Micocredentials – preparing school students for life after graduation - Andrew Broadley, Teacher

Microcredential programs are a way that secondary schools can help their students build key skills and knowledge to thrive in study or work after they graduate. These short courses are typically on offer from, or developed in partnership with, external institutions such as universities.  ‘Microcredentials are a quick, easy and affordable way to upskill and provide professional and “soft skill” development for young people entering the workforce or embarking on further education,’ Brendan Begley, Deputy Principal at Queensland’s Cairns State High School (CSHS) tells Teacher.

https://www.teachermagazine.com/au_en/articles/micocredentials-preparing-school-students-for-life-after-graduation

How schools can streamline their alternative credentials programs - Chris Morgan, University Business

Alternative credentials have become a driving force in education, increasingly favored by non-traditional students who helped reverse a decade-plus long trend of declines that started in 2010 and fell sharply during the pandemic. Likewise, this trend has been embraced by corporations and employers that are increasingly focused on hiring people based on skills rather than academic degrees. At a time when many students, especially older students, are questioning the ROI of a college education, alternative credentials are an easy way to align educational offerings with available jobs in the community. Although educational institutions have supported the interest in these programs, they could do a lot more to build alternative credential programs and connect students with potential employers.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-schools-can-streamline-their-alternative-credentials-programs/

Microcredentials yield substantial benefits in construction, tech fields - Associated Press

As private firms and governments struggle to fill jobs — and with the cost of college too high for many students — employers and elected officials are searching for alternative ways for people to get good jobs without having to earn a traditional college degree. Microcredentials are one such alternative. But just what are microcredentials? And do they lead to better jobs and higher earnings? As a sociologist who has examined the research on microcredentials, the best available answer right now is: It depends on what a person is studying.

https://finance-commerce.com/2024/03/microcredentials-yield-substantial-benefits-in-construction-tech-fields/

Deciphering the Worth of Microcredentials in Today's Job Market - Joy Liwanag, University Herald

The landscape of microcredentials is multifaceted and ever-evolving, making it challenging to establish a universal definition. Generally offered by educational institutions, professional organizations, and online platforms, microcredentials can vary in format and duration, ranging from certificates and badges to boot camps. Unlike traditional degree programs, microcredentials may or may not be for credit, and they often target specific skill sets or competencies relevant to various industries. Julie Uranis, Senior Vice President of Online and Strategic Initiatives at UPCEA, highlights the diverse nature of microcredentials, emphasizing their potential to serve as standalone achievements or as integral components within broader degree programs. This flexibility allows learners to tailor their educational pursuits to align with their professional goals and aspirations.

https://www.universityherald.com/amp/articles/78680/20240329/deciphering-worth-microcredentials-todays-job-market.htm

Lamar Community College to Offer Five Micro-Credential Pathways in Behavioral Health this Fall - Lamar Ledger

The micro-credential programs at LCC are designed to impart crucial skills and concepts within a single semester or less, providing a seamless progression toward additional certifications and professional development opportunities. Distinct from traditional models, LCC will concentrate on providing students with targeted skill sets that directly align with the needs of the job market. By earning a micro-credential in behavioral health, students will learn foundational skills to begin working in their community and earn college credit to continue their professional training.

https://www.lamarledger.com/2024/03/20/lamar-community-college-to-offer-five-micro-credential-pathways-in-behavioral-health-this-fall/

Quinnipiac provides students with micro-credential courses and digital badges - Lily Philipczak, Quinnipiac Chronicle

Quinnipiac University offers a variety of credit and non-credit micro-credentials and digital badges made for undergraduate and graduate students, to showcase their specialized training, abilities and skills to future colleagues and prospective employers. Micro-credentials and digital badges are educational programs that teach career-oriented skills or competencies tailored to students’ needs, with a focus on experiential learning. Students can register for these through Self Service.

https://quchronicle.com/86332/news/quinnipiac-provides-students-with-micro-credential-courses-and-digital-badges/

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

Micro-credentials in quality management, industrial maintenance at NPRC - Bradfordera.com

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College’s Workforce Development Division added two new micro-credential programs in quality management and industrial maintenance. These programs are available to manufacturing businesses and organizations by working with NPRC’s customized training team. To complete either of these programs, it’s required for students to complete all six of the respective courses that last from a few hours to a few weeks. However, individual course certifications are an option as a part of the program. Each class can include up to 15 learners. Programs can even be brought to a company’s workplace to ensure training is provided in their working environment and on their own time.

