Campus: Microcredentials are knocking. Will higher education answer?

Campus: Microcredentials are knocking. Will higher education answer?

Author: Campus by Times Higher Education January 25, 2024 Duration: 1:03:21
From employers to policy makers, universities and their students, everyone agrees that alternative credentials are a good thing for the economy and for expanding access to higher education. But it’s one thing to think it’s a good idea and another to make it happen. The truth is demand for microcredentials remains low among students, the business plans are patchy and higher education providers haven’t fully embraced the new models.  In this episode we hear from an institution who has managed to get alternative credentialing right in a big way. The University of Edinburgh has been building Moocs (massive open online courses) and microcredentials for over 10 years. It currently offers 80 online master’s courses and 100 Moocs and microcredentials, reaching 4.7 million learners around the world. Melissa Highton, assistant principal of online and open learning at the university, is here to tell us about their strategy behind developing Moocs, how they remain relevant to millions of learners and the secret behind their commercial success.  Michael D. Smith, a professor of information technology and public policy at Heinz College and Tepper School Of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, speaks with us about his recent book The Abundant University. Having observed disruption in the television and music industries, he urges universities to leverage technology to reach more students and secure their futures.    Read more from Melissa Highton on Campus "A look back over 10 years of Moocs"

What does it really take to run a modern university? Campus Talks by Times Higher Education moves beyond the headlines and policy papers to explore the human stories and practical challenges shaping colleges and universities today. Each episode features candid conversations with the academics, administrators, and staff on the front lines, offering a ground-level view of the forces transforming education globally. You’ll hear nuanced discussions about reinventing teaching methods, navigating the complexities of international partnerships, pursuing meaningful research, and building institutions that are both excellent and sustainable. This isn’t a series of abstract lectures; it’s a forum for genuine problem-solving and shared experience. The podcast draws on the extensive network and editorial expertise of its host, Campus by Times Higher Education, to connect listeners with diverse voices from campuses worldwide. Whether you’re a faculty member, a university leader, or simply fascinated by the inner workings of higher education, these dialogues provide actionable insights and a deeper understanding of the academy’s evolving role in society. Tune in for thoughtful analysis that respects the complexity of the issues while searching for tangible solutions.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Campus Talks by Times Higher Education
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