Faculty members from 14 open universities trained on micro-credentials design in CEMCA workshop.
Thirty faculty members from 14 open universities across India have been trained in the design and implementation of micro-credentials following a three-day workshop hosted by the Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia (CEMCA) #CEMCA, the Commonwealth of Learning’s (COL) #COL4D regional centre, and Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU) @TNOUniversity.
The workshop, titled 'Micro-credentials: Introduction and Best Practices for Effective Design,' equipped participants with the knowledge and skills to develop flexible, industry-aligned learning experiences to enhance student employability and support lifelong learning in the rapidly evolving educational landscape.
In her keynote address, Dr Neena Pahuja, Executive Member of the National Council for Vocational Education and Training, discussed the introduction of micro-credentials by the Council to address modern demands for specific and immediately applicable knowledge. She stated that the recent National Credit Framework allows up to 50 per cent of a student’s credits to come from skilling environments, integrating practical skills with formal education.
Professor Michael Sankey from Charles Darwin University, Australia, via a virtual presentation, provided an international perspective on micro-credentials, discussing their evolution and current status in Australia. He highlighted that micro-credentials have evolved from digital certificates representing specific skills to include various formats like badges and mini-degrees. In Australia, they must meet specific criteria, such as clear learning outcomes, to ensure quality and credibility.
Dr B. Shadrach, Director of CEMCA, outlined the workshop's objectives regarding the ongoing reforms through the National Education Policy 2020. He said, “To stay competitive and credible in this new environment, open universities must enhance their curriculum quality, delivery methods, and learner support services to ensure youth employability.” He then underscored the practicality of adopting micro-credentials as a crucial strategy for addressing industry needs and closing the skills gap, explaining that these short stackable learning experiences, aligned with national standards, offer a flexible and credible alternative to traditional qualifications.
#MicroCredentials #HigherEducation #FacultyTraining #OpenUniversities #EducationInnovation #ProfessionalDevelopment #DigitalLearning #EdTech
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With funding from Global Affairs Canada @GAC_Corporate, #COL4D initiated the three-year Empowering Women and Girls (EWG) @EWG_23 project in 2023 with the aim of improving the realisation of human rights for women and girls from disadvantaged communities in selected areas of five Commonwealth member states, including #Mozambique.
COL’s EWG project works with partners in Mozambique to expand access to skills training, quality education and lifelong learning for all. COL is currently engaged primarily in the areas of higher education, open schooling, gender equality and women’s empowerment through skills development for livelihoods in Mozambique.
COL has partnered with Aid for the Development of People for People
@adppmozambique to train women and girls in marginalised communities in skills and facilitate opportunities for livelihoods. Last year, COL conducted a workshop in Mozambique on using open educational resources and developing online resources for staff. Learners in Mozambique also benefit from programmes offered by COL’s regional centre – the Southern African Development Community Centre for Distance Education.
@samoachogm2024 #CHOGM2024 #Commonwealth #Resilience #GenderEquality #Empowerment #SkillsDevelopment #SkillsTraining #HumanRights #HigherEducation #OpenSchooling #WomensEmpowerment #GirlsEmpowerment #LifelongLearning #OER
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From the President and CEO of the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) #COL4D, Professor Peter Scott @peter_scott.
COL pays tribute to Sir Shridath Ramphal, GCMG, AC, ONZ, OE, OCC, KC, former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, on his passing.
A visionary leader whose commitment to bridging the North-South divide in social and economic development has left an indelible mark on the world. Recognising the transformative power of education, Sir Shridath championed distance learning as a means to promote inclusion across the Commonwealth. His foresight led to the establishment of COL, which he later described as "a jewel in the crown of the Commonwealth" in his reflections 25 years after its founding. His belief in technology-enabled learning as a catalyst for change has been validated, with millions now engaged in various forms of distance education. The widespread embrace of open and online learning across nations stands as a testament to his vision of greater inclusion. Even in his later years, Sir Shridath remained steadfast in his dedication to COL's mission, underscoring its exceptional role in his message to the organization during CHOGM 2022.
On behalf of the Commonwealth of Learning, we extend our sincerest sympathies to Sir Shridath's family during this difficult time.
www.col.org/news/sir-shridath-ramphal-1928-2024/
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