In the fast-paced world of today, it’s essential to stay on top of trends and business requirements to grow your career. One way to do this is through completing a micro-credential to keep your CV up to date, and your skillset relevant.
But what is this type of learning, and what are the benefits for your career and personal success? Read on to find out more.
What is a micro-credential?
There are many online courses available, thanks to the popularity of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). These cover a range of industries, topics, and specialisations, but not all forms of online learning are equal.
Key characteristics
A micro-credential differs from other online courses in that it focuses on learning a specific skill, and not just increasing a learner’s knowledge. In this way, it isn’t just a badge to place on your LinkedIn profile but forms part of a broader portfolio of academic learning.
For this reason, micro-credential courses are offered by accredited institutions. In many cases, the courses are stackable, which means they can be added to a portfolio. They can also contribute to earning comprehensive qualifications such as a tertiary degree.
Delivery mechanisms and MOOCs
As we mentioned above, MOOCs are a very popular way of broadening your skillset. There are thousands of different online courses to enable you to acquire new skills or educate yourself further.
The advantage of a MOOC is that it is easily accessible by mobile and desktop devices, as long as you have access to a stable internet connection.
While the courses might be presented in various formats, a key benefit of completing an online micro-credential is the assessment and portfolio of evidence that you build to demonstrate your practical skills and applied knowledge.
Credentials and Digital Badges
Micro-credentials introduce theoretical concepts and practical application allowing you to complete a course with the assurance that you have truly focused on acquiring a certain skill, and that you are building a foundation on which to further grow your professional portfolio. This is similar to how you would complete a list of modules when working towards a tertiary qualification.
There are no formal assessments linked to completing a micro-credential. However, quizzes, multiple-choice questions, and peer reviews are tools that measure comprehension and understanding. Many online learning platforms issue certificates of completion and digital badges which are shareable on social platforms, such as LinkedIn.
Is a micro-credential worth it?
In a previous blog, we explored the benefits of upskilling online and how to future-proofing your career. We covered how the fast-paced world that we live in requires agility in your career and chosen field.
While you can sign up for a longer-term qualification, or complete a variety of MOOCs, online micro-credentials offer incredible value for those looking to prepare for the future of work. They’re also valuable for those wanting to advance their careers in a cost-effective and accessible way. Most importantly, it is designed for working professionals who want to gain new skills in their own time.
But where do you start when it comes to signing up for this type of course? SACAP Global offers a range of online micro-credentials.
