Micro-credentials

CTLI’s micro-credentials are flexible learning pathways that allow learners to personalize their learning journeys.

Overview

Micro-credential courses encompass a wide variety of bite-sized learning experiences that may stand alone or be stacked into credentials that are acknowledged with digital badges.

Flexible

Learners learn what they want, when they want, at their own pace and an affordable price

Tangible

Provides learners with tools and strategies that can immediately be transferred to use in professional settings

Relevant

Well researched, based on recent innovations, and focused on in-demand topics

Engaging

Meets learners’ needs with interesting and appealing design for learning

Timeline

Read through the timeline by clicking on each point.

- Initial interest in and experimentation with modularized course delivery

- Research into provincial and national policy and initiative alignments
- Visioning of micro-credential pathways begins

- Working team formation: CTLI Micro-credentials

- Mapping of micro-credential student journey
- Integration of Badgr as institutional platform for digital badges
- Addition of Canvas Catalog enrolment management system

- Development of resources to support micro-credential development, including Microcredential Framework, Development Handbook, template for Canvas
- Development of Instructional Skills Program micro-credentials begins
- Launch of Lethbridge College Student Core Competencies project
- Launch of Learning Experience Design micro-credentials series

- Collaboration between CTLI and Business Development to plan micro-credential development and delivery platform
- Development of Lethbridge College Micro-credential System map

- Launch of Aquaponics micro-credential pathway
- Exploring how to connect micro-credentials with record systems: LMS, Catalog, Ellucian, Colleague
- Sharing of experience and resources with counterparts in Alberta post-secondary community

- Embed micro-credentials into institutional policies and practices
- Incorporation of Lethbridge College digital badges into MyCreds digital wallet

Deliverables

Micro-credential framework
Micro-credential development handbook
Micro-credential template for Canvas LMS
Curriculum Alignment Framework (CAF)
Concept framework
Micro-credential system design

Alignments

Micro-credentials have recently gained traction in national and provincial initiatives. As Lethbridge College engages in iterative design processes, we’re constantly aiming to ensure that we’re in alignment with provincial, national, and international practices in this field.
CICan Standard Definition of Micro-credentials and Guiding Principles for the Development of Micro-Credential Standards
Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs and Southwest Alberta Regional Skills Study
CTLI Strategic Innovation Model

Glossary

Micro-credentials – A certification of assessed competencies that is additional, alternate, complementary to, or a component of a formal qualification (CICAN). Completion can be acknowledged with digital badges.
Micro-credential course – A course designed to assess a single competency.
Micro-credential pathway – A suite of micro-credentials that must be completed in a designated sequence or combination in order to meet criteria for pathway completion.
Digital Badge – Displayed as a digital images, these files also contain detailed, verifiable information about the badge award, including information about the issuer and the learner, criteria for earning the badge, and more. Learners collect these badges and can share them via social media, websites, links, and printed certificates.

Engagement

We believe that meaningful stakeholder engagement is essential to any good initiative. Below is a list of engaged stakeholders. (Classification based on CTLI engagement framework and IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum)

Inform

Our promise: We will keep you informed about the project and decisions that are made.

Media specialists
Writers
Formatters
Prospective students and clients
Post-secondary education community

Consult

Our promise: We will consult with you to ensure your viewpoint is heard and considered when making decisions. We will communicate how this input and feedback influenced the decisions made.

Alberta Continuing Education group
Alberta Centre for Teaching & Learning group
CICAN
Industry
Students
Clients

Involve

Our promise: We will work directly with you to ensure your viewpoints and concerns are reflected in the decisions made.

Instructional designers
Registrar’s office
Information technology director
Faculty
Subject matter experts

Collaborate

Our promise: We will partner directly with you throughout the project and decision making process. We will create joint solutions or recommendations.

Academic technologists
Learning experience designers
LC Studio coordinator
Educational developers

Empower

Our promise: We will abide by the decisions you make.

CTLI leaders
CCE and Business Development leaders
Deans

Project Lead: Joelle Reynolds

IN: Micro-credentials