Washington State Partners with Amazon to Train, Certify High-Schoolers in Cloud Computing - Kristal Kuykendall, THE Journal

Washington public schools are partnering with Amazon Web Services in a statewide program to train and certify 2,500 high school students in cloud computing over the next three years, according to a recent announcement from the state’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. OSPI said it will collaborate with AWS to prepare high school students for cloud computing careers, including modernizing and expanding course offerings across Washington to train students in artificial intelligence, big data, machine learning, cybersecurity, and other cloud-related skills.

https://thejournal.com/articles/2021/12/20/washington-state-partners-with-amazon-to-train-and-certify-high-schoolers-in-cloud-computing.aspx

The future requires durable skills - Laura Ascione, eCampus News

The price of a college degree continues to creep higher across the country. But has the value of that degree kept pace? Students expect their investment in college to pay off in the form of meaningful employment. However, according to new data, both recent grads and HR managers believe that the absence of durable skills–including people skills–training in higher education offers an opportunity for colleges and universities to partner with students and employers in closing a critical skills gap. 

https://www.ecampusnews.com/2021/12/23/the-future-requires-durable-skills/

International Council on Badges and Credentials [ICoBC] - LinkedIn

Last week was definitely among the highlights since the International Council on Badges and Credentials [ICoBC] was launched: we conducted our first Symposium, were on stage at the #SpeexxExchange and chaired sessions at #OEB. 📽️ During our own Symposium and the OEB Global Conference, we recorded a series of short videos which we proudly present on our new YouTube channel (please feel free to subscribe). Thanks a lot to Rupert Ward, Borhene Chakroun, Ebba Ossiannilsson, Helen Gray, Tom Wambeke, Oliver Janoschka, Paul Hearn, Geraldine Voost, Line Palle Andersen, Andreas Hörfurter, Ulf-Daniel Ehlers, Rolf Reinhardt, Brian Mulligan, Jan Muehlig and Hakan Y. for calling for more collaboration in the emerging field of #openbadges and #digitalcredentials.

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6874008378042150912/

Learning this skill could help reduce work burnout, according to an anxiety expert - Jennifer Liu, CNBC

Work burnout and stress levels remain sky-high as Americans prepare to enter year three of the pandemic. To address this, organizations should invest in manager training that teaches them how to deliver the right type of directional or support-based help depending on the situation, Riegel says. Managers could also learn to recognize signs of anxiety, stress and burnout, and facilitate conversations or connect employees with resources that can help them manage the strain. These trainings must be viewed from a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, she adds.

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/20/anxiety-expert-learning-this-skill-could-help-reduce-work-burnout.html

Research to accredit young people in the arts - Celina Lei, Arts Hub

A new project aims to improve the employment profile of young arts workers through micro-credentials. Youths gain invaluable and transferable skills in the arts. Photo: courtesy of Australian Theatre for Young People. Young people will soon be accredited for the invaluable skills they learn while taking part in youth arts activities, thanks to a newly funded research project conducted by universities and the Australian Council for the Arts. The Australian Research Council linkage project, Vital arts: young people and skills for their futures will be run by researchers at RMIT, RMIT Vietnam, Deakin University, and the Australian Council and was awarded $900,000 for research to be conducted between early 2022 and 2024.

https://www.artshub.com.au/news/news/research-to-accredit-young-people-in-the-arts-2521126/

The Value Of Taking Courses For Your Career - Georgia Shappard, the Talko

Get ahead in your career by looking into professional development courses. If anything, courses make you a stronger candidate and valuable worker. Especially in the age of technology, there is a need to interact with software, AI and manage systems. Jobs in education, social work, healthcare and more will be required to have tech and data skills more and more in the future. It might seem overwhelming, or difficult especially for people who are just entering the real work after college but try to see it as a way of helping yourself to gain more skills to do your job and succeed in your future career.

https://www.thetalko.com/the-value-of-taking-courses-for-your-career/

CSM Earns Top National Ranking In Seven Categories - College of Southern Maryland

The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) has received top national rankings in a number of categories – including its degree and certificate programs in Business Administration, Administration and Management, IT and Systems Programs, and Accounting. CSM was also listed as one of Maryland’s top community colleges and overall online college. The research firm Intelligent.com based its findings on CSM’s flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost and reputation.

https://www.thebaynet.com/articles/1221/csm-earns-top-national-ranking-in-seven-categories-including-1-in-business-administration-degree-program.html

Lakehead University awarded funding for tourism training program - Orillia Matters

