92f1-2a056be8ccf5.html

Sunday, April 10, 2022

UGA students will soon be able to enroll in the Certificate in News Literacy program - LaShawn Hudson, WABE

University of Georgia (UGA) students of any major will soon have the opportunity to enroll in classes that explain and explore the role and function of news, journalistic responsibility and journalism ethics. The Cox Institute for Journalism Innovation, Management and Leadership at UGA is launching the Certificate in News Literacy program this fall. Charlotte Norsworthy, a newsroom adviser for the Red & Black student newspaper and program coordinator for the News Literacy Certificate, and Keith Herndon, a professor of journalism at UGA and the executive director of the Cox Institute for Journalism, were guests on  Friday’s edition of “Closer Look.”

https://www.wabe.org/uga-students-will-soon-be-able-to-enroll-in-the-certificate-in-news-literacy-program/