Skip to main content

Micro-credentialing in Mobile Learning: Implications for Impactful Design

  • Reference work entry
  • First Online:
Handbook of Mobile Teaching and Learning

Abstract

Micro-credentialing is a pedagogical practice concerned with effective design of nontraditional pathways to qualifications, made possible by splitting up longer programs of study into “chunk”-sized offerings deemed more suitable for the “learner on-the-go.” Mobile learning, tasked with accommodating the growing need for “anytime/anywhere” education enabled via mobile personal devices, lends itself well to support such micro-credentialing endeavors of universities and employers alike. While micro-credentialing and mobile learning primarily serve the same purpose – to make education more flexible and accessible to a wider range of learners – the two concepts are rarely considered together. Based on a review of literature located within the micro-credentialing/mobile learning nexus, this chapter analyzes various intersections between mobile learning and micro-credentialing and identifies key elements of impactful designs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 499.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 649.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Bowen, K., and A. Thomas. 2014. Badges: A common currency for learning. Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning 46 (1): 21–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/00091383.2014.867206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chandler, D. 2007. Semiotics: The basics. London/New York: Routledge.

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Childs, M., and R. Wagner. 2016. Open-sourced personal, networked learning and higher education credentials. In Open learning and formal credentialing in higher education: Curriculum models and institutional policies, ed. S. Reushle, A. Antonio, and M. Keppell, 223–244. Hershey: IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-4666-8856-8.ch012.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Crafford, R., and M. Matthee. 2016. Implementing open badges for recognition of learning achievements in South African Organisations. Paper presented at the proceedings of the annual conference of the South African Institute of Computer Scientists and Information Technologists.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlstrom, E., and J. Bichsel. 2014. ECAR study of undergraduate students and information technology. Research report. Retrieved from www.educause.edu/ecar

  • DeSchryver, D.A., and D. Dlugoleski. 2015. Accelerating change: How education technology developers can jump-start a new adult education market. Commissioned by Digital Promise with the support of the Joyce Foundation. Retrieved from http://digitalpromise.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/accelerating-learning-for-adult-education.pdf

  • Devedžić, V., and J. Jovanović. 2015. Developing open badges: A comprehensive approach. Educational Technology Research and Development 63 (4): 603–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dishman, L. 2016. How the master’s degree became the new bachelor’s in the hiring world. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/3057941/how-the-masters-degree-became-the-new-bachelors-in-the-hiring-world

  • Dodd, T. (2017). University of Melbourne first in Australia to use blockchain for student records. Retrieved from www.afr.com/leadership/university-of-melbourne-first-in-australia-to-use-blockchain-for-student-records-20170427-gvubid

  • Ellis, E., S. Nunn, and J. Avella. 2016. Digital badges and micro-credentials: Historical overview, motivational aspects, issues, and challenges. In Foundations of digital badges and micro-credentials: Demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies, ed. D. Ifenthaler, N. Bellin-Mularski, and D.-K. Mah, 3–22. Switzerland: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Eng, D. 2016. Forward looking face-to-face? Experiential education in the digital environment. Journal of Student Affairs at New York University 12: 20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ewan, C. 2016. Higher education standards in a disaggregated learning environment. Canberra: Australian Government Office for Learning and Teaching.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falconer, J.L. 2016. Why not try active learning? AIChE Journal 62 (12): 4174–4181.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Finkelstein, J., E. Knight, and S. Manning. 2013. Digital badges for adult learners: The potential and value of using digital badges for adult learners: Draft for public comment. Retrieved from https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/AIR_Digital_Badge_Report_508.pdf.