https://www.bradfordera.com/news/micro-credentials-in-quality-management-industrial-maintenance-at-nprc/article_6dee89da-e622-11ee-8d96-9b9a98d1e78a.html

Singapore employers urged to look beyond degrees in hiring - Dexter Tilo, HRD

Employers across Singapore are being urged to hire candidates based on skills — despite persistent preferences for educational qualifications, according to reports.  This was the message in a panel discussion hosted by Accredify earlier this month, which gathered various experts who discussed the importance of looking beyond degrees in hiring practices, GovInsider reported. "We need to look away from hiring someone based on the job description, to what they can do to boost the competencies and capabilities of the organisation," said Zuhui Yap, HR Director with Singtel, in the report.

https://www.hcamag.com/asia/specialisation/recruitment/singapore-employers-urged-to-look-beyond-degrees-in-hiring/481629

Lamar Community College to Offer Five Micro-Credential Pathways in Behavioral Health this Fall - Barbara Crimond, Prower's Journal

In response to the escalating demand for skilled professionals in the field of behavioral health, Lamar Community College (LCC) is set to introduce five innovative “micro-credential” pathways this fall. These pathways aim to equip students with fundamental skills in mental health and substance misuse treatment, catering to the pressing need for qualified workers in this critical sector. The micro-credential programs at LCC are designed to impart crucial skills and concepts within a single semester or less, providing a seamless progression toward additional certifications and professional development opportunities. Distinct from traditional models, LCC will concentrate on providing students with targeted skill sets that directly align with the needs of the job market. By earning a micro-credential in behavioral health, students will learn foundational skills to begin working in their community and earn college credit to continue their professional training.

https://theprowersjournal.com/2024/03/lamar-community-college-to-offer-five-micro-credential-pathways-in-behavioral-health-this-fall/

Jamaica'sEducation Ministry Endorses UCJ’s Micro Credentials Push - COURTENEY LEWIS, Jamaica Information Service

The Ministry of Education and Youth is in support of the plan by the University Council of Jamaica (UCJ) to expand opportunities for post-secondary education through the implementation of micro credentials. Micro credentials are a series or collection of specially designed courses that result in certification. They demonstrate the learner’s skills, knowledge, and/or experience in a specific subject area or capability. State Minister, Hon. Marsha Smith, said the “Ministry is very much interested in expanding access to tertiary education and post-secondary training especially within the context of our current efforts to transform the education sector for national development”. “The need for continuous learning and acquisition of new skills is more crucial than ever, and micro credentials offer a way for individuals to stay relevant in their fields and demonstrate their competencies in a tangible way. 

https://jis.gov.jm/education-ministry-endorses-ucjs-micro-credentials-push/

IIT Delhi invites applications for Project Management online certificate course - Indian Express

The Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi (IITD) today launched applications for an online certificate programme of Project Management. Interested students can apply for this course at the official website of IIT Delhi — iitdelhi.emeritus.org. This course will be a six months long programme for which the technical orientation will be conducted on May 30 and academic orientation will be held on June 9. The programme fee is Rs 85,000 + GST. The primary mode of learning for this programme is via weekly live online sessions with IIT Delhi faculty members.

https://indianexpress.com/article/education/iit-delhi-application-link-project-management-online-certificate-course-9213625/lite/

Leading Education and Technology Communities Announce New Partnership to Advance the Edtech Ecosystem - Yahoo!

Global nonprofits 1EdTech® and Digital Promise announce a new partnership to power learner potential and create equitable learning ecosystems through collaboration and innovation. The two educational technology nonprofit organizations bring thought leaders from K-12, higher education, and edtech suppliers together to find solutions to educational challenges around the world. Through this new partnership, both communities are committed to supporting the other's work to create a greater impact on teaching and learning, particularly in digital credentials. 1EdTech leads the evolution and certifies the Open Badges, Comprehensive Learner Record Standard™ (CLR Standard™), and the Competencies and Academic Standards Exchange® (CASE®) open standards.

