By OLT Staff

The COVID-19 pandemic is not only changing daily life, it’s presenting new challenges to how institutions of higher learning are adapting to meet the needs of students today and well into the future. A trend that is quickly accelerating out of necessity — digital credentialing — positively aligns with the changing needs of employers in addition to graduates.

American Public University System’s Interim Dean for Professional and Continuing Education hosts a panel of education leaders on a new IMS Global Learning Consortium video. They discuss:

• The importance and prevalence of digital credentials, now and after COVID-19.
• Upskilling or reskilling with stackable credentials to keep learners moving forward.
• How credentialing will alter education offerings now and in the future for all communities.
• The value of badging in developing partnerships with professional organizations.
• Preparing next-generation workers as others age out.
• Competency-based education and other alternatives.

 “Institutions are using credential programs to aid in degree persistence, supplementing existing programs, new access points for adult learners, and supporting business and industry partners. As we enter this new post-COVID economy, all of these reasons are becoming more important. Listen in as university leaders share how this new economy is impacting their credential programs and tips to starting your own program.” — IMS Global Learning Consortium

Guests include:

• Erin Crisp, Ed.D., AVP for Innovation, Indiana Wesleyan University.
• Luke Dowden, Ed.D., Chief Online Learning Officer and Associate Vice Chancellor, Alamo Colleges District.
• Kim Moore, J.D., Director of Workforce, Professional, & Community Education, Wichita State University.

“Before COVID-19, the emphasis was placed on, almost exclusively, earning an entire academic degree. There’s this whole new openness to the idea that now we have a workforce who potentially is sitting at home, unemployed, looking to upskill,” remarks Erin Crisp. Many are now looking for skills in areas that don’t require an entire degree.

Many are now looking for skills in areas that don’t require an entire degree. As a result, faculty are having new conversations and adopting learning strategies on how higher education can provide, what according to Crisp are, “the right pieces of education that will really help America’s workforce to get back to work.”