Education Technology Services
Microcredentials: The future of learning
A major challenge facing most organisations, especially in sectors such as technology and finance, is the shortage of talent. Human Resource (HR) heads and talent acquisition leaders constantly rue the fact that they are unable to find resources having the requisite skill sets. Therefore, it has become necessary for employees to constantly skill and upgrade themselves in order to stay relevant in their profession. Microcredentials have proven to be an excellent source of knowledge, providing an opportunity for employees to learn and update themselves on the latest in technology and other areas, thus helping bridge the skill gap.
So, what are microcredentials?
Microcredentials are a relatively new type of learning. They offer very targeted and focussed certifications that enable individuals to skill themselves in specific subject areas. While traditional courses and degrees are generally completed over a longer period of study (often years!), microcredentials are short and more practical in their approach to learning. Microcredentials are like digital badges that learners can collect as they educate themselves and pick up skills. They focus on the skills gained by learners rather than the time spent picking up those skills or the degrees earned by them. Microcredentials can be earned through courses provided on Learning Management System platforms (LMSs). They are typically earned upon completion of assessments to demonstrate mastery and expertise in the subject.
Why the popularity?
In these days of rapid advances in technology, it is getting increasingly challenging for people to keep up with the changing demands of the job market. It is no longer enough to learn by enrolling in 4 to 5-year courses. It is expected that employees and those wishing to enter the job market must constantly keep learning and acquire the just-in-time skills that are expected of them. In such a scenario, microcredentials are the best way to update oneself, pick up the requisite know-how and validate one’s expertise in a specific area.
Several groups of learners reap the benefits from microcredentials. Apart from employees of organisations, job-seekers, educators and students too stand to gain through microcredentials. Job seekers can use the credentials gained to demonstrate the skills relevant to the position they are applying for. Educators also need to keep learning in order to be conversant with the changes happening in their industry. Microcredentials are a great way to showcase their attempts at continuous learning and upgrading.
Benefits of micro credentials
- Focussed learning: Microcredentials enable focussed learning. They boost the employability quotient since the learners gain skills in areas or subjects that are crucial for their field of work. Learners do not need to waste their time on learning content that is not needed or is unrelated to their specific skill requirements.
- Flexibility: We live in a busy world where finding time to pursue learning often gets challenging due to time constraints and time pressures to get many things done. Microcredentials are able to overcome this challenge with the sheer flexibility that they offer learners. The mode of imparting knowledge helps learners balance their time and choose time slots that work best for them without affecting other commitments.
- Cost-effective learning: Microcredentials also enable cost-effective learning. Traditional models of learning often necessitate high tuition fees and long durations of learning. In contrast, microcredentials can be completed in a fraction of the time needed for traditional modes of learning and are hence much easier on the pocket!
Are microcredentials and microlearning the same?
Microcredentials are often mistaken for microlearning since both are related to learning by consuming content in a condensed format. However, it is important to note that both are quite unique. Microcredentials are structured courses that lead to certifications on completion of assessments. Microlearning involves consuming byte-sized knowledge without any formal assessments. Research has shown that microlearning helps with improved retention of the concepts learned since it involves breaking complex topics into easier-to-consume pieces. Learners can integrate them into their lives without setting aside long periods of time for learning. Therefore, we can say that microcredentials are earned through microlearning programs.
Reimagining the future of learning
The ways of learning have changed by leaps and bounds over the years. Microcredentials could well be the future of learning considering it is flexible, personalised and skill-focused. They help in addressing the needs of a rapidly changing job market.
For individuals, microcredentials offer a pathway to higher learning without the need for commitment to a traditional degree. It enables individuals and companies to stay relevant in a dynamic global world where the demands on skills are ever-increasing. Companies too get access to employees who are continuously learning and are updated on the latest in their field. They have definitely made the pathway to lifelong learning and development much easier, preparing individuals for the ever-changing future of work.
How Infosys can help
IBPM’s AI/ML basedLearner Segmentation & Recommendation Services help academic institutions take informed and data-driven decisions by understanding the learner base and identifying learner segments with similar interests, career aspirations and course segments. We can help you identify potential learners of different segments and suggest the most effective personalised courses and service offerings.
