Invited presentation at Microcredentials a Labour Market Megatrend, Cedefop virtual event, 23rd June, 2023.

1. Cedefop virtual event, 22-23 June 2023
#microcredentials
A Digitally Enabled Ecosystem
of Micro-credentials
Professor Mark Brown
Dublin City University, Ireland

2. I have a strong research interest in micro-credentials
I have a strong background in micro-credential platforms
I have over 30 years experience in flexible lifelong learning
Two Truths and a Lie

3. A Complex Ecosystem With Many Diverse Habitats
85% HE
SDGs

4. The ecosystem metaphor
External ecosystem for the QA of micro-credentials
Institutional ecosystem for the QA of micro-credentials
A Complex Ecosystem With Many Diverse Habitats

5. Before we start…
https://www.dcu.ie/nidl/micro-credential-observatory

6. 1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

7. 1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

8. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/micro-credentials-for-lifelong-learning-and-employability_9c4b7b68-en
OECD, 2023
1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

9. “Resilience requires
adaptation and evolution to new
environmental conditions, but retains core identity”
(Weller & Anderson, 2013, p.55).
1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

10. 1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

11. 1. The Ecosystem Metaphor

12. Survey of 510 US employers
https://upcea.edu/employers-are-all-in-on-microcredentials-survey-shows-inside-higher-ed/
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

13. 2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

14. https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/education/digital-higher-education_f622f257-en
(How) do the quality
assurance principles
apply to micro-
credentials?
OECD, 2022
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

15. 1
In 25+ countries, we found no national framework, standards or guidelines for micro-credentials. In many
cases, however, there is evidence of a plan or commitment in the future to integrating quality assurance
standards for micro-credentials within existing requirements.
No specific quality assurance standards for micro-credentials
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

16. 1
In 25+ countries, we found no national framework, standards or guidelines for micro-credentials. In many
cases, however, there is evidence of a plan or commitment in the future to integrating quality assurance
standards for micro-credentials within existing requirements.
2
In Australia, Canada (x3), United Kingdom, Estonia, Spain (x2) and The Netherlands we
found common standards already apply for micro-credentials, and tangible evidence of a decision to extend the
application of existing standards for their quality assurance.
No specific quality assurance standards for micro-credentials
Common standards and quality assurance processes apply for micro-credentials
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

17. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/post-secondary-education/micro-credentials/mc_framework.pdf
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

18. 2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

19. Germany
Spain
Estonia
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

20. 1
In 25+ countries, we found no national framework, standards or guidelines for micro-credentials. In many
cases, however, there is evidence of a plan or commitment in the future to integrating quality assurance
standards for micro-credentials within existing requirements.
2
In Australia, Canada (x3), United Kingdom, Estonia, Spain (x2) and The Netherlands we
found common standards already apply for micro-credentials, and tangible evidence of a decision to extend the
application of existing standards for their quality assurance.
3
In New Zealand, Malaysia and Ireland we identified a framework or specific standards or guidelines for
micro-credentials to address particular issues related to their quality assurance.
No specific quality assurance standards for micro-credentials
Common standards and quality assurance processes apply for micro-credentials
Specific guidelines and quality assurance processes developed for micro-credentials
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

21. Specific QA issues for online [MCs]
Organisational context
• Business continuity
• Access to IT infrastructure
• Learners outside of country
Programme context
• Online teaching experience
• Training and professional development
• Synchronous vs asynchronous delivery
Learner context
• Learner readiness
• Access to online resources
• Equivalency of learning support
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

22. • Management, Staffing and
Administration
• Teaching, Learning and
Assessment
• Participant support
• Facilities
• Premises and facilities in
the case of face-to-face
delivery
Standards and Indicators
https://www.the-bac.org/micro-credentials-pilot-scheme/
2. External Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

23. 3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

24. https://www.microcredseeker.edu.au
343
11
12
20/03/2023
93% Online
3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

25. 3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

26. https://cdn.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/4137924/Micro-Credential-Framework.pdf
3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

27. On-campus = 0
Hybrid = 0
Online = 150
Blended = 95
30/05/2023 https://microcreds.ie/
3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

28. • Careers guidance
• Course quality rating
• Details on QA processes
• Learner support information
• Employability outcomes data
• Evidence of a connected system
Missing in the ecosystem…
3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

29. 3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials

30. 3. Institutional Ecosystem for the QA of Micro-credentials
https://www.iteca.edu.au/ITECA/Content/News/2023/he-q2/mc.marketplace.shutdown.call.aspx

31. EUROPEAN QUALITY
STANDARDS & GUIDELINES
GUIDES & BENCHMARKING TOOLS
FOR ENHANCING QUALITY
COUNTRY SPECIFIC QUALITY
GUIDELINES & FRAMEWORKS
New QA considerations? Enabling or Constraining? Fostering Quality Conversations!
Final Remarks

32. https://jime.open.ac.uk/
Final Remarks

33. www.cedefop.europa.eu
Follow us on social media
Thank you
mark.brown@dcu.ie
https://www.dcu.ie/nidl/director-nidl