How I stopped fearing micro-credentials and began to love digital badging – a pilot project

Abstract

Higher education faces increasing demands to take a more active and direct role in assuring employability for students. Micro-credentialing and badging is a growing movement, attractive for its flexibility and efficiency in connecting students with careers and jobs. This paper presents a case study of the development and pilot of an industry-specific micro-credential at a regional comprehensive university. Florida Gulf Coast University developed the Fundamentals of Medical Device Industry badge (micro-credential) in response to specific regional workforce needs in partnership with a major area employer. The concept, design, course integration and initial results are detailed, along with the next steps and best practices for institutions implementing similar badges.