Wrapping up…

We now reach the conclusion of Week 2 of our masterclass, in which we’ve explored both the types, and possibilities, of micro-credentials as a means of supporting new learning pathways, developing new learning outcomes and of providing recognition of valuable future skills.

We hope you have enjoyed learning with us and that you have contributed to the range of opportunities we have presented to express your thoughts and views. Learning from what others say and think is also an important feature of this masterclass. We have looked at various perspectives and possible futures for the micro-credential movement within the wider context of Higher Education 4.0. More specifically, we have:

• Questioned how educators and educational systems might define the term “micro-credential”, and what uses to which they might be put
• Looked at applied examples of micro-credentials in practice from institutions around the world
• Explored how alternative approaches to credentialing could prove a valuable addition to a wider reimagined “credential ecology”
• Asked deeper questions regarding the longer-term value and currency of micro-credentials and how suitable these approaches are across a range of contexts, including your own.

Importantly, we have presented a number of ideas to you but also encouraged you to share your own thinking about micro-credentials. The field is still evolving and you might see the future rather differently, and have diverging opinions and perspectives regarding the topics we have discussed. Indeed, we have no monopoly on the micro-credential movement, and thus encourage you to once more reflect on the following questions:

• What have you learnt?
• Have you enjoyed this week?
• What will you take away from it?
• Are there elements we could improve?

We hope that you’ve enjoyed learning with us and that you’ll join us next week!