Lakehead University has been awarded $224,150 by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities as part of the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund to develop micro-credentials focused on strengthening Ontario’s tourism industry. Announced in April 2021, the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund is intended to accelerate the development of micro-credentials and expand program offerings. Ontario post-secondary institutions, working with local industry and employers were encouraged to submit a proposal to apply for funding to develop new or expand existing micro-credentials.

https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/lakehead-university-awarded-funding-for-tourism-training-program-4871050

Growing ‘maze’ of education credentials is confusing consumers, employers - Jon Marcus, Washington Post

There is, in fact, a “maze” of nearly a million unique education credentials in the United States, the nonprofit Credential Engine reports, including not only degrees but also badges, certificates, licenses, apprenticeships and industry certifications. More have popped up during the pandemic as career-switchers seek education and training. The result is confusion among employers scrambling for workers — and growing concern that unsavory players may be taking advantage to sell fraudulent credentials. “What folks are struggling with is whether or not that credential means what it says it means,” said Julie Uranis, vice president for online and strategic initiatives at the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/12/26/education-credential-certificate-scams/

Women, Blacks And Hispanics Find Uptick In New Jobs Through Coursera’s Upskilling, Degree Programs - Jack Kelly, Forbes

A leader in this space is Coursera, founded by Daphne Koller and Andrew Ng. Their vision was to offer “life-transforming learning experiences to learners around the world.” The educational company offers more than 5,200 courses to around 92 million people. About 100-plus Fortune 500 companies and 6,400 campuses, businesses and governments rely upon Coursera to access its catalog of world-class learning. The company offers a wide range of educational opportunities, such as “hands-on projects and courses to job-ready certificates, career credentials and degree programs.”

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/12/01/women-blacks-and-hispanics-find-uptick-in-new-jobs-through-courseras-upskilling-degree-programs/

Times Professional Learning announces online Certificate Program in Machine Learning, in collaboration with IIT-Roorkee

Times Professional Learning, one of India’s leading education providers for students, young professionals and executives, has announced an online Certificate Program in Machine Learning, as a part of the ongoing collaboration between their vertical, Times TSW, and IIT-Roorkee. The course is designed to train professionals in one of the industry’s most sought-after technological skills and help accelerate their careers. To be eligible, an applicant must have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 50% aggregate score and two years of working experience. Knowledge of Python programming is a prerequisite. 

https://www.timesnownews.com/education/article/times-professional-learning-announces-online-certificate-program-in-machine-learning-in-collaboration-with-iit-roorkee/836931

Ontario Providing New Rapid Training Programs

The Ontario government is supporting the development of up to 250 new rapid training programs that will be available for enrolment in 2022 through the Ontario Micro-credentials Challenge Fund. The  milestone is an important part of Ontario’s micro-credentials strategy, helping Ontario’s internationally recognized postsecondary institutions offer learners opportunities to gain the skills they need for in-demand jobs. Some of these micro-credentials will build skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, network security, mental health, dementia care, Indigenous relations, tourism and digital marketing.

https://saultonline.com/2021/12/ontario-providing-new-rapid-training-programs/

U Illinois Gies College of Business Develops Microcredential Pathways with Google - Rhea Kelly, Campus Technology

The University of Illinois Gies College of Business is partnering with Google to bundle certificate programs in job-ready skills and create microcredential pathways for adult learners. Learners now can complete any of the Google Career Certificates along with Gies' Professional Success Skills Certificate to receive a dual badge of completion. All courses for the certificate programs are delivered on the Coursera platform. The Gies Professional Success Skills Certificate comprises four asynchronous courses, designed and taught by Gies faculty.

https://campustechnology.com/articles/2021/11/22/u-illinois-gies-college-of-business-develops-microcredential-pathways-with-google.aspx

Commission takes action to improve lifelong learning and employability - European Union

At the Porto Social Summit in May, EU Leaders welcomed the EU-level target of 60% of all adults taking part in training every year by 2030. Today, the Commission has taken an important step in helping Member States meet this target by presenting proposals for Council Recommendations on individual learning accounts and on micro-credentials, as announced in the Skills Agenda and in the European Education Area Communication of 2020. A strong skill set opens up opportunities to individuals, provides a safety net in uncertain times, promotes inclusion and social advancement and provides the economy with the skilled labour force needed to grow and innovate. The success of both the digital and green transitions depends on workers with the right skills. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the need for reskilling and upskilling of workforce to adapt to the changing labour market and meet demand in different sectors.

https://europeansting.com/2021/12/13/commission-takes-action-to-improve-lifelong-learning-and-employability/

Online higher education is boosting youth employment in the post-pandemic world - Sumesh Nair, Times of India

