Micro-Credentials revolutionizing Education

Soft skill-intensive occupations are expected to account for two-thirds of all positions by 2030, according to a new Deloitte Access Economics report, up from half of all jobs in 2000. Many business schools are feeling compelled to review their portfolio of educational programs and curriculum due to the dynamic nature of work and the expanding skills gap, to mention a couple of drivers of change.

 

Micro-credentials are a novel way to certify learners and business professionals with the competencies and resources they need to succeed in an ever-changing digital world. Non-degree certifications and micro-credentials have emerged, signaling a change in mindset and expectations toward relatively short, more focused qualifications.

 

The need for Micro-Credentials:

 

As a result of changing market trends and the skill-gap crisis, and the necessity for continuous learning, a large number of educators have resorted to potential substitute credentialing to stay competitive with market trends while gaining new skills to help them in their current employment.

 

Micro-credentials are digitized certifications that validate an individual’s competency in a specific skill or combination of talents. They can be obtained to bridge the gaps in existing skills and compliment those you presently have. This will assist in the creation of a robust portfolio as well as the extension of employment opportunities.

 

Micro-credentials can also help with personal growth by enabling you to evaluate your new skills to previous information and also how you are upskilled with it. It improves your productivity and comfort at work by providing you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

 

The impact of Micro-Credentials:

 

Education will be marketed individually, qualifications will be differentiated into smaller components, and the credentialing organization could be independent from the institution providing the course, according to an MIT research on the future. This future scenario emphasizes the relevance of micro credentialing as well as the potential for a growing web of connections among educating and certifying institutions.

 

Youth today can still educate about and enroll in courses relating to the modern workforce or a technology enhanced work environment. However, due to the obvious skill gap, working people’ jobs are already in jeopardy, necessitating reskilling. Micro-credentials allow people to learn, get information, and be certified in both soft and hard skills, enabling individuals to fill in the gaps in the essential qualifications for today’s industry.

 

Microcredentials are also becoming more popular as a means of gaining entry into degree programmes. Wisconsin-Extension has been offering micro-credential-based programs through a third-party virtual learning platform for over two years, with five other colleges, including The University of Texas at Austin. As more institutions join the bandwagon, more professionals will be able to benefit from these forms of digital credentials.