1. Micro-credentials are certifications of assessed learning that are additional, alternative or complementary to formal qualifications. They can be credit-bearing or not, bundled or unbundled, and focus on life-long, life-wide or professional learning. 2. Interest in micro-credentials is growing due to changes in the nature of work. Surveys show both employers and learners see value in micro-credentials. 3. Going forward, micro-credentials need high quality assurance and should align with frameworks like the European Qualifications Framework. Trusted global platforms will be important along with exploring different business models. Micro-credentials should complement rather than replace formal degrees.

2. @mbrownz

3. @mbrownz

6. Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl
Simone RavaioliJakub Grodecki
@1MNGM
@psykoreactor@JakubGrodecki

10. 1. What are they?
2. Why the interest?
3. Where to from here?
Outline….

11. • What one word best describes your current
knowledge of micro-credentials?
Starter Question

12. 1.What are they?

17. “A micro-credential is a certification of assessed learning that
is additional, alternate, complementary to or a formal
component of a formal qualification” (Oliver, 2019, p. i).

18. D 1
x Axis
Vertical
Life-Long Learning
Formal & Non-formal
Stackable
Credit-bearing

19. D 2
y axis
Horizontal
Life-wide Learning
Informal & Non-formal

20. D 3
Diagonal
Professional
Non-formal & Semi-formal

21. Credit Bearing
Non Credit Bearing
Bundled Unbundled
Credential
Ecology
Macro-credentials
Formal Accredited
Degrees
Brown et. al., 2020

22. Credit Bearing
Non Credit Bearing
Bundled Unbundled
Credential
Ecology
Macro-credentials
Formal Accredited
Degrees
Micro-credentials
Formal & Semi Formal
Accredited & Stackable
Badges & Awards
Informal & Non-Formal
Non-Accredited
Short Courses
Non-Formal & Semi-Formal
Non-Stackable
Brown et. al., 2020

23. 2. Why the interest?

27. Deloitte, 2018

28. 2016
Changing nature of work!

29. 2018
Changing nature of work!

30. 2020

31. Nic Giolla Mhichíl
et. al., 2020
National Irish Survey of Micro-credentials

35. 3. Where to from here?

36. Beyond Warm Body Badges

37. European Qualifications Framework
3Cs

38. Special Purpose Awards - Credit-bearing
3Cs

39. Business
Models

40. Platforms

41. Trusted and Global
Platforms

42. Further
Info
http://www4.dcu.ie/nidl

44. “Micro-credentials
should be in the service of
big ideas,
not as a big idea
in itself”
(adapted from Barnett, 2011)

45. • What has been your experience with micro-
credentials?
• What are some of the quality issues from your
perspective?
• Where do you see micro-credentials in 5-
years?

46. Go raibh maith
agaibh!
Thank you