Interview 

'We are shifting the mindseT'

Developing co-constructed Micro-Credentials with industry and societal stakeholders is a key element of ECIU University. Mairéad Nic Giolla Mhichíl is closely involved in obtaining formal recognition for it. Five questions for the ECIU University Micro-Credential Lead and Director of Micro-Credential Strategy and Innovation at Dublin City University.

Text: Sandra Pool
Photos: Own pictures, Dublin City University

Implementing new things in existing systems is rarely easy…..

'The biggest ambition is creating a mindset shift in the institutions to embrace short form learning. We are winning more and more battles, however our partner universities value greatly their current provision of degrees and diplomas, while Micro-Credentials are designed to help learners develop new skills and competencies in more flexible ways. We need to show how micro-credentials can complement and help our institutions innovate within their portfolios.'

This is where we hit the I of ECIU, Innovation, how do you get everyone on board?

'We do this through constructive conversations, examples and good dialogues. The best part is that we all want to go in the same direction as we have signed up to the ECIU, so we are reading the same book, however I think we need to accept that some institutions are  reading quicker than others, but thankfully we all share the same values and that is the foundation on which we continue to build in the ECIU.’

What did it take to bring Brussels into this story?

'Policy from Brussels is very important to us it has really pushed the agenda forward. Continuing  EU support is needed, such as in funding calls, having Micro-Credentials  included is critical. It allows us to support from an educational perspective what is needed to get done in our institutions, deliver to learners and innovate at the same time. It is really like a culture change. National structures and approaches are not always in line with European ambitions. Support is also needed at a national level to ensure that there is consistency across Europe for things like the the recognition of the credits.'

Is ECIU University leading the way?

'We do get a lot of questions from other universities, and university alliances asking us about how we are doing that. In addition, we have also written three white papers on this topic. At our online presentation of the paper Paving the road for the micro-credentials movement, there were more than 300 participants and we showed how a university alliance can issue micro-credentials on behalf of alliance members through the European Digital Credential Platform. There’s a lot of interest in it, and from that point of view, we are leading the way.’

What do we do well?

We learn well and quickly. We are never done, we are still learning, but what we've done very precisely, for example, is establish good processes and a sound basis for micro-credentialling and the issuing of micro-credentials underpinned by a competency taxonomy and linked to skills framework. That forms the basis of  ECIU Micro-Credentials. To do this, we use the ESCO framework, the European classification of skills. They are clear and recognizable descriptions of your skills and this will support our learners in the labour market.

Another feature we offer to learners is a motivation scan. Learners who are interested in following a micro-module or a challenge answer ten questions that will give them an impression of their wishes and ambitions. We link these to the learning opportunities that  ECIU University can offer them in that area.’

What is your advice to other higher education institutions?

Move  beyond the point of fear of missing out with respect to micro-credentials. It is important that you think carefully about the why, the drivers i.e. why should you offer micro-credentials as an educational institution. What  added value will they bring to your institution? Also look at the strengths of your institution, what are they and in which sector are you distinctive? Once this is clear, and you establish demand, micro-credentials may add value for you, please do remember though to design and co-design micro-credentials to meet the needs of learners, industry and other stakeholders.'

In December 2020, the European Commission published a major new report promoting a common European approach to the future of micro-credentials. It is part of a much wider new skills agenda and transformative 2030 vision for the future of European universities. ECIU University actively contributed to the proposed roadmap of actions which provides a strong foundation for the future of micro-credentials.

Micro-credentials are short, industry and society-relevant certified learning opportunities that are credit-bearing in a higher education context. It is a proof of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short learning experience. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent standards.

The ECIU University learning opportunities can be accessed via the central Engage platform.