This paper explores the potential of online micro-credentials, a novel learning approach that awards credentials after short educational experiences, as a viable solution to bridging the soft skills gap in the workforce. Using a qualitative foresight research design, the study analyzes and synthesizes insights gathered from 85 in-depth interviews…

This systematic review synthesizes 14 peer-reviewed studies from 2015 to 2023, focusing on the assessment methods and delivery of digital microcredentials. Microcredentials provide specialized, focused content and recognize professional learning or competency in specific skills. This paper defines digital microcredentials as those offered in an…

The Indonesian Student Micro-Credentials Program implemented by Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) carries 5 courses, all of which are carried out online, in a relatively short time within 2 months. The learning objectives, which are intended to create practical skills, require students to master the courses they follow, thus causing…

This paper analyses the potential of micro-credentials in adult education through upcoming EU policies and initiatives, bearing in mind the increasing use of online learning platforms globally. Understanding national and international approaches to micro-credentials allows undergraduate programmes and teaching practices to flourish in economically…

The University of North Georgia's division of Distance Education & Technology Integration, DETI, developed a series of self-paced workshops to assist faculty in professional development as a response to faculty inquiries and the pandemic. The pandemic changed the way we look at our professional development opportunities. DETI concluded that we…

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the practice of traditional higher education providers (HEPs) and highlighted the need for innovative approaches to education for sustainable development. This research note focuses on online short courses (OSCs)--micro-credentials geared at upskilling or reskilling learners with a competitive application process…

There is increasing interest around the use of microcredentials for upskilling, employability, professional development, and reaching a wide range of learners. However, little discussion exists around the use of microcredentials to contribute towards broader qualifications and accreditation. This paper investigates the use of a series of…

The authors developed the Skills of Inquiry (SoI) model accompanied by a logic model to assess and evaluate faculty members teaching online. The Skills of Inquiry is based on faculty members' abilities to understand the online environments, skills development on online teaching, and acquisition of specific online skills. The Skills of Inquiry…

This study investigates the application of the SECI model of knowledge dimensions in the design and execution of educational courses in "Innovation and Digitization Management" and "Data-Based Decision Making" microdegrees, developed within the rapidly evolving educational landscape of 2023 and 2024. The research incorporates a…

This paper explores the Centre for Insurance, Risk and Data Analytics Studies (CIRDAS) as a case study of online adult education which offers flexible upskilling and reskilling opportunities to employees across the Irish insurance sector. It explores how CIRDAS's agile programme development enabled flexible entry, exit and progression routes for…

Development for empowerment focuses on leveraging education via digital technologies and micro-credentials for training and education as part of the integration, social inclusion and capacity building for displaced persons. Development for empowerment builds upon the previous concepts of development including Amartya Sen's 'development as…

Professional learning is defined as a context-specific, career-long endeavor that is guided by standards, grounded in the educator's individual work, and tailored to the educator's stage in career development (Schlager & Fusco, 2003). Research related to professional learning for educators conveys the need for change. Studies indicate that a…

Despite calls to modernize education preparation, the way we train, support, and grow educators has remained largely unchanged for decades. But some educator training and professional development organizations are taking a different approach by offering educators flexible and job-embedded learning opportunities that recognize and validate learning…

Purpose: This study aims to present the evaluation of a competency-based online professional development training program, PhD Progression, tied to a digital badge system, created to support PhD students across fields. Design/methodology/approach: This study took place at Boston University, a large, nonprofit, Carnegie Classified R1…

The purpose of this study was to increase microlearning training module usage and completions by 10-15% over a 30-day period by including evaluation in the design and development of a new microlearning training module in the golf equipment industry. Evaluation was conducted using a bespoke evaluation tool, which was designed and developed using…