I-HE2020 European Approach to Micro-credentials
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The document discusses the European approach to micro-credentials. It notes the increased demand for online learning and alternative credentials due to COVID-19 and changing workforce needs. It advocates developing a common definition of micro-credentials and ensuring quality assurance and recognition at both the European and national levels. The document proposes next steps including publishing an expert report in late 2020, public consultations in early 2021, and a Council Recommendation by the end of 2021 to establish a framework for micro-credentials.
I-HE2020 European Approach to Micro-credentials
- 1. European Approach to Micro-credentials Vanessa DEBIAIS-SAINTON Head of Higher Education Unit European Commission DG EAC 29 October 2020
- 2. A joint initiative: European Commissioners Gabriel and Schmit
- 3. • Skills Agenda July 2020 • European Education Area Sept 2020 • Digital Education Action Plan Sept 2020 • Future Erasmus Programme 2021-2027 Key priorities for Higher Education
- 4. Impact of COVID-19 Demand for various online learning opportunities has accelerated Demand for alternative credentials, their recognition and validation becomes urgent Changing nature of work A rapidly changing society undergoing environmental, technological, and social transformations People increasingly need flexible training to meet the changing skills demands Need for a common Understanding Massive increase in different forms of alternative credentials Need for a transparent common definition and boost of take-up, validation, recognition and portability The importance of acting now
- 5. Quality Assurance Agencies National Authorities European Universities Alliances European stakeholder organisations Higher Education Institutions Higher Education Consultation Group 3 online meetings 26 May, 30 June, 16-17 September Final report autumn 2020, with common definition
- 6. Common definition "A micro-credential is a recognised proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short learning experience. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent standards." The proof is contained in a certified document that lists the name of the holder, the achieved learning outcomes, the assessment method, the awarding body and, where applicable, the qualifications framework level and the credits gained. Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, can be shared, are portable and may be combined into larger credentials or qualifications. They are underpinned by quality assurance following agreed standards.
- 7. Draft list of critical information elements ➢ Identification of the learner ➢ Title of the micro-credential ➢ Country/Region ➢ Awarding body ➢ ISCED field of education and training ➢ Date when the micro-credential was issued ➢ Notional workload ➢ Level of the learning experience ➢ Learning outcomes ➢ Form of participation in the learning activity ➢ Type of assessment ➢ Supervision and identity verification during assessment ➢ Quality assurance of the credential ➢ Prerequisites needed to enrol in the learning activity* ➢ Grade achieved* ➢ Integration / stackability options* ➢ Duration of validity* ➢ Further information*
- 8. Micro-credentials: The way forward A common definition Quality Assurance Recognition European level Establish the appropriate follow up structure for micro-credentials within the Bologna Process working structures Wide consultations among the education and training community Follow-up by the Council of ministers Explore the possible adaptation of the Bologna instruments in context of the Erasmus+ MICROBOL project (2020-2022) Possible adaptation of the ESGs during the 2024 Ministerial Conference of the Bologna Process Explore the possible adaptation of the recognition instruments to address the need for a standardised approach to recognition Possible adaptation of the Bologna instruments during the 2024 Bologna Ministerial Conference
- 9. Roadmap of actions national level Consultation at national level involving all relevant national stakeholders: • Piloting of actions • National regulatory framework • Availability of (EU) funding National actions Take-up EU support through the Erasmus programme and Structural funds for higher education Support the development of sustainable business models Europass and digitally signed credentials Link with the European Student Card initiativeStorage
- 10. Building on Erasmus+ projects • Microbol: Micro-credentials linked to the Bologna Process key commitments • MicroHE: micro-credentialing in European Higher Education • CORSHIP: « Corporate EduPreneurship » • Projects in the area of recognition: e-Valuate, PARADIGMS and just starting: STACQ – “Stacking credtis and the future of qualifications”, coordinated by NUFFIC • MOOC Consortium & European Short Learning Programmes for continuous professional development and lifelong learning • European Consortium of Innovative Universities: Competence passport and micro- credentials • Open Education Passport – creation of a digital standard format for documenting open education credentials based on ECTS • ECCOE: European Credit Clearinghouse for Opening up Education • Open Badge Network: supporting the development of an Open Badge ecosystem
- 11. Next steps – EU approach to Micro-credentials 2020-2021 • Publication of the expert report November/December 2020 • Wide public consultations Early 2021 • Council Recommendation End 2021