Micro-credentials are industry-aligned short-based learning competencies that are certified or credentialed. These short units of learning can be stacked or count towards a larger higher education qualification (Wheelahan & Moodie, 2021).
Micro-credentials are qualifications that represent an assessed achievement of a subset of learning within and beyond the traditional realm of certificates, diplomas, and degrees. These provide credential recognition for what a person knows and can do at a modular level. The learning experience can occur within a recognized post-secondary program, in the workplace, in other settings, or be a blend of two or more of these. Typically, the qualification is intended to present a recognized and official symbol of the assessed learning experience to enhance access to and within the workplace.
A Micro-credential is not a course
It's a digital badge with attached metadata that demonstrates your competency in a certain subject. The process includes submitting some evidences to be evaluated by an assessor in order to earn a sharable badge that you can use in online portfolios, email signature, social media, etc.
A Micro-credential is a career-building opportunity
Micro-credentials provide evidence of your career skills (competencies) and growth in a tangible, highly-visible way. Completing a micro-credential could potentially lead to salary advancement or help learners to stand out in a pool of job candidates.
Micro-credentials are scalable learning opportunities
Learners can continue to add more credentials to resume over time to demonstrate new skills and increase marketability. Cultivating a culture of forever learners and perpetual trainability.
DIGITAL BADGES
Digital badge – a visual representation of an achievement that is displayed and verified online. When the badge is clicked on, a page will pop up that will typically explain what the badge represents, how it is earned, and so forth. It contains metadata on the learner, the badge issuer, the criteria to earn it, and evidence that the criteria have been fulfilled. (Association Trends, 2018)
Following, you can find some examples of Digital Credentials available directly from technology industry platforms
Microsoft
Microsoft provides three different digital credentials
- BADGE: Completed module with a knowledge check (short quiz, no metadata, not digital)
- TROPHY: Short-based learning competencies that are usually a part of a larger learning path to achieve a certificate - finish all badges in learning path. Does not have metadata attached, just skills earned.
- CERTIFICATE: A cumulative TEST that measures skills learned in the learning path, confers a level of authority and expertise (Fundamentals, Associate, and Expert). Cost associated.
Go to Microsoft Learn to find all the different resources to learn Microsoft products at no additional cost**
**learning material is free, while you might be required to pay a fee for getting certified.
Linkedin Learning
You watch a series of videos that go through learning materials and have chapter quiz to assess learning.
It works similarly to an adaptive release: learning has to be completed in order to obtain a certificate - that includes watching the full video and passing the quiz.
After successful completion you will obtain a Linkedin Learning Certificate, that can be downloaded or shared with others through your LinkedIn profile.
Some selected courses on Linkedin Learning can count towards continuing education credits, some others have been reviewed by select university partners globally who recognize the learning outcomes as official academic credit that can be applied against their academic programs (subject to successful learning assessment and upon program enrollment).
Google offers skills badges and certifications
A skill badge is earned by completing a series of hands-on labs and taking a final assessment challenge lab to test a learner’s skills, through the Google Cloud Skills Boost on-demand learning platform.
A certification validates an individual’s knowledge and deep understanding of Google Cloud technology. A certification is earned upon passing a Google Cloud certification exam
UofL branded badges
The University of Louisville is currently under contract with Credly Acclaim, the leading digital certification platform, to to utilize this platform for the development and distribution of micro-credentials.
Adobe Badging Program
Learn at your own pace with bite-sized modules designed to fit into your daily routine. You'll get industry insights from Adobe experts and access to free templates, all while earning a resume-ready badge and certificate.
What can I do with my badges and digital credentials?
Share them on your resume, school profile, and social network via LinkedIn and Facebook to stand out in your job search, grad school candidacy, and more.
This page is curated by the University of Louisville Digital Transformation Center and provides a non-exhaustive collection of educational tools to embrace digital agility and train todays and tomorrow’s workforce in fast-growing technology areas.
Learn more about the Digital Transformation Center:
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