E-SLP teaching staff stakeholder event 20 May 2021 by Tom Melai (OUNL)

1. EUROPEAN
SHORT
LEARNING
PROGRAMMES
Needs analysis and concept of
Microcredentials and
Short Learning Programmes
in European Higher Education
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2. Erasmus+: 590202-EPP-1-2017-1-NL-EPPKA3-PI-FORWARD
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4. Which one of the following
developments in higher education
is most desirable, after the
pandemic?
1. More (inter)national mobility of students
2. More topicality in content of programmes
3. More flexibility in content, the student chooses content
4. More flexibility in form, student chooses where and when
to study
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Number
of
EC

6. Needs of learners and employers
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Rapid development in technology and knowledge
skills and knowledge <--> position or ambition
Less time to study
More mobility
• Within and between organisations
• Internationally (European Universities)

7. Microcredentials (MC)
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Smaller certifiable learning units
100 to 150 hours, approx. 5 EC
Level 6 or 7 (EQF)
Summative assessment
Characteristics according to EMC
https://eadtu.eu/home/policy-areas/open-education-and-moocs/news/465-press-release-emc-
launches-common-microcredential-framework

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Short learning programmes (SLP)
Higher
education

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SLP characteristics
5 to 30 EC
Flexible & scalable
Short time to market
Market driven (focus
on specific needs)
Credit based certification
Coherent group of
microcredentials/
learning units/ building
blocks
Focussed on specific and
topical skills or
knowledge

10. Potential depending on
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Recognition
Accreditation
Legal aspects

11. Accreditation
• Currently only possible in some countries of the EU
• Challenges = Bologna structure
• Often lengthy process, intervenes with short time to market
• As part of a larger accredited programme
• External accreditation of internal quality assurance
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Advice for now:
focus on ex post accreditation

12. Recognition
By:
– Learners
– Other Higher Education Institute stackability
– Employers / society
Important:
– Quality assurance
– Link with Higher Education Institutes
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13. Recognition
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Observation
No uniformity in names
Within project
>42 names
No clarity on
size and level
No clarity on
content
Advice
Preferred name:
Microcredential
Short learning programme
Indicate EQF level and EC/
studyhours
Add a supplement to the
certificate

14. Legal framework
• Often no mentioning of Continuing Education
– Some countries are reviewing their Higher education
act
– Some experiments are done
• Incidentally restrictions in public funding (only allowed to
use for formal education)
• No big obstacles
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15. Essentials
• Uniformity in name:
– Microcredential
– Short learning programme.
• Report level (EQF) & size (EC)
• Stress stackability
• Connect with formal education
• Work market-driven & in close collaboration with all
stakeholders
• Focus on recognition & quality assurance
less on accreditation
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17. Contact
Tom Melai TME@ou.nl 0031-45-5762273
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https://e-slp.eadtu.eu/outcomes

18. Erasmus+: 590202-EPP-1-2017-1-NL-EPPKA3-PI-FORWARD
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