The Potential of Micro-credentials in Vocational Education - notes from webinar

 Attended a webinar organised by ConCOVE on microcredentials.

Notes taken below:

Welcome extended from George Makapatama (Deputy director of ConCOVE) who opened the session introducing the work of ConCOVE and the role of research. Eve Price was the ConCOVE project leader.

Otter.ai used to take notes as the meeting progressed. 

Stuart Martin (George Angus Consulting) presented the study, carried out last year. 

Began with a story of a friend who wanted to get into work but had a young family, His discovery of microcredentials provided a way for him to increase his confidence and to move into work he had an interest in.

Ran through the definition of credentials - what are micro, digital or digital badge. Microcredentials are registered on the NZ Qualifications framework, digital credentials are offered by various corporations and and digital badges usually like a certificate of completion after completing a short course of study. 

Then summarised the potential of microcredentials for not only learners and workers but for employers, government, industry etc. Literature search undertaken on the international use of microcredentials. There are multiple definitions and various countries use microcredentials in different ways.

In 2022, 9000 people completed microcredentials in NZ, although the number dropped to 7,000 in 2023 - possible post COVID effect. See NZQA report on the NZ approach to microcredentials.

One important item to address is to have some distinct difference between skill standards and microcredentials. Microcredentials themselves can be similar or the same as a skill standard but there may be more than one skill standard in a microcredential. Stacking ensures relevance of microcredentials, so that relevant microcredentials can be stacked towards a larger qualification, including a degree (examples in Singapore and Australia - Deakin University Master in Leadership). rules for stacking in NZ found in this NZQA document.

Note, microcredentials not presently funded through usual educational funding sources. This makes it difficult for ITPs for example to offer microcredentials due to the funding regime.

Invitation from participants to share their perspectives on microcredentials. 

Q & A followed. 

A good review of microcredentials in the NZ context. Good range of participants and a good variety of questions.