Micro-Credentials in Higher Education Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the education sector locally and globally especially in teaching and learning delivery methods as most universities have adopted online platforms. The present situation is not only challenging but also tests the flexibility of the existing education system. With the help of technology, the existing traditional education system could be more flexible to enable more individuals from around the world to access education. The latest revolution in online education, micro-credential, is growing interest among public and private universities worldwide, including Malaysia. However, to date, little scholarly work is found related to micro-credentials in higher education. This conceptual paper presents an overview of micro-credential and the challenges and opportunities of offering micro-credential certification in the form of digital badges to the national and global market. Recommendations are made to multiple stakeholders (e.g., higher education providers, employers) to enhance the use of certifications for graduate employability. Ideas for further research are also presented.
 
 Keywords: Digital badges, Digital credentialing, Higher-education, Micro-credential, Online certification

A systematic review of the opportunities and challenges of micro-credentials for multiple stakeholders: learners, employers, higher education institutions and government

“…For example, in New Zealand, micro-credentials is seen as a skill-oriented course that is currently not offered in any tertiary education system (Hartnett, 2021 ). On the other hand, micro-credentials may be offered as a precursor course (foundation level) for students looking to enter a diploma or a degree in higher education institutes in Malaysia (Ahmat et al, 2021 ). These examples show that the differences across regions and countries further complicate the implementation and recognition of micro-credentials.…”

“…Opposing voices among conservatives who wish to preserve higher education as an ivory tower and support elite structures of higher education are also observed (Wheelahan & Moodie, 2022 ). Yet, in several countries, government bodies have keen interest in encouraging employers and learners to use micro-credentials as an alternative to the common education system (Ahmat et al, 2021 ). The varied definitions of micro-credentials, absence of accreditation frameworks, and the lack of organisational readiness appear to be challenges impeding the implementation of micro-credentials (Zhang & West, 2020 ).…”

Perceptions of Industry Professionals From Diverse Sectors on Post-Secondary Micro-Credentials on Linkedin

“…(2) The Significance of Micro-Credentials in Delivering focused Learning Opportunities Focused learning opportunities refer to targeted and tailored learning experiences designed to address specific skills gaps and prepare learners for job roles (Che Ahmat et al, 2021). Microcredentials are well-suited for delivering focused learning opportunities because they are typically shorter in duration and more narrowly focused than traditional degree programs or certifications (Woods & Woods, 2021).…”

“…According to Rieder (2022), the metadata in badges makes them more credible than traditional resumes or transcripts. Badges also motivate students, as they provide a tangible representation of their achievements (Che Ahmat et al, 2021). The use of badges to assess an individual's skills and competencies is becoming more prevalent among employers, as they offer a quick and efficient way to evaluate a candidate's learning achievements.…”

Institutional Entrepreneurship in Loosely Coupled Systems: The Subject Position of MOOC Entrepreneurs and Their Interpretive Struggles in a Norwegian Context

“…Online tools can be used for collaborative learning, group work, projects, problem-solving and creative thinking to develop necessary aptitudes in the knowledge economy (Bates, 2010 ). Micro-credentials based on MOOCS can offer an added certification to an existing degree (Selvaratnam & Sankey, 2021 ), or they can be stackable into a larger course or study program (Ahmat et al, 2021 ). The scalability of MOOCs and micro-credentials makes it possible for learners to register and get access to the content and receive a certificate or some form of formal accreditation after completing a course (Kaplan & Haenlein, 2016 ).…”