Enabling Micro-credential Provision in the Technological University Sector
Engineering a coherent and sustainable approach to meet the diverse needs of learners
Prepared by The Department of Technology Enhanced Learning, Munster Technological University, on behalf of the N-TUTORR Project
Within the technological university sector in Ireland, micro-credentials have gained significant attention due to their potential to offer flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant learning opportunities. In outlining the future strategic role of micro-credentials within the technological university sector, it is crucial to develop a comprehensive micro-credentials framework that captures the shared understanding of the nature and purpose of micro-credentials provision.
This green paper, which focuses on facilitating the development of a coherent approach to micro-credentials across the technological university sector in Ireland , is published under the Digital Ecosystems stream (Stream 3) of the N-TUTORR programme.
It follows on from a comprehensive needs analysis carried out in the context of the N-TUTORR project. That report, titled Unlocking pathways: a needs analysis of micro-credentials offered by the TU sector to address industry skill needs in Ireland, provides a detailed overview of the micro-credentials landscape (Carroll et al. 2023).
Key Findings:
Benefits of micro-credentials for stakeholders include enhanced access and participation, increased pathways for engagement, improved institutional responsiveness and flexibility, improved employee retention, and facilitation of cocreation and co-delivery
Five potential positions that micro-credentials may play in the university ecosystem were identified: (1) complementary to mainstream education, (2) alternative provision to mainstream education, (3) bridge or pathway to access mainstream education, (4) facilitate the delivery and acquisition of knowledge in the workplace, and (5) facilitate a broad range of learning activities
Enablers of micro-credential provision include alignment with institutional strategies, strong partnership with stakeholders, quality assurance, flexibility, and technological infrastructure
Barriers of micro-credential provision include lack of standardisation, resistance to change, lack of recognition, and financial and technical challenges
Technological universities should adopt the following guiding principles in to ensure micro-credential quality: enable comprehensive feasibility review, aligning programme development and approval processes with pedagogical advancements in teaching and learning, promote a learner-centred approach, ensure that recognition and accreditation mechanisms are in place, and ingrain continuous improvement in the quality assurance processes
Appropriate design and implementation of digital systems composed of a credential issuing platform and learning management system play a crucial role in the proposed TU working framework for micro-credentials. Such a system should also facilitate flexible content authoring and learning analytics