To close this widening skill gap, a market-oriented education system had to evolve. This gave way for job-seekers to adopt ed-tech solutions and become job-ready by opting for bite-size certification courses. These bite-sized courses were revolutionary in nature. Firstly, the delivery mode was technology-led and could replace existing class environments. Secondly, there was unbundling of skills and only the most relevant ones had to be pursued. Unlike a traditional degree which is a stack of credentials that don’t serve any purpose, these courses were able to help in what the industry needed. Thirdly, the delivery took more engaging shapes as well – live classes, cohorts, peer learning and more, previously unavailable in large MOOC platforms. 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/blogs/voices/online-higher-education-is-boosting-youth-employment-in-the-post-pandemic-world/

Crafting Talent In Hospitality And Tourism With Micro-Credentials - New Zealand School of Food and Wine

“We shine the light on the best New Zealand has to offer in terms of fresh ingredients, transformed into outstanding cuisine, exceptional wines and beverages, our spectacular scenery captured by so many memorable tourism experiences, yet as nation, we still struggle to understand and tell this story”, comments Celia Hay, director of the New Zealand School of Food and Wine. With NZQA approval for 13 micro-credentials, the New Zealand School Food and Wine hopes to inspire and attract new people to jobs in hospitality, wine and tourism and also enhance wider community understanding of our food and beverage story. “We export food and wine to the world, yet pride in this achievement is often lacking by our own communities,” say Hay.

https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/ED2112/S00019/crafting-talent-in-hospitality-and-tourism-with-micro-credentials.htm

Learning, working and winning - EDITORIAL the Australian

It’s true that fostering skills and remedying skill shortages are primarily tasks for the vocational education and training sector, which is often neglected because of a perceived lack of prestige. But higher education also has a vocational tradition – in the broad sense exemplified by medicine, law or engineering – and that expectation of a career pay-off has increased with higher fees and the rise of the corporate university. Meanwhile, micro-credentials would help universities respond more quickly to the fast-changing needs of industry if guided by more detailed feedback on skill shortages or national priorities. This is a chance for more competitive universities to seize the opportunities being opened up by online education technology.

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/editorials/learning-working-and-winning/news-story/9e44ae06697a44be79c545b649ba8a4c

The Still-Evolving Future of University Credentials - Sean Gallagher, EdSurge

Today, there is ample evidence of demand for new types of educational credentials—especially since the start of the pandemic. The growth of educational platform companies such as Coursera and 2U is being driven in part by a surge in demand for certificate programs and “alternative credential” offerings. The number of open badges awarded nearly doubled from 24 million in 2018 to 43 million in 2020. And major companies and industry groups are increasingly getting into the credentialing game, exemplified by firms such as IBM and Google. Strada Education Network’s consumer polling has shown that 40 percent of working-age adults have earned some type of non-degree credential—and that non-degree credentials are at the top of the list for adults seeking education or retraining. Among employers, awareness of and experience with new non-degree and digital credentials is also continuing to grow—and the potential value proposition of digital credentialing resonates, according to survey results that we published just last week.

https://www-edsurge-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/www.edsurge.com/amp/news/2021-12-21-the-still-evolving-future-of-university-credentials

Micro-credentials demand increasing for up-to-date skills within the workforce in Sask. - Global News Canada

Micro-credentials are redefining the landscape of education and are quickly being adopted as an innovating learning tool for those working in high-demand industries.

(video linked below)

https://globalnews.ca/video/8427120/micro-credentials-demand-increasing-for-up-to-date-skills-within-the-workforce-in-sask

Micro-Credentials: The New Enrollment Funnel for Tomorrow’s University - Wiley Education

Stackable credentials—expandable qualifications, often parts of educational sequences—have become a critical pathway for learners to advance their careers, gain higher pay, and display competency in a shorter timeframe than full degree programs allow. These credentials—also known as micro-credentials, certificates, digital badges, and nanodegrees—are valuable signals for employers, especially since the COVID pandemic. When asked in 2019 how open they were to hiring candidates with education alternatives in place of a college degree, only 20% of employers selected digital badges as something they would consider. Fast forward to 2021, 54% of employers said they view micro-credentials as extremely/very important.

https://edservices.wiley.com/stackable-credentials/

Are Alternative Online Credentials a Threat or Opportunity? - Jackson Neil & Sasha Thackaberry, EAB

These for-profit entities, including Coursera, Guild, Udacity, even Google, offer everything from certificates to micro-credentials to full degrees, either in partnership with or independently from colleges and universities. Thackaberry explains why collaboration between these online upstarts and traditional higher education institutions is blurring the lines and creating both risk and opportunity.

https://eab.com/insights/podcast/enrollment/are-alternative-online-credentials-a-threat-or-opportunity/