Abstract:

The idea of microcertification, i.e. certifying small portions of knowledge, skills and achievements that are relevant to the learner and the requirements of the labor market, is already well known around the world. In order to fully realize the potential of microcertifications, it is necessary that they take digital form to match the realities of the modern world. To realize the full potential, it is necessary for micro-certifications to take digital form to fit into the technological world. At the Educational Research Institute in Poland, we have developed an application for issuing, collecting and sharing micro-credentials in the form of digital badges. The application is free, financed by the European Union. The functioning of the application is based on the international Open Badges standard created by the Mozzil Foundation, which guaranteeing the high quality and safety of its technological solutions. With the help of the application, the user has the opportunity to digitally certify various types of achievements, qualifications, competencies, any activity undertaken. This is intended to be a facilitation especially for those who acquire new skills and knowledge not only through formal education, but also through non-formal education and informal learning. Currently, the application is in the pilot phase, is being tested by representatives of universities, schools, associations, sports clubs, private companies. During the speech, I would like to introduce participants to the benefits of issuing microcertificates in digital form. Present the possibilities of their use based on the experience of institutions currently testing the applications, and discuss the challenges we faced as a team in creating the application. Such tools should increase the comparability and transferability of skills, competencies and qualifications across borders, allowing learners and workers to move freely for learning or work.

Keywords:

Micro-credentials, competences, skills gap, new technologies in education, skills transfer, competency raising, lifelong learning.