What are Micro-credentials?
The term ‘micro-credentials’ refers to targeted certification that a learner can achieve in a specific, often narrow area of knowledge or skill. For example LinkedIn Learning or Udemy provide specific courses to individuals in several fields of STEAM learning to help participants to dive deeper into 3D FDM Printing. Unlike traditional degree courses, which requires an individual to undertake years of study and cover a broad range of subjects, micro-credentials are earned through short, focused educational experiences, normally offered in the form of specialized modules, digital badges, or certificates, mostly completed via online platforms. Some of their main features are flexibility, modularity, and accessibility, which makes them ideal for adult learners and working professionals seeking to upskill or advance their careers in new ways. However there is no reason why more courses could not be made available to full-time international school students as well.
Advantages
The advantages of this approach are straightforward
- Flexibility: If an individual has a full-time job, at school, or can’t devote time due to other obligations or disrupted schedules, micro-credentials offer the flexibility to complete courses at their own pace.
- Targeted skill development: With the advent of AI in a range of industries and evolving disciplines like digital marketing, data analysis and sustainability micro-credentials address emerging, in-demand skills allowing learners to quickly respond to changes in their field.
- Affordability: There are many low-cost or free programs being offered. This has helped to democratize learning opportunities and to support equal access.
- ‘Stackability’: There are numerous universities around the world which offer learners the chance to accumulate multiple micro-credentials over time, which then count toward formal qualifications or workplace requirements.
- Industry alignment: When micro credentials are developed, they are often created in consultation with employers and industry experts, ensuring they are immediately relevant to the skills sets that the company or industry requires and reiterated on the go for labor market recognition.
Challenges
Despite clear benefits, there are challenges:
- Quality Assurance: One of the biggest concerns is having consistent quality standards in place. Organizations like The European Commission are developing frameworks to promote transparency, reliability and comparability between the offered micro-credentials.
- Recognition: Another challenge is that they need to be more widely accepted by employers, educational institutions and governments to reach their full potential.
- Integration: Constructing more pathways using micro-credentials that lead to high school, degree level, or workplace certification is required to enhance their utility and value.