The Learning Lab experience is supported by both asynchronous and synchronous components. Each part includes a set of resources, an asynchronous discussion, and an interactive live session, all of which culminate in the development of a project to apply learning to local and specific contexts in support of the learning objectives.
Schedule
Part 1: Mapping the Microcredential Landscape: Assessing Institutional Readiness and Integration Strategies
June 2, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
Learn how an effective institutional or system-wide microcredential program can align with institutional initiatives, prior learning assessments, digital-credential wallets, comprehensive learner records, learner employment records, and cocurricular transcripts to add value for learners by capturing and documenting learning from multiple contexts and settings. In Part 1, participants will:
- Understand research on microcredential readiness;
- Understand strategies for assessing current microcredential programs and reflect on how they fit into broader institutional contexts;
- Understand the importance of providing learners with a method of documenting their learning journey through initiatives such as credential backpacks and wallets, learning and employment records (LERs), comprehensive learner records, and/or cocurricular and experiential learning transcripts; and
- Document the current state of microcredential program integration into the larger institutional context and assess readiness for growing your program.
Part 2: Leveraging Stakeholder Dynamics and Change Management to Develop, Grow, and Refine Microcredential Programs
June 5, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
In Part 2, participants will learn to identify and categorize key stakeholders in a microcredential ecosystem, analyze their interests and needs, and map the relationships and dynamics among them. They will also explore strategies for engaging stakeholders and develop action plans that foster collaboration and mutual benefit within the ecosystem. Participants will:
- Learn to identify and categorize key stakeholders involved in the development, implementation, and sustainability of a microcredential ecosystem, including educational institutions, industry partners, learners, accrediting bodies, and policymakers;
- Develop the ability to analyze the interests, needs, and expectations of various stakeholders within the microcredential ecosystem;
- Learn to map the relationships and dynamics among stakeholders in the microcredential ecosystem, including power structures, collaboration opportunities, potential conflicts of interest, and communication channels;
- Explore strategies for effectively engaging and mobilizing stakeholders to support the development and growth of the microcredential ecosystem; and
- Work collaboratively to formulate stakeholder-centered action plans aimed at fostering collaboration, alignment, and mutual benefit within the microcredential ecosystem.
Part 3: Using Data to Develop Performance Metrics and Understand Microcredentiaing Outcomes
June 12, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
In Part 3, we'll define metrics for evaluating microcredentialing quality, identify and access necessary data, and explore case examples of best practices in data-driven evaluation. Participants will:
- Define which metrics to use to evaluate the quality of their microcredentialing initiatives;
- Describe the data and strategies to be used to gain access to local institutional microcredential data; and
- Describe case examples that illustrate good practices in using data to evaluate microcredentailng efforts.
Part 4: Ensuring the Longevity and Sustainability of Microcredentialing Initiatives
June 18, 2025 | 12:00–1:30 p.m. ET
In Part 4, we’ll review case studies of effective sustainability planning for microcredentialing programs, consider necessary resources needed for short-, mid-, and long-term sustainability, and identify initial steps to secure these resources. Participants will:
- Review case studies that illustrate good practices in sustainability planning for microcredentialing programs;
- Discuss the resources needed in the short, mid, and long term to develop their microcredential programs; and
- Describe initial steps needed to secure the short-, mid-, and long-term sustainability of their microcredential program.
Lab Project
Participants will be given the opportunity to further their thinking about their institution’s microcredentialing initiatives and to develop a comprehensive plan to safeguard its sustainability. Each week, participants will asynchronously review resources and complete the following assignments, culminating in the final plan:
- A readiness assessment activity to help participants determine how well their institution is prepared to support its microcredentialing initiatives;
- A stakeholder mapping activity designed to help identify key internal and external stakeholders that need to be involved in participants’ ongoing microcredentailing initiatives;
- An evaluation plan a participant’s institution can use to assess the effectiveness of their microdentialing efforts; and
- An overall sustainability action plan to define the short-, mid-, and long-term steps the participant’s institution will need to complete to sustain and mature their microcredentaling initiatives.