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Credentials Unscripted
Credentials Unscripted
Author: Parchment
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© 2023 Parchment, LLC
Description
In this thought leadership podcast by Parchment, we explore credential innovation, learner pathways, and the ways individuals navigate their educational and professional journeys. We'll be talking with leading experts to uncover how institutions and organizations are helping learners turn their credential into an opportunity.
49 Episodes
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The credentialing ecosystem is evolving, with newer credentials like microcredentials and badges taking center stage. But, change is not synonymous with positive growth. As we transform the credentialing landscape, what should our rubric for success be? In this episode, we speak with Simone Ravaioli, Director of Academic Innovation at Instructure. His work focuses on strategic initiatives that advance learner-centric recognition systems and global credential portability. We sat down to discuss the next generation of credentials, how we maximize value for learners, and where he sees opportunities for impactful change.
A decade ago, the "college for all" movement was in full gear. Since then, a sizable shift has taken place with a move towards other forms of credentials. Is that a good thing? How should we think about this shift? In this episode, we are joined by Matt Sigelman, President of The Burning Glass Institute, to discuss credential value, how to measure it and why it matters for learners, institutions and the workforce.
What are American sentiments about higher education? How have feelings shifted over time? And, more importantly, what can be done? In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact & Planning at the Lumina Foundation, to discuss Gallup's survey on American higher education, the challenge of ROI and the perceptions of politicization on college campuses.
Within the credentialing ecosystem, we talk about digital badges and LERs (Learning and Employment Records) with such frequency, that we often forget to ask ourselves core questions. What do employers actually want? Do they care about LERs and badges? In this episode, we are joined by Ian Davidsion, Chief Growth Officer at SmartResume. He shares what employers actually want, how to talk to employers about credentials, and why AI has accelerated the need for better communicating verifiable skills.
How is AI going to shape the future of work and education? What skills will be needed? What evolution will take place? In this episode, we are joined by AI ethicist and strategist, Rebecca Bultsma. We discuss how to think and talk about AI, as well as the need to "become more human".
Paul Fain, Journalist and Founder of Workshift.org, joins us to discuss the short-term credentialing landscape, how we measure ROI, and the potential impacts of AI on learners and the higher education ecosystem.
80% of community college students intend to transfer to earn their Bachelor's degree. Only 16% accomplish that goal. Why? To discuss the challenges of transfer and share how institutions can become more transfer friendly, we are joined by Tania LaViolet, Director of Research & Innovation at The Aspen Institute. She shares strategies from The Transfer Playbook 2.0 and discusses how we can assist learners in navigating their transfer pathway. To access The Transfer Playbook 2.0 in its entirety, click here - https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/playbooks/transfer-playbook-20-practical-guide-achieving-excellence-transfer-and-bachelors
Listen to learn how Purdue University Global is crafting new pathways for learners through incremental credentialing and "degree along the way". We are joined by Jacob Askeroth, who shares how they implemented microcredentials into their degree programs and how they are awarding Associate's Degrees on the way to a Bachelor's. You can read more about Purdue University Global's exciting initiatives by clicking here - https://evolllution.com/incremental-credentialing-and-degree-along-the-way
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Van Davis, Executive Director at WCET & Vice President of Digital Learning at WICHE, to discuss recent policy discussions and legislation related to Short-Term Pell. Dr. Davis shares the latest in federal policy, the potential impact of legislation, and the evolving short-term credential landscape. As we discuss in the episode, WICHE developed a phenomenal report on "State Approaches to Short-Term Postsecondary Credentials, which you can read here - https://www.wiche.edu/resources/state-approaches-to-short-term-postsecondary-credentials-challenges-opportunities-and-policy-gaps/
The landscape of Career Technical Education (CTE) is rapidly evolving. What are states doing to maximize opportunities for learners? How are states grappling with the proliferation of credentials? To understand the current status of CTE in the United States, Emily Passias, Deputy Executive Director at Advance CTE, joins us to share their latest report on state policy, credentials of value and recommendations on state strategy. To read Advance CTE's full report, "The State of Career Technical Education: Credentials of Value", click the following link - https://careertech.org/resource-center/series/the-state-of-cte/
