Micro-Credentials are on-trend
As the world is locked down during the Covid pandemic, there is more opportunity for people to study online and to stack a series of short low cost courses together to gain what is called a ‘micro-credential.’
Microcredentials are a short, flexible and affordable way to update your skills in targeted areas. Through design of technology-enhanced learning, people can gain advanced knowledge and skills in a flexible learning environment. A recent BBC article about microcredentials reported: “As the cost of a university education continues to balloon, many wonder whether the return on the investment is worth it and if there might be alternative paths to job success.”
An article in University World News cited an employer study that examined the growing need for continuous learning causing “an explosion of new educational credential offerings in recent years – ranging from online degrees and coding bootcamps, to technology certificates, digital badges, nanodegrees and MicroMasters.”
The University of Melbourne explains that microcredentials “provide benefits beyond degrees and transcripts.”
Short courses and microcredentials are booming, and are “set to become a permanent part of universities,” according to recent articles in the Australian Financial Review.
The ABU Academy’s approach is in line with this new thinking about microcredentials, as we evolve existing courses and develop new ones. We will work to keep members informed about the latest thinking in this area through our publications and on the ABU Academy website.
Bibilography
Gallagher, S. (2019). A new era of microcredentials and experiential learning. [online] University World News. Available at: https://www.universityworldnews.com/post.php?story=20190213103113978 [Accessed 16 Sep. 2020].
Horton, A.P. (2020). Could micro-credentials compete with traditional degrees? [online] www.bbc.com. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200212-could-micro-credentials-compete-with-traditional-degrees [Accessed 16 Sep. 2020].
Kevey, D. (2019). Micro-credentialing. [online] University of Melbourne. Available at: https://about.unimelb.edu.au/teaching-and-learning/innovation-initiatives/pedagogy-and-curriculum-innovation/micro-credentialing [Accessed 16 Sep. 2020].
Lawnham, P. (2020). Boom time for short courses. [online] Australian Financial Review. Available at: https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/boom-time-for-short-courses-20200806-p55j37 [Accessed 16 Sep. 2020].
Tehan, D. (2020). Delivery of microcredentials set to be a permanent part of unis. [online] Australian Financial Review. Available at: https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/education/delivery-of-microcredentials-set-to-be-a-permanent-part-of-unis-20200807-p55jl9 [Accessed 16 Sep. 2020].