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Micro-Credentialing in Adult Learning: International Considerations
Keywords
Digital Badges, OER, self-direction, ePortfolios, international and comparative education
Session Abstract
Micro-credentialing and digital badge technologies promote formal, non-formal, and informal learning among global adult learners through Open Educational Resources and other online courses. However, challenges to international standards, compatibility, language, validation, and efficacy require exploration, such as this session, to address technological issues, limitations, and implications for global adult learning.
Session Description
Educational internationalization facilitates social and academic mobility, thus impacting online learning credentials, including verification of course completion and mastery of subject materials. This session talks about micro-credentialing, or digital badges, as a method for confirming adult learning.
The session first introduces the historical development of concepts and definitions locally and globally. Then, it presents internet-based, public-domain open educational resources (OER), such as the internationally popular Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) format, which engages adults through instructor-driven and self-directed learning on almost any subject.
From an international perspective, this session addresses some advantages and disadvantages of web-based educational resources for adults, especially internationally interoperable verification of acquired knowledge and skills.
OER courses motivate modern global learning interests; however, few of the products fit together to provide a framework for a degree, certification, or proof of completion that is recognizable worldwide. Micro-credentialing, or digital badges, provides the framework, but many challenges surround standards, compatibility, language translation, validation, and efficacy.
This session will introduce organizations working toward international standardization and sustainability of micro-credentials. This session leads to a better understanding of the current status, issues, and future implications for micro-credentialing and OER in global higher education and lifelong learning.