The Future of Work: Embracing AI, Digital Credentials, and Global Collaboration

Dear Micro-credential Multiverse Community,

As the landscape of work continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, we find ourselves at the intersection of innovation, skills, and technology. In this edition of the Micro-credential Multiverse Newsletter, we explore how AI and digital credentials are shaping the future of work and the global economy. Through our latest presentations and ongoing initiatives, we highlight the key trends and strategies driving this transformation.

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Adapting to the Future with AI: A Catalyst for Skills-based Learning

The future of work is undeniably linked to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). In our recent session at The Badge Summit @ CU Boulder , we explored how AI is not just a tool but a catalyst for a profound shift in skills-based learning, recognition, and hiring. As we emphasized during the presentation, "This is the hottest it’s ever been and the coolest it’s ever going to get." The pace of change is accelerating, and AI is at the forefront of this transformation.

Much like our environment, the world of work is filled with disruptions. Organizations today face a choice: they can adopt a defensive mindset, constantly trying to fend off these disruptions, or they can embrace an adaptive mindset, transforming adversity into advantage. AI offers a unique opportunity to do just that. By harnessing the power of AI, leading organizations can not only keep pace with change but also turn challenges into strategic advantages.

From personalized learning paths to intelligent resource allocation, AI is enabling organizations to build more agile and resilient workforces. As we continue to explore these possibilities, we remain committed to integrating these technologies into our frameworks to better serve learners and employers alike.

• Visit MCM to view/download our slides from this presentation. (Sorry, we can't embed the whole presentation here on LinkedIn)

Building a Skills-based Economy: Global Efforts and Collaborations

In an interconnected world, solving the skills gap requires global collaboration. During the Badge Summit 2024, we presented alongside Tomás Mindlin , Founder and CEO of Proof of Knowledge (POK), to discuss how global solutions are crucial in addressing the widening skills gap. We emphasized that building a skills-based economy involves more than just regional efforts; it requires a coordinated approach across borders to ensure that skills are recognized and valued globally.

In this session, we explored:

• Key Workforce Statistics: Drawing from the World Economic Forum 2023 Jobs and Skills Report and U.S. Chamber of Commerce insights, we grounded this conversation in the key contributors to the global skilling emergency:

During our session, we also highlighted the contributors to successful solutions from the field:

• Value of Digital Credentials: Insights on the importance of interoperable, secure, and verifiable digital credentials that learners, institutions, and employers can trust.
• Building Confidence: Strategies for ensuring integrity and transparency in data-rich digital credentials that celebrate achievements, skills, and competencies.
• Strong Signals of Competence: How digital credentials can transparently signal skills and competencies, enabling informed educational and hiring decisions.
• Attracting, Retaining, and Engaging Talent: Effective use of digital credentials to enhance student engagement, motivation, discovery, clarity, and retention.

This presentation is a must-watch for institutional leaders, employers, and researchers dedicated to advancing skills-based micro-credentialing.

Watch : The Global Skills Challenge Requires a Global Solution - our collaborative session with POK at the 2024 Badge Summit.

Special thanks to the World Economic Forum and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation for their leadership in this critically important space.

Digital Credentials as the Key to Workforce Development

At Micro-credential Multiverse, we believe that digital credentials are the future of workforce development. In our latest Micro-credential Monday session, we explored how digital recognition is not only bridging the skills gap but also providing individuals with the tools they need to thrive in a dynamic job market.

Digital credentials offer a verifiable and portable way to showcase skills, making them essential in today's economy where traditional education pathways often fail to keep up with the rapid pace of change. By leveraging these tools, we can ensure that every learner's achievements are recognized, creating a more inclusive and adaptable workforce.

Watch : Micro-credential Monday (August) - Featuring our special guest Tomás Mindlin , Founder and CEO of POK Proof of knowledge .

Rob's Reading List

This month, I’m diving into some thought-provoking articles and reports that are shaping the future of micro-credentials, digital credentials, and the broader landscape of education and workforce development. These resources aren’t just about keeping up with trends—they’re about understanding the shifts that will define our field in the coming years.

Here’s what caught my attention:

Credential Engine: Global Micro-Credential Schema Mapping Report

This report is a deep dive into the global landscape of micro-credentials, focusing on the vital steps towards achieving interoperability and mobility. It’s an essential read for anyone interested in the standardization and scaling of micro-credentials across borders.

• Why does Rob like it? The importance of interoperability in the world of digital credentials cannot be overstated. This report by Credential Engine does an excellent job of laying out the challenges and opportunities in aligning micro-credential frameworks globally. If we're going to truly democratize skills and make learning universally recognized, this kind of work is crucial.
• I highly recommend reading the full report to understand where we’re heading: Global Micro-Credential Schema Mapping Report.
• Special shout out to Deborah Everhart , Scott Cheney , Jeanne Kitchens , Phil Barker , and all of the participants in this collaborative project.
• Note: Micro-credential Schemas covered in this report include: European Commission (ELM), Instructure (MyCreds Canada, My eQuals Badges), 1EdTech Consortium (OB 2.0/3.0), and the W3C (VC).

To Blockchain or Not to Blockchain?

This debate explores whether blockchain is necessary for Learning and Employment Records (LERs), presenting contrasting views on the role of technology in the future of digital credentials.

• Why does Rob like it? Blockchain is one of those topics that stirs a lot of passion and controversy in our field. On one hand, it promises security, transparency, and decentralization. On the other, some argue it's overkill for what LERs need. This pair of articles presents two sides of the debate: Do We Need Blockchain for LERs? vs. LERs and Blockchain: Why, Where, and How. I find this discussion fascinating because it challenges us to think critically about the tools we use and whether they serve our ultimate goals (which can be different, depending on who you ask).

Walmart and McDonald's Bet on College Degrees

This NPR article discusses the strategic move by companies like Walmart and McDonald’s to enhance the value proposition of workplace learning with a skills-based micro-credential model that yields valuable college credit.

• Why does Rob like it? I find it intriguing how major employers are navigating the balance between traditional education proxies and the growing demand for skills-based credentials. This article provides insight into how companies recognize and elevate workplace-based learning experiences through micro-credentials that validate skills and translate into college credit. It’s a thought-provoking piece on the future of education and employment that’s well worth the read: Walmart and McDonald's Bet on College Degrees.
• Special thanks to Alina Selyukh and NPR for reporting on this. (yes, I'm a sustaining member and I have the Brian Lehrer Show hat to prove it, lol!) Another shout out to Walmart , McDonald's , and the Harvard Business Review for contributing to the story.

Digital Equity Act Programs: Competitive Grant Program

This resource from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) outlines the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, which aims to promote digital inclusion and equity. This is a valuable opportunity for any organizations looking for funding!

• Why does Rob like it? As we work to democratize access to skills and credentials, it's vital to consider how digital equity plays a role. This grant program is a significant step towards ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital-first world. For anyone interested in the intersection of technology, education, and equity and you’re looking for an opportunity to fund your endeavor - this is a must-read: Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.

Feel free to share these with your colleagues or anyone invested in the future of work and education. I’m always looking for materials that provoke thought and inspire action - these are just a few that have done that for me this month.

Thank you!

Thank you for being a part of the Micro-credential Multiverse community.

Your support and engagement are crucial to our mission of advancing micro-credentials and creating a more equitable and fair future of work. Stay tuned for the next edition of The Micro-credential Multiverse Newsletter, where we will continue to share insights, success stories, and resources to help you stay ahead in the evolving landscape of digital credentials.

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