Evaluating Microcredentials: A Framework for Quality and Dependability

After my exploration of existing microcredential frameworks, in addition to my completion of a few competency-based learning courses over the past few weeks, I have drafted a form (Figure 1) for evaluating the quality and dependability of microcredentials.

Microcredential framework by Lorie Bell — Figure 1. Lorie Bell’s Microcredential Framework

I have divided the criteria among five categories which I believe to be essential:

Curriculum
Course Organization
Learner Products
Ethics, and
Records

I will evaluate these five major categories of each microcredential that I have completed so far, in addition to any others that I complete in the next couple of weeks, using the 20 criteria listed in the framework. I expect to revise along the way as I continue to grapple with the idea of what makes microcredentials valuable in the global career market.

References

DigiLEARN. (2024). digiLEARN. https://www.digilearn.org/nc-partnership

Digital Promise. (2024). Micro-credentials. Digital Promise. https://microcredentials.digitalpromise.org/

Digital Promise. (2024). Micro-credentials. Digital Promise. https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/educator-micro-credentials/

McDiarmid, G., Berry, B., Barringer, M., North Carolina Partnership for Micro-Credentials Task Force, Best, M., McBride, A., & Tomberlin, T. (2023). Transforming educator learning in North Carolina: Realizing the potential of micro-credentials. North Carolina Partnership for Micro-Credentials Task Force. https://loriebell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3f35c-micro-credentials_report_final_2_2_23.pdf

North Carolina Partnership for Micro-Credentials. (2024). digiLEARN. https://www.digilearn.org/nc-partnership

Rehak, & Hickey. (2017). Digital badges: Principles for recognizing learning and badge face credibility for employers and colleges. https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Year/2017/03/29/Digital_Badges_principles_and_standards_rubric_9212015.pdf?rev=0da3e9686b2449ba82536827a97dc7d3

Coyle, R. (2024, May 9). Increasing the value of digital credentials. EdTech Digest. https://www.edtechdigest.com/2024/05/09/increasing-the-value-of-digital-credentials/

Training and development providers. (2024). https://info.credly.com/solutions/training-and-development-providers

Lorie Bell