How I stopped fearing micro-credentials and began to love digital badging – a pilot project. Issue 2 (April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Felton, Shawn D; Whitehouse, Glenn; Motley, Clay; Jaeger, Dave; Timur, Aysegul
• Is Part Of: Industry & higher education. Volume 37:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: 309
• Page End: 317
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Subjects: Micro-credential -- digital badging -- workforce development -- skills gap -- innovative programming -- university–industry partnerships; Business and education -- Periodicals; University cooperation -- Periodicals; 378.104
• DOI: 10.1177/09504222221117951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-4222

Abstract

Higher education faces increasing demands to take a more active and direct role in assuring employability for students. Micro-credentialing and badging is a growing movement, attractive for its flexibility and efficiency in connecting students with careers and jobs. This paper presents a case study of the development and pilot of an industry-specific micro-credential at a regional comprehensive university. Florida Gulf Coast University developed the Fundamentals of Medical Device Industry badge (micro-credential) in response to specific regional workforce needs in partnership with a major area employer. The concept, design, course integration and initial results are detailed, along with the next steps and best practices for institutions implementing similar badges.