Canada has about 10,000 micro-credentials. But many do not meet the definition of what they are intended to be: short, focused, intensive learning linked to skills that are in demand from employers, industry or a profession. The situation is similar in the U.S. and Europe. The important question is how to design and develop micro-credentials that help more people find jobs, change jobs or develop the skills they need to keep the jobs they already have. What needs to change in the current approach to this fast-changing form of learning? What can Canadian educators learn from developments elsewhere in the world?

Key Takeaways

By participating in this webinar, you will:

• Understand the current state of micro-credentials in Canada and the U.S. including those offered by MOOC providers (Coursera, edX and FutureLearn) and industry.
• Recognize the five major limitations of the current offerings
• Examine an assessment-driven approach to skills and competency development linked to gap-based microlearning.
• Assess five major design changes needed to make micro-credentials work for students, employers and communities.
• Explore the future of micro-credentials and long-form credentials: Are they gamechangers or “old wine in new bottles?”