The function of microcredentials for the Open University
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The document discusses the role of microcredentials at The Open University (UK), which are short professional courses that earn academic credits and are designed to meet various career needs. It outlines the university's mission to promote accessibility and social justice in education, adapting to changing workforce demands and enhancing collaboration with industry. The strategy focuses on providing flexible learning opportunities and aligning microcredentials with common frameworks to ensure relevancy and trustworthiness in their offerings.
The function of microcredentials for the Open University
- 1. The Function of Microcredentials for The Open University (UK) PROF. MARTIN WELLER PROF. REBECCA FERGUSON DR. ROBERT FARROW DR. REBECCA PITT DR. FRANCISCO INIESTO INSTITUTE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY I·HE2021: Innovating Higher Education Conference 4th November 2021
- 2. Overview • Microcredentials are short professional courses (100-150 hours of study) awarded academic credits • Transcripts detail learning outcomes, study effort and credits earned • Approach includes collaboration between higher education and business, professional bodies, NGOs, etc. • Flexible delivery – online, individual self-directed learning, manageable size • Appropriate for any stage in a career • Meeting different needs with one model (skills gap, career change, returning to work/study, exploring new areas, professional development) • Collaboration with employers to ensure content relevant and credentials recognized, trustworthy; standards set by Common Microcredential Framework (CMF) and European Qualifications Framework (EQF); routes to HE qualifications
- 3. Microcredentials & OU Mission Mission: Open to people, places, methods and ideas OU promotes educational opportunity and social justice by offering higher education to all The vision is to reach more learners with lifechanging, lifelong learning that meets their needs OU is a leader in design & delivery of online learning, committed to pedagogical excellence and innovation Responsiveness to needs of individuals, employers and communities
- 4. Context & Strategy • Context: 4th industrial revolution; changing employment circumstances (platformisation, gig economy, new technologies); competitive HE market; diversifying income; SEEK/FutureLearn investment; 9 in 10 workers need reskilling by 2030 (CBI/McKinsey, 2020); accelerated demand for online learning under Covid-19 • Objectives: support lifelong learning; extend flexible provision; deliver sustainable growth • Strategy: Establish FL as a key provider of microcredentials to reach new learner audiences; innovate delivery of professional learning; establish stronger links to industry and employers • Key issues: correct blend of accreditation, endorsement and academic credits; differentiation from other short courses; integration; discoverability
- 9. Microcredentials in the CMF Total study time 100-150 hours Levelled at Level 6 or Level 7 in the European Qualification Framework (EQF) Summative assessment to award academic credit (through microcredential or recognition of prior learning Provision of reliable identity verification at the point of assessment which is then used across the learning platforms Provision of a transcript that describes the learning outcomes, study hours required, EQF level and credits awarded
- 10. CMF Alignment Strategy Microcredentials aligned to Common Microcredential Framework (CMF) Targeting those in work or aspiring to work, focusing on existing and anticipated skills gaps and growing roles Building on the academic and pedagogical expertise of The Open University (UK) Endorsement by industry partners and professional bodies; syllabus checks Presentation several times per year Differentiation from the core offering of The Open University (UK)
- 11. Focus Areas BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT Overall skills gap with growing global demand fr digital skills DATA & TECHNOLOGY Demand for computing professionals EDUCATION & LEARNING Building on The Open University’s reputation ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY Solutions for future living
- 12. 150 OU courses on FutureLearn platform 4 million+ enrolments 22 microcredentials Microcredential partners include: Agile Business Consortium; Amazon Web Services; Association of Learning Technologists; Cisco Networking Academy; Mental Health Foundation; Royal Photographic Society
- 13. Cheaper!
- 19. Benefits / Early Indicators Most popular courses have been in online education Developed in shorter time frame than traditional OU courses (typically 6-8 weeks) Allows OU to be more responsive (eg Online education course produced in 5 weeks to respond to online pivot) Allows students alternative route into study Microcredentials to be stackable (ie can count towards qualification) Open Degree is useful starting home (multidisciplinary UG/PG qualifications)
- 20. Focus Areas Different support model (not a dedicated tutor) Do learners qualify as ‘students’ and therefore get access to full library? How many courses can be ‘stacked’? What is the uptake likely to be? (i.e. is it a good Return on Investment?)
- 21. EMC-LM Outputs • State of the art analysis of MOOC provisions for the labour market • MOOCs and online learning opportunities for the labour market • Compendium on good practices in assessment & recognition of MOOCs • Models and guidelines for assessment and recognition of MOOCs and microcredentials https://emc.eadtu.eu/emc-lm/results-menu
- 22. THANK YOU