Micro-credentials, also known as digital badges, have been a growing trend in higher education as a form of non-traditional credentials. However, the concept of non-traditional credentials has a long history that has evolved over time.
One of the earliest forms of non-traditional credentials was the vocational certificate, which was introduced in the early 20th century as a way to recognize the skills and knowledge that workers had acquired through on-the-job training and experience. These vocational certificates were often issued by trade associations and employers, and were seen as a way to recognize the skills and knowledge that were needed in specific fields.
In the 1970s, the concept of continuing education units (CEUs) was introduced as a way to recognize the professional development and learning that took place outside of formal degree programs. CEUs were often awarded for workshops, seminars, and other non-credit educational activities, and they provided a way for individuals to gain recognition for their professional development and learning.
The rise of the internet and online learning in the 1990s led to the development of digital credentials, including digital badges. Digital badges provided a way to recognize the skills and knowledge that individuals had acquired through online learning and other forms of digital education. Unlike traditional degrees and certifications, digital badges are granular and can represent a specific skill, accomplishment, or knowledge.
More recently, micro-credentials have emerged as a way to recognize the skills and knowledge that individuals have acquired through shorter, more targeted forms of education. Micro-credentials are often focused on specific skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the workforce, and they can be earned through a variety of activities such as online coursework, internships, independent projects, and on-the-job training. They provide a flexible and efficient way for individuals to gain new qualifications and advance their careers.
One of the key differences between micro-credentials and other forms of non-traditional credentials is that micro-credentials are often tied to industry standards and are designed to be portable and stackable. This means that they can be recognized and accepted by a wide range of employers and institutions, and they can be combined to form a larger credential or a traditional degree.
One of the driving factors behind the recent increase in popularity of micro-credentials has been the rapid pace of technological change and the corresponding need for continuous learning and skill development. Employers are now looking for employees with specific skills and knowledge that are often not covered in traditional degree programs, and micro-credentials provide a way for individuals to gain those skills and be recognized for them. Furthermore, the ability to stack them to create larger credentials and degrees, has made micro-credentials a more valuable and recognized form of education than the early forms of non-traditional credentials.
In conclusion, the history and evolution of non-traditional credentials have led to the emergence of micro-credentials as a form of flexible, skill-based and efficient form of education. Micro-credentials are closely aligned with the skills and knowledge that are in high demand in the workforce, and they provide a way for individuals to gain new qualifications and advance their careers. Furthermore, the ability to stack them and the recognition and portability provided by industry standards have made micro-credentials a valuable and recognized form of education in today’s job market.
