The Future Learner’s Experience: Micro-credentialing

Posted on Wednesday, January 29th, 2020

Learner Driven PlanWhat is the future of personalized learning at Algonquin College? Meet Ashlyn, an Algonquin College student in 2030. Read her story below – an excerpt from the College’s Learner-driven Strategy Implementation. This excerpt is an example of a future learner’s experience with micro-credentialing.

You can also download the full plan here to learn how the College plans to implement its strategy to become a leader in personalized learning.

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The future learner’s experience of Micro-credentialing

December 3, 2030. Ashlyn swings her digital stylus in the air as she stands in her office, pretending to conduct the livestreaming orchestra that is currently being beamed to her holopad. She closes her eyes and mentally reviews today’s schedule. “Emails. Meeting. Minutes. Budget. Coffee.” A long sigh. She opens her eyes and looks out the window at the soggy fall sky. She makes a note to move coffee up earlier on the list. Six short years ago, Ashlyn received her college diploma in office administration. After graduation, she started a full-time job as an administrative clerk at a local real estate office. The job had been exciting and engaging at first, and she was good at it. But with few opportunities for advancement or higher wages, she’s wondering if it’s time to explore other career opportunities.

Truth be told, graphic design was always her passion. As a single mom, she uses art to entertain her two kids, who are both still under 10 but growing up fast. She knows the booming virtual advertising industry is constantly seeking designers for apps, websites and holographic ads. But going back to school full-time is not an option — not with her job and two young kids to feed.

“I have a bit of time,” Ashlyn reasons, turning to her computer to review the training opportunities that her virtual learning coach has been suggesting for the past few weeks.

One of the offerings that was brought to her attention based on her profile was a competency-based micro-credential in Basic Graphic Design offered by Algonquin College. It’s different from a traditional college course or from free, online courses Ashlyn has taken before. With the Algonquin College micro-credential, Ashlyn’s previous skills will be assessed, validating what she already knows. She’ll then learn new concepts based on her level of expertise.

She loves the thought of earning an official digital credential endorsed by an expert design company to add to her digital resume and share with potential employers. Most importantly, the on-demand nature of the course allows her to start and finish on a shorter, personalized schedule.

In just a few clicks, Ashlyn enrolls in the micro-credential, paying a fraction of the cost of a full college course. She’ll be done within weeks and ready to earn a second digital badge at a supplementary design boot camp offered on campus over the weekend. Ashlyn thinks of the projects and contracts she’ll be able to pursue to augment her income. She plans to use these microcredentials to get advanced standing for a graduate certificate in graphic design offered by AC Online, Algonquin’s virtual campus.

A notification message interrupts the music from her livestreaming orchestra, reminding Ashlyn of her busy schedule. As she logs out of her personal email to get back to work, she sees a new message from Algonquin College already inviting her to leverage her portfolio to enroll in the learning units she needs to complete the micro-credential. It’s turning out to be a very good day.

More on the LDP Strategy Implementation:

The Learner-driven Strategy Implementation was created this fall and approved by the College’s Board of Governors on December 16. Students were recruited to join and support all three working groups that developed the plan. The Learner-driven team is also working with the Students’ Association to ensure the plan aligns with their priorities.

The Learner-driven Strategy Implementation promises that “Algonquin College will be the College of choice for learners who want programs and services customized to their individual needs, schedules and educational, professional and life experiences.”


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