Higher education is at a critical cultural moment, with growing skepticism around the value of a college degree. How can postsecondary remain relevant and valuable? In this episode, we speak with Dr. Kenyatta Lovett, Principal at ESG. He shares a roadmap for delivering value in postsecondary education. We highlight ESG's excellent report, "The Great Value Shift", which illuminates how states, systems and institutions can strategically plan for meaningful change and increased impact. To read ESG's report on The Great Value Shift, visit this link - https://edstrategy.org/resource/the-great-value-shift/
Why is there a gap between the skills employers want and the skills we develop in higher education? How do we build the organizational capacity for rigorous earn-and-learn opportunities? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Annelies Goger, Fellow from The Brookings Institution. She highlights how states are scaling earn-and-learn opportunities, the value of skills frameworks, and the promise of a blended pathways model. She advocates for more rigorous apprenticeships, internships and experiential learning opportunities. To read more on Dr. Goger's research, follow this link - https://www.brookings.edu/articles/how-us-employers-and-educators-can-build-a-more-nimble-education-system-with-multiple-paths-to-success/
What is the value of experiential learning? And, what are the experiences that really matter for learners and employers? In this episode, Beth Merenstein, Associate Vice President for Community Engagement & Experiential Learning at Central Connecticut State University, joins us to share why experiential learning can have a significant impact on institutions, learners and the broader community.
In this episode, we are joined by Shawn VanDerziel, President & CEO of the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE), to discuss their report on the 2025 Job Outlook for graduates. Shawn highlights what competencies employers are looking for, where skills-based hiring is happening and how learners can best prepare themselves for the job market. To read NACE's 2025 Job Outlook report, see here - https://www.naceweb.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/2025/publication/research-report/2025-nace-job-outlook-jan-2025.pdf?Status=Master&sfvrsn=57d47fb0_3
How can AI improve credit mobility in higher education? In this episode, Jesse Boeding, Co-Founder of Education Assessment System, joins us to share research on AI and credit mobility. She highlights how to think about AI, why it's more than just a means to efficiency, and why leveraging AI is ultimately in the best interest of learners and institutions.
Kristen Vanselow, Assistant Vice President for Innovative Education & Partnerships at Florida Gulf Coast University joins us to share how FGCU has developed a robust microcredential program that provides flexible, competency-based opportunities that signal readiness for careers beyond traditional degrees. Kristen shares how FGCU develops programs in partnership with leading employers to address skill gaps in the workforce, contributing to the success of the regional economy. For additional resources about FGCU's microcredentialing program, see here - https://www.instructure.com/resources/videos/fgcu-power-micro-credentialsTo learn more about UPCEA, visit https://upcea.edu/
In this episode, we are joined by Marla Gunasegaram, Systemwide Learning Technology Strategist at the California State University System. She shares how they scaled digital badging across the CSU system, how they collaborate with individual institutions and why a system-wide LMS is key to their success.
The digital credentialing landscape is quickly evolving, with the explosion of microcredentials, badges and the conversation around skills. What does the next 5 years of digital credentialing look like? In this episode, we are joined by Jason Weaver, VP of Product at Instructure, to hear his point of view on what needs to happen to ensure that digital credentials can scale and create the most opportunities for those that earn them.
How should AI fit into the college admissions process? What guidance are institutions offering prospective students? And, how can high school counselors advise their students? In this episode, we speak with Emily Pacheco, Advisor for AI in College Admissions. We talk about ethical use of AI for college admissions, the opportunities ahead and the need to establish "rules of the road" for AI. To learn more about AI in College Admissions, visit edhub.ai for more resources/events.
Credit for Prior Learning has long been utilized by higher education to award credit for work, life or training experience. But, how can CPL be utilized amidst the growing world of short-term, non-credit credentials? In this episode, we speak with Melanie Booth, Executive Director of the Higher Learning Commission's Credential Lab, and Ian Roark, Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development & Innovation at Pima Community College, to discuss the policy and practice of making CPL a reality for different forms of credentials.



