ELI Online Event 2017
Microcredentials and Digital Badging in Higher Education

July 12, 2017 | Noon–4:00 p.m. (ET)

One in five colleges have issued digital badges, according to the results of a recent survey conducted by University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) and Pearson of 190 institutions. Today, all kinds of organizations, from higher education institutions to professional associations to employers, are issuing digital microcredentials. The microcredentials could be in job-related soft skills, such as in communication, working with others and customer relations, or in critical reasoning, logic and problem solving. They also recognize technical skill development, such as content or assessments on data science, geographic information systems, or coding. Join us for this event, where we’ll explore various issues and developments in microcredentialing and digital badging in higher education.

  • What is the employer perspective on microcredentialing and digital badging?
  • How do digital badges support competency based learning and a multi-dimensional transcript?
  • What are appropriate indicators of quality and validity in digital badging programs?
  • What are the most effective employer engagement strategies?
  • What are some key drivers for academically focused badging initiatives in higher education?

Is This Event for You?

This online event will bring together a variety of teaching and learning professionals to explore successful models for leadership in teaching and learning. The session will be valuable for:

  • Learning technologists and instructional designers
  • Campus teaching and learning center directors and staff
  • Higher education registrars
  • Faculty members and instructors
  • Senior teaching and learning administrators (e.g., deans, provost office staff)
  • Librarians

You will receive the greatest value from this online program if you attend as a member of a team or host a group event on your campus. Team participation can help your institution advance a current or upcoming project or encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration. Team members also find active discussion and engagement with each other during activities builds rapport, solidifies plans, and enriches collaboration. By sharing a common experience, participants can reflect on the implications for their institution.

How You Will Prepare

Please review the resources and guided activities provided to help you frame discussions locally and organize team participation around the event. We recommend teams consider the ways they can interact both inside the online learning environment and as a team with colleagues at their institution.

Event Components

  • Presentation Sessions: Sessions designed to provide an overview of specific topic areas and successful emerging approaches related to the event theme immediately followed by opportunities to interact one-on-one with session presenters.
  • Project Rounds: A series of institutional cases/examples presented in a sequential, fast-paced format exploring a single project, emerging technology, or campus initiative. Project rounds will be followed by an opportunity for separate discussion with each of the presenters.
  • Activities/Discussions: Discussions will focus on the session theme and associated challenges and opportunities. Groups, both virtual and local, may use this time to further probe session topics through guided discussion and collaborative activities, conducted with an institutional group or individuals in virtual rooms.