Over the past year, in the context of the European Union, there has been a significant increase in interest in micro-credentials. Projects such as DC4EU and EBSI have been developing rapidly, as Universities want to integrate solutions from local technological providers into other European systems. 

Today, we focus on pioneers who are implementing micro-credential courses into their Institution offerings.

Universities incorporating micro-credentials in their offering

1. ECIU:
   The European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU) is a leading example in Europe, issuing tamper-proof micro-credentials to its learners. They are using the European Digital Credentials (EDC) platform to issue these micro-credentials, ensuring they meet European standards for digital credentials. ECIU University offers learning opportunities that aim to develop new skills and competencies, focusing on active citizenship and learner empowerment (Source).

2. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU):
   SNHU has been at the forefront of offering micro-credentials and stackable credentials. Their approach allows students to "pause" their education by earning micro-credentials that can be stacked towards a full degree. This model provides flexibility for students who need to balance work and family commitments while continuing their education (Source).

3. Jagiellonian University in Cracow:
   The university pioneers micro-courses and micro-trainings as the part of Una Europa alliance. Learners can acquire professional skills in a fast, targeted way taught by professionals from universities across Europe and have those courses approved by their home university. Other top universities in Poland are preparing to implement micro-credentials as early as Q2/Q3 of 2024.

4. University of Texas System:
   This system, encompassing nine academic campuses, has partnered with Coursera to emphasize micro-credentials in its curriculum. Offering over 35 micro-credentials primarily related to technology fields, they aim to equip students with in-demand digital skills from leading industry brands. This initiative reflects a broader trend in higher education to supplement traditional degree programs with targeted, industry-relevant micro-credentials (Source).

5. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM):
   UWM offers noncredit micro-credentials in areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, and blockchain technology. These programs are designed to fill employer demand in the large tech sector surrounding the campus. Additionally, UWM has developed credit-bearing micro-credentials that integrate with the existing academic offerings, enabling students to earn certifications alongside their degrees (Source).

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Summary

Micro-credentials are becoming a more widespread form of education. For Universities, it’s a great way to introduce new curricula and new streams of income, for students it gives the opportunity to learn quickly skills that are relevant in the job market and for the employers - a better-trained workforce.

If you would like to share with us your current expectations, and challenges or hear about our experiences in matters of certification and micro-credentials, contact us at: contact@doxychain.com

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