Digital microcredentials are taking over the world – it is estimated that as many as 300 million have already been issued. However, the issue of quality and trust remains a major challenge. The model developed by IBE PIB may change this situation.
Without clear standards and the verification of the value of competencies, microcredentials lose their credibility. In response to these challenges, the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute is building its own high-quality model of microcredentials in Poland.
Microcredentials currently operate mainly in a decentralised system – anyone can create their own badge, not necessarily by following uniform rules. This encourages innovation, but also creates problems: a lack of transparency, difficulty in assessing the value of badges by employers, and the risk of abuse.
The future of education lies in microcredentials
The model developed at IBE PIB focuses on quality, transparency and standardisation. Each credential will be accurately described, verified and compliant with a developed standard based on learning outcomes. The verification of issuers will become a mandatory part of the process. This will make micro-credentials more transparent for the labour market, building real trust among employers and users.
We are striving to create a central solution that will convince all digital microcredential issuers in Poland that the so-called ‘quality path’ requires work, but it is not that difficult. We will ensure this by, among other things, offering the entire market ready-made and, equally importantly, freely available standards and a catalogue of microcredentials, where everyone will be able to add their own – previously verified – proposals, stated Michał Nowakowski, leader of the project ‘Microcredentials – piloting a new solution to support lifelong learning’, which is financed by European Funds for Social Development (Funduszy Europejskich dla Rozwoju Społecznego – FERS).
The aim of the project is not to restrict the development of the commercial market, but to support it by offering ready-made, free standards and a catalogue of digital badges. It is crucial to combine the flexibility of a decentralised approach with the transparency required by the labour market.
Digital micro-credentials are the future of education and professional careers. However, their true value will only be revealed when they are reliable, understandable and in line with the needs of the economy. The Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute is working intensively on this.
More information about micro-credentials can be found on the project website.