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/leading-education-technology-communities-announce-120000562.html

Report: College Degrees Not Valued As Highly as Job Training and Certificates - Arrman Kyaw, Diverse Education

Though confidence about the value of pursuing a two- or four-year college degree is higher among high schoolers than graduates who either dropped out or chose not to attend in the first place, neither demographic view such pursuits as the most valuable, according to a recent report from Edge Research, HCM Strategists, and D2 Strategies. ot only did the non-enrolled have less confidence about degrees than juniors and seniors, they were also shown to be losing confidence across the board compared to last year. Notably, both demographics were shown to view on-the-job training and courses towards licenses and certificates as excellent or good value more than two- and four-year college, with high schoolers generally showing more positive sentiment than the non-enrolled.

https://www.diverseeducation.com/student-issues/article/15666195/report-college-degrees-not-valued-as-highly-as-job-training-and-certificates

Do adults without degrees see the value of college? - Laura Spitalniak, Higher Ed Dive

Among the 3,130 non-enrollees surveyed in 2023, 57% said a four-year degree is a good or excellent value, down from 60% in 2022. In comparison, 75% said earning a license is a good value, up from 70% the year before. Nearly the same share, 72% called professional certificates a good value, rising from 67% in the last survey. Convincing non-enrollees of the value of higher education will become increasingly important for colleges. Beginning next year, colleges are expecting a sharp drop in high school graduates as a result of declining birth rates during the Great Recession.

https://www.highereddive.com/news/do-adults-without-degrees-see-the-value-of-college/710088/

Irish Minister Harris announces funding of €9.7 million to subsidise micro-cred courses for almost 14,000 learners - Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris TD has today announced funding of €9.7 million to subsidise fees for 13,879 learners across 654 micro-credential courses. The Micro-Credential Course Learner Subsidy, under the HCI Pillar 3, offers a subsidy rate of 80 per cent for courses addressing skills in key priority areas, including renewable energy, sustainability, construction and planning, artificial intelligence, cyber security, ICT, and electronic engineering. Other courses will provide a 50 per cent learner subsidy rate. Speaking today, Minister Harris said: “As part of the Year of Skills, we have been encouraging everyone to learn a new skill so they can evolve in line with how the world of work is changing.

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/f2e3a-minister-harris-announces-funding-of-97-million-to-subsidise-micro-cred-courses-for-almost-14000-learners/

The Transformative Impact of Applied Learning - Doug Harrison, Modern Campus

As there’s more emphasis on aligning student learning outcomes to skills required in the job market, curriculum needs to be refined and focused. By leveraging applied learning models, higher ed can better prepare their learners for successful careers. On this episode, Doug Harrison, Associate Dean of the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies in the School of Professional Studies at New York University, discusses the importance of applied learning models and creating a transformative experience for learners.

https://moderncampus.com/podcast/episode-onehundredfortytwo.html

Fact Check: Online Certificate Does NOT Qualify Veterans For Permit To Carry Concealed Firearm In All States - Sarah Thompson, Lead Stories

The certificate offered in this promotion is not a concealed carry permit. It is a certificate for completing an online firearms safety course from Countrywide Concealed, which lists its address in Las Vegas. A long series of clicks from the promotion on Facebook leads the user to the website of Countrywide Concealed. That website features a disclaimer in which Countrywide Concealed explicitly states that the certificate is not a concealed carry permit. Countrywide Concealed describes itself in the disclaimer as "a training resource for consumers who want to educate themselves in firearm safety." The text, with highlights added by Lead Stories, can be seen below. (The disclaimer text, which appears after a survey, reflects the user's state of residence.):

https://leadstories.com/hoax-alert/2024/03/fact-check-online-certificate-does-not-qualify-veterans-for-permit-to-carry-concealed-firearm-in-all-states.html

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/

Innovation: How To Build A Stackability Strategy At Your Business School - John A. Byrne, Poets and Quants

“You can think of stackability as individual Lego pieces,” explains Brooke Elliott, Gies executive associate dean of academic programs. “Then you can put these blocks together in all kinds of ways and build out the type of education you need.” For years, business school deans have talked about decoupling courses from degrees to tap into the growing need for on-demand knowledge and skills. But few business schools have successfully adopted a decoupling blueprint and linked it with an effective stackability strategy.

https://poetsandquants.com/2023/09/27/innovation-how-to-build-a-stackability-strategy-at-your-business-school/

How big a role will stackable degrees play in higher ed’s future? - Omer Riaz, University Business

If money talks, college degrees still matter, don’t they? This may not be true for much longer. In fact, many companies are dropping bachelor’s degree requirements from their job-postings and are looking, instead, for workers with skills-based educations—associate’s degrees, certificates, or even stacked credentials. The U.S. Department of Labor defines a stackable credential as a “part of a sequence of credentials that can be accumulated over time to build up an individual’s qualifications and help them to move along a career pathway or up a career ladder.” And as the need for skilled workers grows, legislators in states such as Colorado and Massachusetts are beginning to advocate for the funding of stackable credential programs as a way to help learners and businesses alike.

https://universitybusiness.com/how-big-a-role-will-stackable-degrees-play-in-higher-eds-future/