Importance of Badging and Credentials for Learners

So micro credentialing or badging is an attempt to recognize learners for learning that they've done that's competency based. So they've been able to kinda carry out some task or do something that demonstrates what they've learned. And then a reviewer, somebody who's an expert in that domain or that field, because to review what they've submitted at say, yes. This person has demonstrated competency in this task. And they get rewarded with a badge or a micro credential that they can then share. And it's learning that, you know, is in a smaller chunk than say a long form professional development certificate or a university degree. So it's learning that you can actually take part in, get recognized for, and show off your skills, in arenas like LinkedIn or on your resume, things that kind of help you demonstrate that you are competent and well skilled for maybe a new position or an advancement in a position. Hello. My name is Melissa. I was working on some professional development to further my career, and I found a course that allowed me to get a micro credential after the successful completion of an exam. Once I had done that and I had received my micro credential, I immediately started to share on my social networks. I was shocked that almost immediately I started to receive invitations from employers who were interested in connecting with me specifically because I had that Microcredential showing that I had achieved mastery in that specific skill set. MishCon Virtual has partnered with a lot of different organizations including the Henry Ford, the elementary and middle school principals association, other groups who actually are domain experts in whatever field that they work in. To be able to recognize other learners that they work with in those fields. So we offer micro credentials on a professional learning platform that folks can come and take part in in their learning, demonstrate that learning, get reviewed and earn that badge that they can then put on their resume or on their LinkedIn profile. So this idea of being able to take part in some real competency based learning, some task based learning, and be recognized for it, and be able to show future employers or current employers that you're improving your skill set, you're staying relevant in terms of your skill set and your field will be something that as much more beneficial to the learner, to the professional, and that they can take part in and to help further their career overall. When I think of how credentials could shape the future of employment, it's it's that. It's recognizing that from graduation to retirement, the skills that are going to be needed in our industries are going to change over time. And it's a really quick and easy way for someone to be able to see and verify that you have the skill sets that are that are needed to be successful.