Features of Micro-credential Platforms in Higher Education

Padmasheela Kiiskilä, Ahmed Hanafy, Henri Pirkkalainen

2022

Abstract

Interest in and demand for micro-credentials in higher education institutions is on the rise. Although the concept of micro-credentials is still evolving, they can be seen as short learning opportunities that are accompanied by digital credentials that capture the proofs of the learning. These digital proofs of learning range from skills and competences acquired to information whether such skills were acquired via formal or non-formal learning activities. Micro-credential platforms are used for multiple purposes including issuing, viewing, and storing the digital credentials. Despite the growth in the number of micro-credential platforms in the recent years, literature is limited on the features offered by the platforms and how they are helpful for higher education institutions and learners. To address this gap in research, we employed a qualitative approach by semi-structured interviews and group discussions with platform providers and education experts. Our findings resulted in 38 features that can help higher education institutions, learners, and providers understand what kind of features are emphasized in micro-credential platforms and how they can be helpful for different use purposes. As practical implications, the findings of this study can help higher education institutions in considering adoption and usage of micro-credential platform.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Kiiskilä P., Hanafy A. and Pirkkalainen H. (2022). Features of Micro-credential Platforms in Higher Education. In Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU, ISBN 978-989-758-562-3, pages 81-91. DOI: 10.5220/0011030600003182

in Bibtex Style

@conference{csedu22,
author={Padmasheela Kiiskilä and Ahmed Hanafy and Henri Pirkkalainen},
title={Features of Micro-credential Platforms in Higher Education},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,},
year={2022},
pages={81-91},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0011030600003182},
isbn={978-989-758-562-3},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 14th International Conference on Computer Supported Education - Volume 1: CSEDU,
TI - Features of Micro-credential Platforms in Higher Education
SN - 978-989-758-562-3
AU - Kiiskilä P.
AU - Hanafy A.
AU - Pirkkalainen H.
PY - 2022
SP - 81
EP - 91
DO - 10.5220/0011030600003182