Confidential Customized for Lorem Ipsum LLC Version 1.

Micro-Learning
and Stackable
Credentials
Micro-Learning
Method of teaching that Learners demonstrate a very
encourages students to learn in specific skill, and upon
short segments successful completion they are
certified that micro-credential
and becomes part of their
Used in a variety of universities
personal digital file. (Greene,
and business settings through
2019).
many different tools and
resources
Stackable Credentials
Micro-Credentials that are completed Allows students to become certified or
by a learner or professional and accredited in areas that they would like
grouped together. These grouped to grow and develop for their specific
together or “stacked” credentials can be skill sets or profession
used for completing a university degree
or in place of
Learners typically access stackable
credentials through a university
Learners and professionals may not
program with the hopes of obtaining a
finish an entire degree but are able to
degree
keep each individual micro-credential
and add it to their portfolio or resume
Benefits
Deepens Retention
Micro-learning or learning in chunks
allows students to decrease their cognitive
load and increases their ability to store
information in their long-term learning
thus increasing retention and application.
(Townbridge, 2017).

Engaged Learning Affordable Further Education

“Providing microlearning opportunities in
small segments can increase focus and
student engagement with the
microlearning object or activity”
(Townbridge, 2017).
The cost of a creating a short-term learning
model is cost beneficial to universities and
students are able to engage in more
bite-sized financial costs
Creates Learning Communities
“provides students with an opportunity to
learn from peers, practice communicating
about their knowledge, and create learning
communities” (Townbridge, 2017).
Challenges
● Stigma associated with credits versus a traditional degree or
education
● Difficulty in creating a valid and measurable tool to determine a
learner's retention and understanding
● Continued discrepancies between a University degree and specific
micro-learning course work
Example 1 & 2
University of Illinois, “iMBA” Program
Launched in 2016, University of Illinois offers an alternative
to the traditional masters program that costs a third of offer
MBA programs. This program has grown exponentially and
continues to provide learners with the applicable knowledge
and skills for the workforce.

University of Albany
Using a database of courses and skills relevant to learners
professional settings. They aim to bridge the gap between
education and career by offering a variety of online
micro-learning courses that can be completed and
documented by a digital badge. University of Albany offers
both undergraduate and graduate level badges and are
backed by the Center for Experiential Education.
Example 3 & 4
Loyola University
Loyola University provides both full Micro-credential courses and
Stacked Micro-credential courses. Full micro-credential courses
are stand-alone courses to provide learners with more
experiences and education within a given field. Stacked
micro-credential courses are self-paced courses with no end date
and can be accessible to the learner on their own time

University of Montana
University of Montana offers micro-credentials for credit or
non-credit and are applicable for to undergraduate, graduate,
non-traditional students and continuing education professionals.
The University of Montana is currently in the midst of a three
year pilot phase of their micro-learning program.
Example 5
University of North Alabama
The University of North Alabama provides all labor market
driven micro-credential courses. Courses are available at
both the undergraduate and graduate level. Courses are
self-paced and last for a duration of an eight week period.
Upon completion of a course students receive both an
academic transcript and a digital badge.
References
Greene, P. (2019, February 18). Education Micro-Credentials 101: Why do we need badges? Forbes. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from
https://www.forbes.com/sites/petergreene/2019/02/16/education-micro-credentials-101-why-do-we-need-badges/?sh=28d2b87b2419.

Trowbridge, S., Waterbury, C., & Sudbury, L. (2017, April 10). Learning in bursts: Microlearning with social media. EDUCAUSE Review. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2017/4/learning-in-bursts-microlearning-with-social-media.

Alabama, U. of N. (n.d.). Una micro-credentials. UNA Micro-Credentials. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.una.edu/microcredentials/.

Micro-credentials for professional learning. Micro-credentials for Professional Learning - School of Education. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2021, from
https://www.loyola.edu/school-education/academics/continuing-education/micro-credentials.

Micro-credentials. Minerva. (n.d.). Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.albany.edu/micro-credentials.