Did you know you don't have to have a four-year or two-year degree to qualify for a lucrative job? What you do need is a micro-credential. Micro-credentials offer a unique opportunity for adult learners to tailor their learning journeys to their specific needs and career aspirations. This personalized approach to skill development empowers individuals to acquire targeted knowledge and expertise efficiently.
I know this is true because I took courses decades after graduating from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned several Microsoft and Cisco micro-credentials. Did it require effort? Yes! Was it worth it? Yes!
So, let's dig deeper into how micro-credentials enable learners to create customized paths to success.
What are micro-credentials?
By their very nature, micro-credentials focus on specific skills or knowledge areas. They allow learners to choose from various offerings that align with their career goals and interests. This flexibility enables individuals to target areas where they seek to enhance their expertise, whether in data analysis, project management, or digital marketing.
Research conducted by the Stanford Graduate School of Education emphasizes the importance of learner agency in the educational process. Micro-credentials provide learners with the agency to select courses or programs that resonate with their passions and professional goals. This ensures their learning experiences are highly relevant and motivating, leading to greater engagement and success. Once again, I can attest to that because personal computers were only a gleam in the inventors' eyes when I attended university.
