Micro-credentials could be the next major disruptive force for upskilling in the workplace, and everyone from schools, non-profits and businesses is using them.
So, what are micro-credentials and why should employers and organisations consider offering micro-credentials to their employees?
If you’re an employer or executive in an organisation, you’ll want to learn as much as you can about micro-credentials and their advantages for your staff and business.
This will require learners to demonstrate, not just claim, that they have the specific skills industries want.[1]
This means we need a system for constant, lifelong learning in all contexts. Furthermore, work in today’s ever-changing world is increasingly multi-disciplinary.[1]
Where we learn is changing too. Today’s learners want to access the best knowledge from across networks, rather than from one or two reputable institutions.[1]
Where we learn is changing too. Today’s learners want to access the best knowledge from across networks, rather than from one or two reputable institutions.[1]
Micro-credentials are certification-style qualifications that individuals choose to study to improve a skill found in a particular industry area.
They are short, low-cost online courses that provide learners with a digital certification or a ‘digital badge’ when complete.
This new learning concept continues to gain recognition and is highly sought after within the professional landscape.
OpenCreds is the micro-credential framework designed to meet the needs of education, industry and lifelong learners.
Micro-credentials remain a messy and complex landscape of providers, options and models.
The OpenCreds Framework aims to outline how education providers can provide a market-leading lifelong learning and micro-credentialing experience that prepares learners for the future of work.
An OpenCreds can be a stand-alone credential, designed to provide value to leaner independent of formal qualification, or it may interact with formal qualification.
Aligned to a formal qualification level and a clear understanding of level of achievement and/or successful completion leads to to a formal qualification.
Successful completion earns credit for learning in a formal qualification, or component part of the body of a course that is part of a qualification.
Recognised by an industry association or accrediting body as meeting the needs towards maintenance of continuing professional development requirements.
When you learn with OpenLearning, you are part of a collaborative learning community, where ideas are explored and shared. Take a look at our learning philosophy based on social constructivist learning theory.
“The goal is to provide a social learning environment in which students feel empowered, deep learning experiences are fostered, students are intrinsically motivated, and passionate communities of practice flourish through well-designed constructive experiences.”
-- Adam Brimo, Founder and Group CEO, OpenLearning Limited
Unlike the typical university learning management systems based on content-delivery that you may have been used to, the OpenLearning platform was designed for authentic, engaging, connected learning experiences.
“Learning online definitely has its benefits, it provides more flexibility, I can log in and access course materials, at anytime anywhere, with ability to create a self-paced learning schedule; it also allows me to revisit any class materials previously discussed, to refresh my memories when needed.”
-- Will Wang, Learner of UNSW AI Course
Micro-credentials offer businesses an exciting, effective way to continually train and recognise staff. Whether your organisation is seeking ways to supplement traditional credentials, train staff in soft skills, or provide highly individualised programs to meet unique skill gaps, micro-credentialing is a valuable option when it comes to choosing the right training programs for your team.
[1] Dominic Barton, Diana Farrell, and Mona Mourshed, Education to employment: Designing a system that works 2013, McKinsey & Company.