  • Gamrat, C., T.H. Zimmerman, J. Dudek, and K. Peck. 2014. Personalized workplace learning: An exploratory study on digital badging within a teacher professional development program. British Journal of Educational Technology 45 (6): 1136–1148. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12200.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, R. 2014. Four strategies for remote workforce training, development, and certification. In S. Hai-Jew (ed.) Gamification: Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications (pp. 770–785). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Gibson, D., N. Ostashewski, K. Flintoff, S. Grant, and E. Knight. 2015. Digital badges in education. Education and Information Technologies 20 (2): 403–410.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grant, M.J., and A. Booth. 2009. A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal 26 (2): 91–108.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hall-Ellis, S.D., and S.D. Hall-Ellis. 2016. Stackable micro-credentials – A framework for the future. The Bottom Line 29 (4): 233–236.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hori, M., S. Ono, S. Kobayashi, K. Yamaji, T. Kita, and T. Yamada. 2015. Fusion of e-textbooks, learning management systems, and social networking sites: A mash-up development. Paper presented at the international conference on genetic and evolutionary computing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hori, M., S. Ono, K. Yamaji, S. Kobayashi, T. Kita, and T. Yamada. 2016. A suitable m-learning system using e-book for developing countries. Paper presented at the 8th international conference on computer supported education, CSEDU 2016.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ifenthaler, D., D. Gibson, M. Lewis, D. West, S. Beattie, K. Coleman, … J. Lodge. 2016. Moving forward with digital badges. Paper presented at the ASCILITE shaping the future of tertiary education Adelaide, 27–30 Nov.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, D. 2015. Employability skill development in work-integrated learning: Barriers and best practice. Studies in Higher Education 40 (2): 350–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075079.2013.842221.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, R., and E. Sheepy. 2018. Triumph and failure: Methodological lessons for the study of learning in social science games. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaldemark, J., S. Eriksson-Bergström, H. Zeipel, and A. Westman. 2018. Wearable technologies as a research tool for studying learning. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones V. 2013. New ways to think about business education for emerging markets. In: Alon I., Jones V., McIntyre J.R. (eds.) Innovation in Business Education in Emerging Markets (pp. 239–254). Palgrave Macmillan, London.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kamilali, D., and C. Sofianopoulou. 2015. Microlearning as Innovative Pedagogy for Mobile Learning in MOOCs. Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Mobile Learning, Madeira, Portugal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kearney, M., S. Schuck, K. Burden, and P. Aubusson. 2012. Viewing mobile learning from a pedagogical perspective. Research in Learning Technology 20 (144406): 1–17. https://doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v20i0/14406.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kencevski, K., and Y. Zhang. 2018. VR and AR for future education. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kukulska-Hulme, Agnes and Traxler, John eds. 2005. Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers. Open and Flexible Learning Series. London, UK: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lemoine, P.A., and M.D. Richardson. 2015. Micro-credentials, nano degrees, and digital badges: New credentials for global higher education. International Journal of Technology and Educational Marketing (IJTEM) 5 (1): 36–49.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lockley, A., A. Derryberry, and D. West. 2016. Drivers, affordances and challenges of digital badges. In Foundations of digital badges and micro-credentials: Demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies, ed. D. Ifenthaler, N. Bellin-Mularski, and D.-K. Mah, 55–70. Switzerland: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • McLoughlin, C., and M.J. Lee. 2008. The three p’s of pedagogy for the networked society: Personalization, participation, and productivity. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 20 (1): 10–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nursey-Bray, M., and R. Palmer. 2018. Adapting to change? A Reflective history of an online graduate certificate in climate change adaptation, and its implications for teaching geography. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y.A. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • O’Neill, L. 2016. Encouraging faculty development through micro-credentialing. Paper presented at the mobile learning futures–sustaining quality research and practice in mobile learning, Sydney.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pappano, L. 2017. When a college degree isn’t enough. Retrieved from https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2017/04/when-a-college-degree-isnt-enough/524553/

  • Parr, N. 2015, May 25. Who goes to university? The changing profile of our students. The conversation. Retrieved from https://theconversation.com/who-goes-to-university-the-changing-profile-of-our-students-40373

  • Paul, V.A., and C.S. Chandler. 2015. “We don’t need no stinking badges” Wait! What? Badges in the adoption of new innovations. Paper presented at the E-Learn, Kona, Hawaii, United States, October 19–22, 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pechenkina, E. 2017. Developing a typology of mobile apps in higher education: A national case-study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology 33 (4): 134–146. https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.3228.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pedro, L., C. Santos, M. Aresta, and S. Almeida. 2015. Peer-supported badge attribution in a collaborative learning platform: The SAPO Campus case. Computers in Human Behavior 51: 562–567.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peer 2 Peer University, & The Mozilla Foundation. n.d. An open badge system framework. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/badgepaper4

