This is a roundtable I hosted at HERDSA 2023
Format of the roundtable.
Work in progress
Context/background.
For universities, micro credentials can offer new industry partnerships, revenue streams and innovative educational offerings. For industry employers, micro credentials may be recognised, and in some cases, even more highly regarded than a traditional degree, as micro credentials allow industry learner professionals to upskill and reskill quickly with flexibility and just-in-time training. Yet the micro credential space is confused, with varying definitions and, until recently, limited governmental guidance (DESE 2021). There is limited evidence regarding design best practices in micro credentials. Even more concerning is the fact that the value of micro credentials to industry professionals is, as yet, uninvestigated. University leaders in a recent international survey reported micro credential standards were largely absent, and quality assurance and trust were significant obstacles to micro credential implementation (Holon IQ,2021). In Australia, the micro credential landscape has been unregulated with varying maturity and adoption levels across 88% of Australasian universities (Selvaratnam & Sankey, 2021). Some universities are hesitant to invest the time and resources into a qualification that may not be recognised in the future. However, the popularity of social learning platforms such as LinkedIn Learning, FutureLearn and Coursera meant continued interest in micro credentials will likely stay.
Point for debate/focus of the work-in-progress/topic for discussion.
This work in progress will report early findings from an international study that is investigating the value and impact of micro credentials and aims to provide insights into both the value and best practice design of micro credentials.
Intended outcome.
This roundtable will further inform the researchers and the broader community regarding the role micro credentials within industry and higher education and inform future direction for research.
References.
Department of Education Skills and Employment (2021). National Microcredentials Framework, Australian Government.
Holon IQ. (2021). Micro Credentials Executive Panel Survey.
Selvaratnam, R., & Sankey, M. (2021). The State of Micro-Credentials Implementation and Practice in Australasian Higher Education. Open Praxis, 13(2), 228–238.