As the abstract says, "this article offers a global overview of the burgeoning field of micro-credentials and their relationship to lifelong learning, employability and new models of digital education." In particular, "it addresses five questions: (i) What are micro-credentials? (ii) Why micro-credentials? (iii) Who are the key stakeholders? (iv) What is happening globally? and (v) What are some of the key takeaways?" This paper (27 page PDF) offers a good history and does not shy away from the criticisms. For example: "the critical point is that the micro-credentialing movement is part of a wider social practice. Arguably, the drive to unbundle the traditional degree can be traced to the forces of what has been described as the 'neoliberal learning economy'. Higher education takes the form of a commodity, a product or service, marketed and sold and acquired like any other commodity in this economy." But as the authors respond, "this type of critical stance oversimplifies the micro-credentialing movement."
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