The Rise of Micro-Credentials

Let us turn our attention to the rise of micro-credentials and to the following questions:

• What is a micro-credential, fundamentally?
• Are there different types of micro-credential?
• What use are they to me and my organisation?

We will answer these questions through a series of activities, in which we will:

• Learn about how micro-credentials are conceptualised by diverse stakeholders
• Explore the critical questions regarding their adoption and the drivers that underpin this expansion
• Consider the differing perspectives of students, employers, and educators, on these questions
• Look at applied examples from around the world
• Present a possible taxonomy for understanding micro-credentials as part of a wider learning ecology
• Ask how relevant you feel these trends are in your own context.

What is a Micro-Credential?

Micro-credentials are a new and rapidly growing phenomenon, as you can see from the Google Trend data shown below. A singular definition of what a micro-credential is, however, has yet to emerge. Indeed, a study undertaken in the European funded MicroHE project found that most people have a “foggy” understanding of micro-credentials.

The definition of micro-credentials may become clearer as your education continues, but it is worth noting that they can take many forms (e.g. nano-degrees, micromasters, expert tracks) and each has become increasingly popular. ClassCentral’s review published at the end of 2020 illustrates that there were almost 1,200 different micro-credentials on offer through the major MOOC platforms.

_{By the numbers: MOOCs in 2020 (Shah, 2020)}

Micro-Credentials: A Fad?

In the context of this growth, we need to consider whether or not micro-credentials are more than just another passing educational fad or simply the latest “shiny new toy” of policy makers. Critically, and perhaps more centrally, should universities be concerned about the growth of micro-credentials and their role in establishing and evolving a wider and more responsive credential ecology in order to address societal and industrial needs?

Changing digital societies and the evolving knowledge economy are placing greater emphasis on new types of skills. We encourage you to consider how these future skills and diverse competencies might be developed through utilising micro-credentials to create new learning pathways and as a means of recognition. As a white paper published in April 2020 by ECIU University has noted, however:

“Micro-credentials must be implemented in the service of big ideas, they are not the idea itself” (ECIU, 2020, p.1).

Micro-Credentials and Higher Education 4.0

This statement challenges us to identify and examine the value propositions that micro-credentials may hold for higher education, industry and learner stakeholders (to name but a few). Our ultimate aim though is to promote and engage in a critical discourse on micro-credentials in the context of Higher Education 4.0.