On Monday 24 June, the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) published a report entitled ‘A European Maturity Model for Micro-Credentials in Higher Education’, drafted by the working group of the European Digital Education Hub (EDEH), funded by the Erasmus+ programme (2021-2027) to harmonise digital education practices in Europe. The study focuses on micro-credentials, used to verify skills acquired through short educational activities, offering greater flexibility in career paths by adapting to both the labour market and individuals in order to facilitate lifelong learning.
The document thus aims to guide higher education institutions and vocational training organisations in applying the recommendations of the Council of the European Union concerning micro-credentials. These were adopted on 16 June 2022 to facilitate the development, implementation and recognition of micro-credentials in EU institutions, industries and countries.
The maturity model for micro-credentials provides a roadmap for institutions to assess their level of development and integration of micro-credentials into their educational programmes.
It seeks to overcome the fragmentation of digital education policy and practice by promoting user-driven innovation and cross-sector collaboration. According to the document, in order to strengthen the micro-credential model, it is necessary to establish common standards guaranteeing their quality, transparency, comparability and transferability.
The model is structured around three working documents relating to new business and marketing models, technology and data, and quality assurance.
Each document aims to provide managers at educational institutions with the tools and knowledge they need to implement micro-credentials effectively. Organising strategy workshops in rectors’ offices - to facilitate multidisciplinary discussion and develop concrete implementation strategies - is one of the important elements. Although primarily aimed at higher education institutions, the model is also applicable to vocational training organisations, reflecting an inclusive and adaptable approach.
In addition, the maturity model proposes various scenarios for integrating micro-credentials into existing institutional structures. It suggests expansion into new continuing education units managing all aspects of micro-credentials, or creating separate business units for greater flexibility and innovation.
To read the report, go to https://aeur.eu/f/cta (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)