Building a Strong Foundation: Getting Started with Micro-Credentialing as a Faculty Member

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Faculty are exploring ways to incorporate micro-credentials into their courses. Because the world of credentialing is still so new, getting started can be challenging.  This guide provides faculty with best practices and considerations for creating and offering micro-credentials.

How?

Identify relevant skills. To effectively communicate the value of earning a  micro-credential, faculty members should first identify the specific skills and competencies taught in their courses that align with the needs of learners and industry employers.  One way to do this is by utilizing an open skills library, such as Lightcast, to explore desired skills and their alignment with various job roles.  Faculty can better articulate the significance of earning a micro-credential to learners by determining the relevant jobs and skills related to their subject area.

Determine content and assessment needs. Once skills are identified, faculty members can develop course content and resources that specifically focus on these skills. This approach will assist faculty in developing assessments, such as projects linked to real-world scenarios, that enable learners to demonstrate their mastery of the skills. 

Pilot offerings. Before rolling out the opportunity to earn a micro-credential, faculty should consider offering it to a small group of learners or as an optional offering embedded in the course. This will allow the opportunity to gauge learners' interest in earning the micro-credential.  Faculty should also ensure they provide direct support for learners throughout the course, offering assistance when needed. This approach ensures a positive learning experience and generates valuable feedback from learners who have completed the content and assessments. Faculty can utilize this feedback to refine and enhance the micro-credential before making it available to a broader audience.

Why?

In today’s world, learners seek new ways to engage with higher education. They are looking for programs that offer experiences that prepare them for employment opportunities. These programs must show how courses connect to in-demand skills. By offering micro-credentials, faculty can meet the needs of learners seeking targeted and practical learning experiences. Micro-credentials allow learners to showcase their acquired skills and competencies to potential employers. They offer practical applications and enable learners to stand out in a competitive job market. Overall, it enhances their employability and instills confidence in their ability to excel in their chosen field.

If your institution is interested in diving into additional best practices, contact your Customer Success Manager to learn more about our consulting and training services.