Micro-credentials, the next chapter in higher education
- Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in India need to actively address the employability gap by connecting students with the skills required in the job market.
- Micro-credentials are emerging as a transformative solution to bridge this gap by providing just-in-time modern skills and competencies.
Micro-Credentials
- Micro-credentials are short-duration learning activities with proof of specific learning outcomes that are validated through a standard and reliable assessment process.
- They offer flexibility, accessibility, and advantages, making them a new norm in higher education.
- They are offered in online, physical, or hybrid modes at various levels, such as beginning, intermediate, or advanced.
- Hiring practices are shifting towards prioritising skills over degrees, contributing to the growing endorsement of micro-credentials.
Players in the Micro-Credential Space
- Various platforms and organizations, including Atingi, Alison.com, Coursera, and Microsoft, offer micro-credentials.
- Many universities worldwide, including Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK, and the US, are actively engaged in providing these short-duration learning opportunities.
Micro-Credentials vs. Macro-Credentials
- In contrast to macro-credentials like undergraduate degrees that require several years of study, micro-credentials offer a quicker path to acquiring essential skills.
- They are also designed for life-long learners, catering to working professionals who cannot attend formal degree programs.
- Micro-credentials associate credits with the notional hours spent acquiring a defined minimum competency, aligning with conventional higher education.
- Clear quality benchmarking and regulation are essential to ensure consistency and universal recognition.
Opportunities for Indian Students
- Micro-credentials present opportunities for Indian students to integrate diverse skills into their education, storing credits on the ABC platform for later use.
- Depending on duration and learning outcomes, they can be stand-alone or part of a degree program.
National Credit Framework in India
- India has implemented the National Credit Framework (NCrF), defining learning outcomes and corresponding credits for student progression.
- Micro-credentials, being portable and stackable on digital platforms like the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), align with the NCrF.
Potential Impact and Demand in India
- With the National Education Policy 2020 emphasizing skill-based education and employers seeking skilled individuals, there is a growing demand for micro-credentials in India.
- HEIs should consider introducing them as a strategic element in their institutional objectives.
Conclusion
- Indian HEIs, regulators, and industry partners must collaborate to harmonize micro-credentials with existing academic programs.
- They must leverage the potential of this transformative approach to enhance the tertiary education system.