  • Pimmer, C., and N. Pachler. 2014. Mobile learning in the workplace: Unlocking the value of mobile technology for work-based education. In: M. Ally, A. Tsinakos (eds.) Increasing Access through Mobile Learning (193–203). Vancouver, BC: Commonwealth of Learning and Athabasca University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Powers, J.F. 2017. Open source micro diplomas: New credentials for new learning. CUNY Academic Works. http://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/2001

  • Rampell, C. 2013. It takes a B.A. to find a job as a file clerk. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/20/business/college-degree-required-by-increasing-number-of-companies.html

  • Reid, D., and E. Pechenkina. 2016. Bring-Your-Own-Device or prescribed mobile technology? Investigating student preferences for mobile learning. In mLearn 2016, 15th world conference on mobile and contextual learning, Sydney, 24–25 Oct.

    Google Scholar 

  • Reilly, J., and C. Dede. 2018. Augmented reality in education. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • RRAL. 2014. Recruiting & Retaining Adult Learners [RRAL] report. Wiley Periodicals, Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/nsr.20082

  • Salmon, G., J. Gregory, K. Lokuge Dona, and B. Ross. 2015. Experiential online development for educators: The example of the Carpe Diem MOOC. British Journal of Educational Technology 46: 542. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salmon, G., E. Pechenkina, A.-M. Chase, and B. Ross. 2016. Designing massive open online courses to take account of participant motivations and expectations. British Journal of Educational Technology 48: 1284. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12497.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Scott, J. 2017. Should students build their own degrees by studying at several universities? Retrieved from www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/feb/28/should-students-build-their-own-degrees-by-studying-at-several-universities

  • Shultz, M. 2007. Comparing test searches in PubMed and Google Scholar. Journal of the Medical Library Association: JMLA 95 (4): 442.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stuart, G., and M. Triola. 2015. Enhancing health professions education through technology: Building a continuously earning Health System. In Proceedings of a conference sponsored by the Josiah Macy Jr. Foundation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sturgis, C., S. Patrick, and L. Pittenger. 2011. It’s Not a Matter of Time: Highlights from the 2011 Competency-Based Summit. Paper presented at the Competency-Based Summit, Vienna, VA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sung, Y.-T., K.-E. Chang, and T.-C. Liu. 2016. The effects of integrating mobile devices with teaching and learning on students’ learning performance: A meta-analysis and research synthesis. Computers & Education 94: 252–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2015.11.008.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • West, D., and A. Lockley. 2016. Implementing digital badges in Australia: The importance of institutional context. In: D. Ifenthaler, N. Bellin-Mularski, & D.-K. Mah (eds.) Foundation of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials (pp. 467–482). Switzerland: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Willis, J.E., III, K. Flintoff, and B. Mcgraw. 2016. A philosophy of open digital badges. In Foundations of digital badges and micro-credentials: Demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies, ed. D. Ifenthaler, N. Bellin-Mularski, and D.-K. Mah, 23–40. Switzerland: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe, J.K., and D.W. Andrews. 2014. The changing roles of higher education: Curator, evaluator, connector and analyst. On the Horizon 22 (3): 210–217. https://doi.org/10.1108/OTH-05-2014-0019.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. 2015a. Characteristics of mobile teaching and learning. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang, 1–14. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. 2015b. Mobile education via social media: Case study on WeChat. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. 2018a. Characteristics of mobile teaching and learning and mobile learning : A critical pedagogy to education for all. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. 2018b. Student Feedback in Mobile Teaching and Learning. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., and J. Hu. 2015. Tutors in pockets for economics. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang, 1–14. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., and J. Hu. 2018. Tutors in pockets for economics and student feedback in mobile teaching and learning. In Handbook of mobile teaching and learning, ed. Y. Zhang and D. Cristol, 2nd ed. Berlin/Heidelberg: Springer.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ekaterina Pechenkina .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Section Editor information

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Pechenkina, E. (2019). Micro-credentialing in Mobile Learning: Implications for Impactful Design. In: Zhang, Y., Cristol, D. (eds) Handbook of Mobile Teaching and Learning. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-2766-7_96

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics