Loading…
arrow_back View All Dates
Tuesday, July 22
 

12:00am MDT

Making Informal Learning Legible: Digital credentialing for college access
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
This is the result of my dissertation work (which is finally done!). I interviewed college admissions officers to understand how they receive and use information about learning outside of school when making admissions decisions (at both selective and access-driven schools). The goal was to understand how digital badges might help with this process to make informal learning more influential / impactful. I will present insight into this sense-making process and share design and usability recommendations for designing digital badge systems to connect/network informal learning providers with college admissions offices. Overall, I discuss the viability of such a system.
Speakers
avatar for Steve Cederquist

Steve Cederquist

Student, University of Michigan Ann Arbor
I am a information and learning scientist focused on designing information systems to support mastery and competency-based learning.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT

9:45am MDT

A Micro-credential Refresh: A customer value-based approach to building trust and clarity in micro-credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
This presentation explores the development and evolution of micro-credentials at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT). It examines SAIT's journey from launching over 120 micro-credentials in 2021 to adopting a Product-led approach in response to market feedback. The study highlights SAIT's innovative strategies, including a classification system for different skill types and an assessment-first approach. These methods aim to create industry-aligned, customer-focused micro-credentials that effectively bridge skills gaps. A key innovation in our micro-credential definition and classification is the clear and direct connection made between skill attainment and validation and badging to prove such. SAIT's micro-credential governance requires that any badge issued for a micro-credential is based on a workplace authentic assessment that measures the skill identified through a robust assessment process that validates skill attainment through real world examples, scenarios, case studies, and workplace applications. The presentation also discusses the challenges faced, lessons learned, and the potential of micro-credentials in creating flexible learning pathways for reskilling and upskilling in the modern workforce.
Speakers
avatar for Michele Braun

Michele Braun

Project Coordinator, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, SAIT
Dr. Michele Braun has more than 20 years’ experience in learning and development, including program management and instructional design. She has worked in the public and private sector designing and delivering education and training programs with a passion for assessment and evaluation... Read More →
avatar for Lora Bucsis

Lora Bucsis

Director, Products and Learner Success, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, SAIT
Director, Product and Learner Success, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, leads a team of award-winning product managers, curriculum designers, and advisors responsible for SAIT’s Continuing Education and Professional Studies programs focused on supporting people in... Read More →
avatar for Matthew Hall

Matthew Hall

Manager, Product, Continuing Education and Professional Studies, SAIT
Hi, I'm Matthew. I lead the Product Strategy Team at SAIT, designing exceptional digital products for the Future of Work. As a consultant I worked extensively with universities, colleges and research institutes to build education ecosystems, to create process-driven learning design... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 247

9:45am MDT

Aligning Your Credentials to the TrustEd Credentials Framework
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
We have made great progress using digital credentials to meet the needs of today's students, expanding learning opportunities and facilitating their transition from education to employment. Our next goal is to improve the quality, transparency, and value of these credentials. This session will focus on how to create high-quality microcredentials, implement detailed metadata, promote stakeholder engagement, and ultimately ensure trust in the digital credentials ecosystem.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Hoyland

Kelly Hoyland

Director, Postsecondary Education & Workforce Programs, 1EdTech Consortium
Kelly Hoyland serves as the director for postsecondary education and workforce programs at the non-profit 1EdTech Consortium, where she works with members to meet the challenges they face in the rapidly growing and evolving digital teaching and learning landscape. This includes working... Read More →
avatar for Collin Sullivan

Collin Sullivan

Coordinator of Digital Credentialing, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Collin Sullivan ’19, M.P.P. ’21 (he/him/his) is the Coordinator of Digital Credentialing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), reporting to the Vice President of Information Technology and Vice Provost for the Division of Professional Studies. In this role, Collin... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 386

9:45am MDT

Collaborating for a fairer, more inclusive, and transparent badge policy in organisations
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
The badge quality label is a solid starting point. Let's elevate it by focusing on fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in badges issued by organisations in the non-formal education field. Together, we can:
  • Explore ways to strengthen our quality label to better reflect these core values.
  • Discuss the challenges and opportunities in creating equitable, accessible, and transparent badge systems.
  • Develop actionable steps to implement these improvements.
Speakers
avatar for Sandra Zoomers

Sandra Zoomers

Coordinator of the Dutch Cities of Learning Network, Dutch Cities of Learning
We have established a solid foundation with our existing Quality Label for Badges Recognition. Now it's time to take the next step and focus on the core values of fairness, inclusivity, and transparency.Objective to take part in Badge Summit 2025:To deepen our understanding of how to leverage our Quality Label to better ensure these core values.To stimulate an open dialogue on... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)

9:45am MDT

Designing for All: Learner-Centricity, accessibility, UXR, and Inclusive Feedback Loops
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
How can we design better learning systems that are truly inclusive and centered around the needs of all learners? Join Brooke Lipsitz and Javier Motta-Mena as they explore what they’ve learned about user accessible design, experience research (UXR), feedback loops, and the power of learner advocacy, particularly in supporting neurodivergent students.
This session isn’t just about sharing insights—it’s about co-creating solutions. Through interactive discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their own experiences, challenges, and strategies for making learning environments more accessible and accommodating. Together, we’ll explore how we can better advocate for learners, improve systems with user-informed design, and build stronger networks of allies to ensure all students can thrive.


Key Takeaways:
  • Insights from user experience research on learner-centric design
  • The role of feedback loops in improving accessibility
  • Strategies for advocating and allying with neurodivergent learners
  • Opportunities for collaboration to enhance inclusive learning systems
Whether you're an educator, designer, administrator, or learner advocate, we welcome your voice in this exploratory conversation. Let’s work together to design with—not just for—our learners!
Speakers
avatar for Brooke Lipsitz

Brooke Lipsitz

TLN Program Manager, Arizona State University
Brooke Lipsitz currently serves as a Digital Innovation Program Manager and IT Product Manager within the Enterprise Technology department at Arizona State University (ASU). Brooke's commitment to advancing learner outcomes shines through in her role, where she actively contributes... Read More →
avatar for Javier Motta-Mena

Javier Motta-Mena

Digital Credential Specialist, Arizona State University
Javier serves as the Digital Credential Specialist for ASU, supporting a variety of initiatives across the university aimed at awarding recognition of skills and abilities for students, faculty, and staff. He is passionate about leveraging digital credentials to create and enhance... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 415+417

9:45am MDT

How to Compare Apples to Oranges: Assessing the Value of different Micro-Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Have you ever wondered which badge is more valuable than the other? Explore a new, comprehensive framework for comparing individual micro-credentials – even if the learning goals are different!  This interactive session dives into stakeholder-centric evaluation, balancing perceived, revealed, and normative values. Participants will collaborate on challenges for micro-credential assessments and design strategies to demonstrate impact on student success and institutional goals.
Speakers
avatar for Samuel Abramovich

Samuel Abramovich

Associate Dean, University at Buffalo
Dr. Sam Abramovich is the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the Graduate School of Education at the University at Buffalo, where he is also a Faculty Fellow for the Office of Micro-credentials. As Director of the UB Open Education Research Lab, his research explores the intersection... Read More →
avatar for Anne Reed

Anne Reed

Director of Micro-Credentials, University at Buffalo
Anne Reed is the founding director of the Office Micro-credentials at the University at Buffalo (UB). She developed a process to propose, review, implement, and scale new micro-credentials at the university. She has served on multiple national committees and advisory boards, including... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE W262

9:45am MDT

LinkedCreds & Resume Author: Apps for Skills-based Hiring & Advancement
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
We will share progress on the T3 sponsored skills-based hiring applications for LinkedCreds & Resume Author. There are tools that help bridge the current state of the workforce ecosystem to a future decentralized LER VC state. LinkedCreds is a flexible tool that helps organizations, employees, & job seekers document & assert skills in a trusted way. Resume Author is a Proof of Concept application to demonstrate leveraging the HR Open Schema in support of job recruiting LER-RS hybrid future.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Long

Phillip Long

CEO/Founder, RHz Consulting LLC
Phil is a consultant at the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation T3 Innovation Network assisting with digital credentialing, identity, & related standards. He’s also a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for New Designs in Learning & Scholarship, an advisor to ASU’s... Read More →
avatar for Taylor Hansen

Taylor Hansen

Executive Director, T3 Innovation Network/US Chamber of Commerce Foundation
I am an experienced education and workforce policy and business development professional with over 16 years in the industry. I am passionate about the potential for education to be a key factor in creating social and economic equity. I am constantly seeking out new innovations and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E422

9:45am MDT

Motivating and Rewarding Learners with Digital Credentials in the IBM Ecosystem
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
Digital credentials have become more than just badges—they are now critical tools for motivating learners, validating skills, and unlocking career opportunities. Within IBM’s global skilling initiatives, digital credentials serve as a bridge between learning and employability, empowering individuals with verifiable, industry-recognized proof of skills.
In this session, we will explore IBM’s best practices for using digital credentials to engage learners, improve retention, and drive meaningful career outcomes. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how organizations can implement high-impact credentialing strategies that foster motivation, engagement, and workforce readiness.
Key Takeaways:The Science of Motivation – How digital credentials act as motivators by tapping into intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.
Designing for Engagement – Best practices for structuring credentials to encourage continuous learning and skill stacking.
Connecting Credentials to Career Value – Ensuring digital credentials are recognized by employers and integrated into job pathways.
Leveraging AI & Data Insights – Using AI and analytics to personalize credentialing journeys and predict learner success.
Case Study: IBM’s Digital Credentialing Strategy – How IBM successfully scaled its SkillsBuild and enterprise learning programs using badges.

Speakers
CB

Caryn Buddie

IBM Digital Badge Program Manager, IBM
Caryn Buddie is a seasoned Learning and Development professional dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations through innovative educational strategies. With expertise in instructional design, program management, and digital credentialing, she has led initiatives that integrate... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

9:45am MDT

You are Here: A Low-Tech Roadmap for Navigating Modern Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
My 25+ year career in L&D—20 years of which were at a membership association—has allowed me to work from the crossroads of three major ecosystems: learning, credentialing, and human resources. As a senior strategist and learning architect, I have spent the past 3+ years bridging these three ecosystems for all types of institutions, including the DoD, associations, employers, and non-profits. My work is rooted in designing dynamic competency models and learner-centric credentialing solutions that facilitate skill portability across the talent pipeline (not just per credential). I see how associations and employers are the biggest players in the credentialing space because that’s where all learning is eventually applied and evaluated/assessed.
 
Having been a part of the badging community for the past couple of years, I understand the transformation taking place. The challenge is, a lot of what I’ve learned is focused on the ‘what’ and the ‘why.’ I need the ‘how.’ How do I help my clients who already have robust skill standards, bodies of knowledge, credentials, and digital badges make the transition, especially when it comes to technology considerations?
 
I’d love for this to be a working session to outline such a roadmap. (This work can eventually align with what Credential Engine and T3 already offer.) As an instructional designer by trade, I can support the development of such a product.
Speakers
avatar for Bobbi Vernon

Bobbi Vernon

Senior Director, Learning & Development, Global Skills X-Change (GSX)
Bobbi Vernon is the Senior Director of L&D at Global Skills X-Change. She is skilled in the development, delivery, administration, and accreditation of high-stakes certification programs and is a leading expert on assessment-based certificate programs. She chairs the Assessment-Based... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E351

9:45am MDT

Building a Career-Ready Campus: Creating an Ecosystem for Student Success in the Workforce
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
This discussion is designed to engage conference attendees in an open discussion about how higher education can better organize redesign itself to better prepare learners for the evolving world of work. The audience will be asked to share how they would redesign higher ed to do more of this work. The discussion will especially focus on the role of experiential learning, academic and third-party microcredentials, LER's, and college-employer partnerships.
Speakers
avatar for Kelvin Bentley

Kelvin Bentley

Program Manager, Texas Credentials for the Future, University of Texas System
Kelvin has over 25 years of experience serving in various roles as a faculty member, administrator, and consultant within the field of higher education, supporting online learning and other types of academic innovation initiatives. These initiatives have included leading online learning... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 245

11:00am MDT

AI and the Personalized Learning Revolution: Upskilling, Lifelong Learning, and Flexible Learning Pathways
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Through trustworthy profiles called LifeGraphs, we can leverage data and AI to build trust in credentialing and badging systems within higher education. By creating a transparent and verifiable record of skills and achievements, we can ensure that learners are recognized for their competencies in a way that reflects the demands of the modern workforce. This evolution will allow for dynamic, personalized learning experiences that adapt and grow with us.
Speakers
avatar for Phil Komarny

Phil Komarny

Chief Innovation Officer, Maryville University
Phil Komarny is an award-winning senior executive, national thought leader, and Maryville University's chief innovation officer. He has been developing and motivating teams for more than 25 years and most recently served as vice-president of innovation at cloud-based software company... Read More →
avatar for Frank Ricotta

Frank Ricotta

CEO & Founder, BurstIQ
Frank Ricotta is a visionary leader and the CEO and co-founder of BurstIQ, a pioneering company that is revolutionizing person to AI to business engagement through innovative AI data management solutions. With over 30 years of experience, Frank has built a diverse background that... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 247

11:00am MDT

Badging the Gap: Why Work-Ready Skills Badges Go Unclaimed by Students and What We Can Do About It
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Badging and digital credentials hold immense potential to validate work-ready skills and make them visible to employers. Yet, a surprising disconnect exists for students earning credentials for gig work through Work Simplr: for every badge earned, only a fraction are claimed or showcased by students. This session explores the reasons behind this gap, exploring whether students undervalue badges, lack awareness of their utility, or encounter barriers to leveraging them effectively. We’ll also examine whether employers recognize and prioritize work-ready badges when evaluating entry-level talent.


(NOTE: this session could be built to fit many of the formats above-- a TED style talk, a rapid fire, deep dive, or Dreammakers session. We are willing to build the session for the format CU Boulder thinks is best.)
Speakers
avatar for Rochelle Ramirez

Rochelle Ramirez

SVP Product, Accredible
Rochelle Ramirez is the Senior Vice President of Product at Accredible, the world's leading digital credential platform. Rochelle has helped hundreds of organizations achieve their credentialing goals through her strategic market thinking, execution, and leadership. In her various... Read More →
avatar for Jodi McPherson

Jodi McPherson

CEO, Work Simplr
Jodi McPherson is a visionary and experienced leader in the ed tech and talent sourcing space, with over 25 years of building and launching innovative SaaS business models. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Work Simplr, she has created a next-generation freelance platform that connects... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
  Deep Dive
  • global Y

11:00am MDT

Do Employers Like These Things? Assessing How Much More Employable Skill Certificates Make Our Students
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
We all think credentials are awesome. What do employers think? In the last two years, CU Boulder launched Google Career Certificates. Students love them! They say these certificates expand their skillsets, unlock ideas, and strengthen their resumes. But a big question remaining is, are students more employable with a certificate? We will survey our spring 2025 employers to get the answer. Let’s discuss what we find and what you’re seeing in similar credentialing.
Speakers
avatar for Dylan Mark

Dylan Mark

Assistant Director for Professional Experiences, University of Colorado Boulder, Career Services
Dylan Mark is the Assistant Director for Professional Experiences in Career Services at CU Boulder. He focuses on broadening opportunities for practical work-based learning for students at every stage in their academic journey. He graduated from CU Boulder with a degree in Sociology... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 382+384
  Deep Dive
  • global Y

11:00am MDT

Dynamic Roleplay Simulation for Validating Durable Skills
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Roleplay simulation is a proven method for providing learners opportunities to practice and demonstrate skills. The addition of AI turns these into “Dynamic Roleplay Simulations” which allow learners to interact and demonstrate their skills more authentically. This session will show an example of this applied to durable skills assessment. Learners speak with their virtual colleagues, analyze information, and decide what to do in challenges that require them to apply their durable skills. We will also show how this method applies to other skill areas. Bonus: this experience was also created by AI!
Speakers
avatar for David McCool

David McCool

President & CEO, Muzzy Lane
Dave McCool is the President & CEO of Muzzy Lane. We provide a range of simulation solutions for education and training, utilizing a roleplay format enhanced by AI to provide high quality, flexible, and cost-effective learning and assessment simulations. Our solutions include authoring... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 415+417
  Deep Dive
  • global Y

11:00am MDT

Empowering Early Learning Communities: Digital Badging and Literacy for Families and Educators
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Speakers
avatar for Dr Julie Keane

Dr Julie Keane

Chief Learning Officer, Participate, Inc.
I am the Chief Learning Officer at Participate. I lead business development, research, and evaluation of Participate's platform and services and support partner organizations' online community of practice design. I have been an educator technology researcher for more than 25 year... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 386

11:00am MDT

Infuse: Empowering Institutions, Enabling Learners
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
The Infuse initiative is a collaborative public purpose project designed to democratize access to innovative digital credentials in higher education, particularly supporting institutions and learners with limited resources. It aims to provide an initial, foundational learning and employment record (LER) for millions of learners, giving them a starting point in the world of structured, interoperable digital credentials. Additionally, the project seeks to create an interoperable shared infrastructure that provides access and value to all, while respecting the role of vendors and creating a larger market for them. The process involves converting legacy academic credentials and related data into structured digital credentials via multiple pathways using AI to enrich and infer skills level information, validating the result, verifying the resulting credential(s), and enabling learner access and agency to/over them. This session will explore the concept of Infuse and its current status. 
Speakers
avatar for Mark McConahay

Mark McConahay

Senior Consultant, Innovative Credentials Coordinator, AACRAO
Mark McConahay, M.S.E.S., currently serves AACRAO in the role of Innovative Credentials Coordinator.  Previously, he worked for Indiana University as the associate registrar of systems for many years before becoming the associate vice provost and registrar. McConahay’s history... Read More →
avatar for Michelle Mott

Michelle Mott

Consultant, Innovative Credentials Project Manager, AACRAO
Michelle Mott currently serves AACRAO as a consultant providing project management support to the association's innovative credential projects and initiatives. She also works as a communications consultant for Sova and manages individual projects as an independent contractor. With... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE W262

11:00am MDT

Making the Case: If not now, then when?
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
At Virginia Tech, we have been creating a community of practice for nonclassroom credentialing for students.  One of our next challenges will be to take the activities of the relatively small community and expand the effort across campus to a variety of nonclassroom contexts.  


In this session, we will explore our approach to this important question of value of badging, as well as opening it up to the experiences and ideas of the audience.
Speakers
avatar for Holly Zanville

Holly Zanville

Founder/Lead, Learn & Work Ecosystem Library
avatar for Amanda MacDonald

Amanda MacDonald

Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Services Initiatives for University Libraries, Virginia Tech
Amanda B. MacDonald is an Associate Professor and the Assistant Director of Undergraduate Research Services Initiatives for University Libraries at Virginia Tech. Amanda is the faculty lead for a university-wide initiative on digital credentialing. She serves as the liaison to the... Read More →
avatar for Marc Zaldivar

Marc Zaldivar

Director, TLOS Professional Developmetn Network, Virginia Tech
I taught English courses for 10 years, and also worked simultaneously in the Writing Center, culminating in 2 years as the Director of the Virginia Tech Writing Center. As I began my Ph.D. program, I soon began working in what was Learning Technologies at the time, supporting what... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

11:00am MDT

Navigating the Messy Middle: Overcoming Challenges in Digital Credential Innovation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Innovation in digital credentials, such as badges, often gets stuck in the "messy middle" — where bold ideas meet real-world constraints. This session explores practical strategies for bridging the gap between visionary plans and sustainable implementation. Drawing on global insights and case studies, we’ll examine how to balance stakeholder expectations, technical challenges, and policy barriers while maintaining momentum.
Speakers
avatar for Wendy Palmer

Wendy Palmer

Director, Lifelong Learning Practice
Wendy Palmer is a leading expert in microcredentials, short-form learning, and professional education, with over 30 years of experience shaping innovative learning strategies across higher education and industry. She works with education providers, businesses, and government to design... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E422

11:00am MDT

The Road to Equity - How LERs Democratize Talent Visibility
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
The workforce of the future will rely on talent that is quantifiable and verifiable for everyone, not just a select few. Discover how LERs drive equity by empowering individuals to own, showcase, and leverage their skills and experiences. This session explores TalentPass as a case study, highlighting its role in supporting underrepresented learners and workers. Engage in dynamic activities to identify equity barriers and design solutions that foster inclusion in education and the workforce.
Speakers
avatar for Beth Ardner

Beth Ardner

VP of Growth, Gobekli
Beth Ardner leads the growth efforts at Gobekli, building partnerships with governments, schools, employers and a host of supporting partners, pulling from two decades of edtech sales and product leadership.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E351

11:00am MDT

Building Communities of Learning
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
Facilitators will introduce the Living Life As Art (LLAA) program from Raleigh, NC, which empowers youth through community service, nature exploration, and creative expression. The program addresses disconnection from community, nature, and creativity. Participants will design their own LLAA program and imagine an open recognition system.
Speakers
MF

Mickey Fearn

Founder, Living Life as Art
Mickey Fearn has been a public servant and parks, recreation, and conservation professional for over 50 years, working with local, state, and national governments. Mickey was a a Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University’s School of Natural Resources, teaching a class... Read More →
avatar for Don Labonte

Don Labonte

Director of Customer Success, Participate, Inc
I believe in the power of play and social learning.  I help co-design learning communities
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 245

12:00pm MDT

Badging Validated Skills: Principles from the Partnership for Skills Validation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
What’s the role of assessment in the skills movement? The Partnership for Skills Validation is tackling this question, enabling skills as the currency for learning through principles and best practices. Led by C-BEN and Education Design Lab, this session explores the implications of validated skills for badging, including equity, accessibility, and efficiency. Join us for resources and strategies to advance badging for validated skills.
Speakers
avatar for Tara Laughlin

Tara Laughlin

Director of Skills Validation + Development, Education Design Lab
Dr. Tara Laughlin has spent her career helping youth and adults develop the skills needed for the future of work by leading the design and implementation of personalized, competency-based solutions. She brings over 15 years of experience in K12, post-secondary, and adult education... Read More →
avatar for Amber Garrison Duncan

Amber Garrison Duncan

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Competency-Based Education Network
Amber Garrison Duncan fell in love with higher education the moment she left her small Texas town and stepped foot on campus at Texas Woman’s University. Her passion for supporting holistic approaches to learning were honed at this “campus with a heart” and led to a career working... Read More →
avatar for Emily Scheines

Emily Scheines

Senior Director of Skills Systems, Competency-Based Education Network
Emily Scheines is a seasoned initiative leader and program builder with deep roots in education and a dedication to the recognition of all forms of learning, all kinds of learners, and a common language of learning.Before joining C-BEN, Emily led credit for prior learning for Guild... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 247

12:00pm MDT

Beyond the Achievement: Supporting Learners Evidence and Endorsements
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
Explore the power of incorporating evidence artifacts within credentials. We'll discuss how endorsements enhance both the badge and the individual. Providing evidence of skills and accomplishments paints a clearer picture of a learner's capabilities for employers and educational institutions. Endorsements allow third parties to validate the credential and its holder. Join us to discover ways to enhance your badges, fostering transparency, trust, and opportunities for learners in the digital age.
Speakers
avatar for Rob Coyle

Rob Coyle

Digital Credentials Program Manager, 1EdTech Consortium
As 1EdTech’s program manager for digital credentials, Rob Coyle is committed to expanding the success of digital credentials with Open Badges and the Comprehensive Learner Record Standard to support learning and acknowledge the skills and competencies mastered through formal and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 245

12:00pm MDT

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Microcredentials into Higher Ed Infrastructure
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
Developing the necessary infrastructure to support microcredentials and digital badges requires thoughtful planning, coordination, and a realistic timeline. This session will provide a roadmap for institutions navigating this process based on the experience of the University of Colorado Denver. Key considerations such as integrating microcredentials into the Student Information System (SIS), defining the Registrar’s role in badge validation, program proposal and approval processes, and establishing learner records will be discussed. Attendees will be presented with the timeline of CU Denver’s activities, including what occurred sequentially and what occurred in tandem.  This session will offer practical strategies and lessons learned to help institutions build their own microcredential infrastructure.
Speakers
avatar for Jeremy Lingle

Jeremy Lingle

Director of Microcredentials, University of Colorado Denver
Jeremy Lingle, PhD, serves as the Director of Microcredentials within the Division for Teaching Innovation and Program Strategy (TIPS) at University of Colorado Denver. He has a robust background in program evaluation, educational research, and data analytics spanning over fifteen... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 382+384

12:00pm MDT

Building Bridges: Strengthening Campus Partnerships to Expand the KSU Micro-Credential Initiative
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
This session will explore strategies to strengthen both academic and non-academic campus relationships to sustain and expand a successful micro-credential initiative. Attendees will gain insights on how to leverage campus relationships to utilize a robust taxonomy for offering diverse badge options for various learners. Discussion will include how to ensure MCs remain relevant and aligned with evolving industry needs, fostering lifelong learning opportunities for campus and community learners.  
Speakers
avatar for Ashley Archer Doehling

Ashley Archer Doehling

Curriculum Initiative Analyst, Kennesaw State University
Ashley Archer Doehling (she/her) is the Curriculum Initiative Analyst in the Curriculum Support Office at Kennesaw State University. Originally from Leesburg, Ga, she attended Georgia Southern University for her undergraduate career. Currently, Ashley is a doctoral candidate in the... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

12:00pm MDT

Designing Quality Micro-Credentials: Badges for Success in the 21st Century
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
The Florida International University (FIU) Micro-Credential initiative aims to empower learners by enabling them to effectively articulate their competencies, fostering success in the 21st-century world of work. As a research university, we recognize that achieving meaningful career outcomes is a crucial aspect of education. The capacity to acquire, enhance, and adapt critical competencies is a pivotal step toward this goal. Micro-Credentialing is gaining traction in higher education, serving as a tool for documenting student learning, faculty/staff professional development, and the expansion of continuing education courses. 
 
The FIU Office of Micro-Credentials (OMC) was established to facilitate the development of Micro-Credentials within and outside the university, ensuring adherence to approved policies. Focused on the in-demand skills essential for success in the 21st century, the OMC encourages collaboration across divisions and departments to support learners in acquiring targeted skills and competencies. A rigorous workflow process, managed by the OMC team, oversees the entire lifecycle of Micro-Credential development, from conception to launch on the Canvas Learning Management System. The Instructional Design team ensures sound design aligned with Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) through extensive reviews of content, assessments, and evaluation methods. A standardized template in the Canvas shell, guided by Instructional Design Consultants, ensures transparency, accessibility, and alignment with quality standards. The OMC further provides resources through a robust portal and employs educational technology tools to enhance the learning experience. A comprehensive quality assurance process, following the Quality Matters rubric, involves multiple levels of review by instructors, ID consultants, and leadership, guaranteeing the high quality of all Micro-Credentials launched by FIU in learners' preparation for the 21st-century workforce.  
 
Speakers
avatar for Gali Lefkowitz

Gali Lefkowitz

Manager of Instructional Design, Florida International University
With a robust skill set centered around educational leadership and technology integration, I excel in spearheading the development, launch, and quality assurance processes for Micro-Credentials. My expertise includes providing strategic direction to instructional designers, ensuring... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 415+417

12:00pm MDT

Empowering Career Success: Building Strategic Campus Partnerships for Micro-Credentialing at TCU
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
In today's rapidly evolving job market, students must possess a diverse set of skills to succeed in their future careers. As institutions of higher education, it is our responsibility to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the professional world. One innovative way to do this is through micro-credentialing, which allows students to earn verified credentials in specific skill areas.
Micro-credentials are short, focused learning experiences that validate and certify students' proficiency in specific skills. Unlike traditional degrees, which encompass a broad body of knowledge, micro-credentials are designed to cater to the specific skills and knowledge required by employers in various industries. By offering micro-credentials, institutions can tailor their programs to meet the evolving demands of the job market and provide students with tangible evidence of their competence.
This conference proposal presents an opportunity for higher education professionals to come together and discuss the importance of building strong campus partnerships to support student career skill development through micro-credentialing at Texas Christian University (TCU). Through collaboration between  Athletics, Career Services, Human Resources,  Office of the Chancelor, Office of Financial Aid, Office of the Registrar, Neeley Professional Development, and Student Affairs, TCU can establish a comprehensive and impactful approach to micro-credentialing that enhances the learning experience for our students and prepares them for the challenges of the 21st-century job market.
Attendees will gain valuable insights and practical tools for enhancing student career skill development through micro-credentialing. The workshop will explore strategies for building strong campus partnerships that empower students for future career success, drawing on the university's experience in implementing this innovative program across diverse departments.
Topics to be covered:
1. Introduction to Micro-Credentialing: Understanding its benefits for student career development.
2. Fostering Campus-Wide Collaboration: Strategies for Effective Partnerships
3. Benefits of a Collaboration Micro-Credentialing Program at TCU: For both students and the campus.
4. Assessing Impact: Measuring the effectiveness of micro-credentialing on student success and career readiness.
5. Best Practices: Implementing successful micro-credentialing programs.
 
The Role of Campus Partnerships
Building strong campus partnerships is the key to unlocking the full potential of micro-credentialing at TCU. By collaborating with Athletics, Career Services, Human Resources, the Chancellor's Office, Financial Aid, the Registrar, Neeley Professional Development, and Student Affairs, TCU can create a dynamic ecosystem that fosters student career skill development. Here is how each partnership contributes to this initiative.
Athletics
Partnering with the Athletics department leverages the discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills inherent in sports to develop tailored micro-credentials. 
Career Services
Career Services play a crucial role in connecting students with industry partners and providing guidance on career advancement. The micro-credentials align with the career skills needed for employability, aiding students in their transition into the workforce.
Human Resources
The Human Resources department integrates micro-credentialing into their office for student workers and internships, serving as a model for continuous learning and professional growth.
Office of the Chancellor
Support from the Office of the Chancellor is essential for strategic direction and institutional backing. This office champions the initiative, ensuring it aligns with TCU’s mission and long-term goals, and gives its student workers a chance to gain some employability skills such as professionalism, communication, and critical thinking.
Office of Financial Aid
Collaboration with the Office of Financial Aid provides support for students pursuing micro-credentials, ensuring student worker retention and continuous learning.
Office of the Registrar
The Office of the Registrar is critical for the official recognition and documentation of micro-credentials. They can ensure that these credentials are seamlessly integrated into students’ academic records, making them easily accessible for future employment or educational opportunities.
 
Neeley Professional Development
The Neeley Professional Development Center offers expertise in professional development and student coaching, aligning with the content of the micro-credentialing program to be directly applicable to the professional world.
Neeley Inclusive Excellence
The Neeley Inclusive Excellence program is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes individual excellence and prepares students to make meaningful contributions to both business and society. This initiative actively pursues diversity through strategic recruitment, retention, and advancement of students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
 
Benefits of Collaboration
Building strong campus partnerships for micro-credentialing offers numerous benefits to both students and Texas Christian University (TCU). These benefits underscore the importance of a collaborative approach to developing and implementing micro-credentialing programs.
Student Benefits
Specialized Skill Acquisition: Micro-credentials enable students to gain specialized skills in areas such as professionalism, communication, and critical thinking. These targeted competencies complement their primary academic pursuits and equip them with practical, job-ready skills.
Enhanced Employability: These credentials serve as verifiable proof of their expertise and readiness to take on specific roles, making them more attractive to potential employers.
Speakers
avatar for Regina Middleton

Regina Middleton

Assistant Registrar, Training and Professional Development, Texas Christian University
Empowering Career Success: Building Strategic Campus Partnerships for Micro-Credentialing at TCU"AbstractIn today's rapidly evolving job market, students must possess a diverse set of skills to succeed in their future careers. As institutions of higher education, it is our responsibility... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 386

12:00pm MDT

FamiLER Fued
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
This session will adopt a Family Fued style to test people's assumptions about LER implementation and adoption based on lessons learned through work to date. 
  • Format: Split the audience into two teams and have them compete in a game-show-style format.
  • How It Works:
    • Present survey-style questions like “What’s the #1 reason employers ignore digital credentials?” or “What’s the worst jargon people use when explaining LERs?” - based on SkillsFWD Research and Discovery findings and other research throughout the ecosystem
    • The audience votes via hand-raising, live polling, or a show of noise, and we reveal “top answers” based on real-world data (or just for fun).
  • Why It Works: It turns the session into a game while exposing real barriers and misunderstandings in a lighthearted way.
Speakers
avatar for Dawn Karber

Dawn Karber

Executive Director, SkillsFWD
Dawn is a purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience in the workforce development sector. She joined SkillsFWD after serving as the chief operations and equal opportunity officer at a prominent regional workforce board. Across her career, Dawn has crafted national... Read More →
avatar for Simone Ravaioli

Simone Ravaioli

Director Global Ecosystem and Innovation, Parchment
Synesthetic EdTech leader with a portfolio of diverse experiences advancing the global credentialing ecosystem. Day job is to turn credentials into opportunities as the Director of Global Ecosystem and Innovation at Parchment, the leading credentialing platform in Higher Education... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)

12:00pm MDT

From Concept To Reality: Operationalizing Badges and Digital Certificates for The Real World
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
The badging and digital credentials landscape for higher education providers is still viewed as the “Wild West.”   A pioneer in this space since 2018, California State University Dominguez Hills College of Continuing and Professional Education issues 30 credit and non-credit digital badges and certificates. More than 6,000 badges have been issued to learners through CCPE’s portfolio of upskilling and reskilling programs, including Project Management, Human Resource Management, OSHA, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics and many more.  
Digital badge microcredentials are vetted through a robust and rigorous curriculum review process.  Certificate programs are reviewed at the CCPE level (non-credit) or the Academic College and University level (credit).  This process is mandatory before a badge is conceptualized and continues through its issuance to the learner.  
 “What’s next” includes the implementation of Comprehensive Learner Records or digital backpacks/wallets/passports.  The goal is to create a self-sovereign model for managing digital awards. This empowers learners to have ownership and control of their digital credentials to maintain and share with employers,  for current and future for economic and social mobility.
Come learn how CSUDH operationalized digital badging issuance moving beyond the conceptual or proof of concept phase.
Speakers
avatar for Kim McNutt

Kim McNutt

Dean, California State University, Dominguez Hills
J. Kim McNutt is currently in his 11th year as Dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Education (CCPE) at California State University Dominguez Hills.  The self-support college develops and delivers a portfolio of nearly 60 online and classroom-based academic education... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
CASE E422

12:00pm MDT

How to Co-Design: A Practical Approach to Human-Centered Skill Validation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
Two years ago, the Lab launched the Skills Validation Network, a group of innovators from 15+ organizations across the skills-based ecosystem, with an ambitious mission: to expand the methods, tools, and opportunities available to validate skills gained through work and life experience for individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs).
Applying a human-centered design approach, the Lab team has guided Network members through an exploration of the problem space and  an iterative ideation process, involving co-designing with a number of key stakeholders closest to the problems we are attempting to solve. We will share our experiences with stakeholder co-design and hear how others use a similar approach to solve problems in their areas of interest.
Speakers
avatar for Nishita Chheda

Nishita Chheda

Education Designer, Education Design Lab
Nishita (she/her/hers) is an Education Designer, leading the pilot and research efforts for XCredit, while also supporting the broader skill validation efforts at the Lab. In her role, Nishita leverages service design principles to shape the development of XCredit while actively centering... Read More →
avatar for Meghan Raftery

Meghan Raftery

Education Designer, Education Design Lab
Meghan brings expertise in project management, stakeholder engagement, durable skills, and performance assessment to Education Design Lab as an Education Designer working on the Skills Development and Validation team. She’s responsible for leading the improvement and expansion the... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
CASE W262

2:15pm MDT

Bridging the Gap - Non-Credit to Credit Integration at Post-Secondary Educational Institutions
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
In an evolving educational landscape, non-credit to credit integration offers a promising pathway for lifelong learners, career changers, and professionals seeking upskilling. This session will provide a comprehensive approach to fostering non-credit to credit integration utilizing credit for prior learning and micro-credentials, with a focus on the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). The session will explore innovative strategies, share success stories and opportunities to provide actionable insights for educators, and administrators.


Speakers
MJ

Melissa Jimenez

Credit for Prior Learning Assessment Program Manager, Colorado Community College System
Melissa currently serves in a newly created role, Credit for Prior Learning Program Manager, with the Colorado Community College System (CCCS). In this role she works with the 13 colleges to identify opportunities for credit for prior learning through industry recognized and micro-credentials... Read More →
avatar for Michael Macklin

Michael Macklin

Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Solutions, Colorado Community College System
Michael Macklin joined CCCS in 2018 and serves as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Workforce Solutions. In his role, he works to coordinate academic affairs and workforce development initiatives across CCCS, interfacing with state agencies, philanthropic organizations, colleges, and corporate partners. His current efforts are focused on the intersection of business and education, overseeing career-connected learning opportunities, apprenticeships, micro-credentials... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 382+384

2:15pm MDT

Credential Stanley: An Experiential Exploration of the LER Ecosystem
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Inspired by the formats of Flat Stanley classroom projects for cultural exchange and traditional shadow puppet dinner theatre, this interactive session invites participants to explore the interconnected nature of the LER ecosystem by stepping into the shoes of various credentials to understand and experience the relationships along the lifetime of each credential.   


What does it look like when innovative credentials are operationalized? Who plays which roles and when do they play them? Where are there invisible interdependencies? How do these interactions shape our ecosystem?   


And what can you -- yes, you! -- do to be an active collaborator?   


Learning Objectives:   


LO1 Understand the Role of Stakeholders in the LER Ecosystem: Participants will gain a clear understanding of the various roles and responsibilities of stakeholders within the LER ecosystem, recognizing how their actions impact the broader network.  


LO2 Explore the Interconnectedness of the LER Ecosystem: Attendees will explore the journey of credentials through the ecosystem, identifying key interactions between different systems (e.g., employers, educational institutions) and how these relationships shape the effectiveness and value of LERs.  


LO3 Identify Actionable Steps to Enhance Ecosystem Collaboration: Participants will leave with practical strategies for leveraging their role in the ecosystem to foster collaboration, improve the flow of credentials, and contribute to a more cohesive and effective LER ecosystem.
Speakers
avatar for Brooke Lipsitz

Brooke Lipsitz

TLN Program Manager, Arizona State University
Brooke Lipsitz currently serves as a Digital Innovation Program Manager and IT Product Manager within the Enterprise Technology department at Arizona State University (ASU). Brooke's commitment to advancing learner outcomes shines through in her role, where she actively contributes... Read More →
avatar for Javier Motta-Mena

Javier Motta-Mena

Digital Credential Specialist, Arizona State University
Javier serves as the Digital Credential Specialist for ASU, supporting a variety of initiatives across the university aimed at awarding recognition of skills and abilities for students, faculty, and staff. He is passionate about leveraging digital credentials to create and enhance... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 247

2:15pm MDT

Data Driven Badges: Using LAiSER to Identify and Badge the Skills that Matter
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
“There are too many badges and many of them don't matter.” While this statement might seem counter to the prevailing logic in higher education, this is the feedback we receive in nearly every consultation with hiring employers. What these employers are looking for is skills and a way to verify that applicants have the skills they are looking for. Badges could be the solution employers are demanding, but we've put too much effort into creating badges and too little effort into aligning them with workforce needs.


Leveraging AI for Skills Extraction and Research (LAiSER) is an open-source project of the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP) designed to help align skills in curricula with workforce demand. By applying LAiSER extraction tools we can create more meaningful badges that not only better align with workforce but also allow for interoperability amongst different employers and issuers using LAiSER’s skills mapping tools.


In this presentation we will focus on the promise of badges and the opportunity to create variable microcredentials linked to skills. Describing badges using skills not only creates an opportunity for embedding skills within the Open Badge 3.0 standard but also aligning individual badges to LAiSER’s skill maps to help build more robust microcredentials out of badges. LAiSER also has the benefit of making these badges interoperable with other standards, including non-standardized use cases such as job applications, allowing for customized skill assertations beyond Open Badges 3.0.


Our presentation will begin with a brief explanation of LAiSER and an update on the open-source tools available. We will then walk through a demonstration of how to create a badge using LAiSER in the Open Badge Standard (3.0) by taking advantage of the skill assertations feature. We will finish by demoing some of the new features of LAiSER and discussing upcoming development projects.
Speakers
avatar for Mike Sanders

Mike Sanders

Senior Research Associate, George Washington Institute of Public Policy
Mike Sanders is a Senior Research Associate at the George Washington Institute of Public Policy (GWIPP) Program on Skills, Credentials and Workforce Policy (PSCWP).  Prior to joining GW, he was a Research Project manager for Educational Testing Service’s Policy Evaluation and Research... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)

2:15pm MDT

Empowering Job Seekers with Skills-Based Hiring Technologies and Digital Skills
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
This session will explore how educators can help adult learners succeed in skills-first hiring by building digital skills and confidence. Drawing from real-world pilots, we’ll share practical strategies for using tools like digital credentials and wallets, along with experiential learning activities. Attendees will engage in interactive exercises, gain actionable insights, and leave equipped to help learners showcase their skills, boost job prospects, and navigate equitable career pathways.
Speakers
avatar for Caroline McKinnon

Caroline McKinnon

Senior Program Manager - Director Adult Learning, ISTE + ASCD
Caroline McKinnon is our Senior Program Manager of Adult Learning here at ISTE. Caroline has over 25 years of experience in domestic and international education, working with refugees and workforce development groups.Caroline began work in ESL organizations in Latin America, working... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 386

2:15pm MDT

Evaluating curriculum and providers: A exploration of quality assurance opportunities
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Two accrediting agencies propose ways to ensure quality for course curriculum and content providers.  The DEAC AQC process provides distance education course providers with meaningful and relevant feedback on how individual courses contribute to the mastery of learning objectives that may be part of a credential. The HLC Credential Lab Endorsement Framework is designed to convey quality elements of providers that offer content, programs, resources, and credentials designed to meet the needs of postsecondary learners, the labor market, and colleges and universities.
Speakers
LK

Leah K Matthews

Executivie Director, DEAC - Distance Education Accrediting Commission
TBD
avatar for Karen J Solomon

Karen J Solomon

Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, HLC - Higher Learning Commission
Since 2016, she has been leading HLC’s future-focused grant initiatives on innovation, student success, quality awareness, and alternative credentials.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417

2:15pm MDT

LER Credentials As Currency In A Student Jobs Marketplace
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Arizona State University's Trusted Learner Network allows learners to collect, explore, and share digital credentials they have gathered across their lifetimes. In 2024 Arizona State partnered with SmartResume to integrate the SmartResume services into TLN enabling students to leverage their credentials directly on their resumes.  In the Spring Semester of 2025 the partners launched the Sun Devil Talent Marketplace to connect students and their LER resumes with job opportunities on campus. In this session we will review student and employer feedback on the pilot program. Did it work? Did students get jobs? Did the pilot succeed in creating more equitable access to employment? What were the challenges and key learnings and where will these capabilities go next?
Speakers
ST

Scott Travis

Program Director of Work+Learn Strategic Initiatives, Arizona State University
Scott is the Program Director of Work+Learn Strategic Initiatives at Arizona State. In this roll Scott oversees the SkillsFWD grant to connect students with jobs through LER Resumes and the Sun Devil Talent Makretplace
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE W262

2:15pm MDT

Making Decisions Today to Support the Workforce System of Tomorrow
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
With AI, technology, costs, and credential overload reshaping the workforce, how do we engage today to build a stronger, more equitable system for tomorrow—without needing all the answers? Instead of reinforcing existing barriers, what if we designed for access, opportunity, and learner-centered innovation? This session invites curiosity, conversation, and practical exploration of the roles we can all play in shaping a more just and inclusive future.
Speakers
avatar for Meena Naik

Meena Naik

Director, Skills-First Design, Jobs for the Future
Meena Naik is an advocate for actualizing a radical future centering a skills-first approach to economic mobility, and partners with organizations and education providers to support the implementation of best practices in skills-first learning and credentialing efforts and associated... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E422

2:15pm MDT

Piecing Together Perspectives: Advancing Skill Validation Through Stakeholder Insights
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
To design effective skill validation systems, we must center key stakeholders closest to the challenges we aim to solve. Education Design Lab’s Center for Skills Validation explores barriers, use cases, and value propositions for STARs (Skilled Through Alternate Routes) and employers. Join us as we share insights from our research and identify actionable insights for advancing skill validation, drawing from our latest findings to inform future solutions.
Speakers
avatar for Tara Laughlin

Tara Laughlin

Director of Skills Validation + Development, Education Design Lab
Dr. Tara Laughlin has spent her career helping youth and adults develop the skills needed for the future of work by leading the design and implementation of personalized, competency-based solutions. She brings over 15 years of experience in K12, post-secondary, and adult education... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

2:15pm MDT

Wallet Attached Storage - a web-accessible data store for your wallet
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
Several limitations apply to digital credential wallets installed on digital personal devices limiting their usefulness. Access to credentials stored in them requires wallets are open and connected to the web. Credentials stored in them cannot be viewed by a third-party from the credential wallet. They must be sent to an end point via protocols specific to LER VCs.
We will discuss the design constraints associated with cloud-based storage for personal credential wallets. We’ll describe a range of potential uses for Wallet Attached Storage (WAS). And we’ll demonstrate an application built to provide WAS to the DCC Learner Credential Wallet.
Speakers
avatar for Phillip Long

Phillip Long

CEO/Founder, RHz Consulting LLC
Phil is a consultant at the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation T3 Innovation Network assisting with digital credentialing, identity, & related standards. He’s also a Senior Fellow at Georgetown University’s Center for New Designs in Learning & Scholarship, an advisor to ASU’s... Read More →
avatar for Dmitri Zagidulin

Dmitri Zagidulin

Consultant, did.coop
Core skills: leading dev teams, getting developers "unstuck", writing scalable decentralized applications, understanding complex topics in chaotic market landscapes and explaining them to customers and stakeholders. I have a strong theoretical background, and deeply passionate and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E351

2:15pm MDT

How Might We Create a Single Source of Truth for Microcredentials Earned by Matriculated Students, Professional Earners, and the Workforce Associated with the Health Care Enterprise at a Large Medical School with Multiple Hosptials and Clinics?
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston is in the planning phase of launching at microcredential program to serve the needs of both students (on campus and professional) and the UTMB workforce.  In an effort to plan for the future and set up sustainable models, we would like to establish a robust data stream from the awarded credential, including all metadata, to a "Source of Truth" data lake that has housed traditional student records (transcripts).  In this session, we would like to engage with peer institutions who are working on the same or similar problem and vendors who have unique solutions.  We recognize that this problem will not be solved in a day or likely a year, but we do want to set our data structures up such that we will be moving in the direction that will support the digital credential ecosystem at large. 
Speakers
avatar for Cynthia LaBrake

Cynthia LaBrake

Director of the Office of Personalized Professional Success, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Cynthia LaBrake is a mission-driven program development leader and award-winning educator with over 20 years of experience in growing educational and training programs from ideation through launch. Her extensive experience includes curriculum development, workforce-aligned micro-credentials... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 245

3:15pm MDT

Talent Supply and Employer Demand is a Tapestry, Not a Quilt - Weaving the strands to create an LER in your State
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
The Institute for Workforce Excellence works with employers to adopt skills-based practices for talent strategy.  Western Governors University has partnered with Indiana to develop the Indiana Achievement Wallet. Their combined effort is transforming the employer and workforce landscape to match skills to employer demand and create a feedback loop for the evolving talent ecosystem that addresses existing and emerging skills needs.
Our speakers will help participants create/enhance current approaches in their respective states, institutions, or organizations.
Speakers
avatar for Darin R. Hobbs

Darin R. Hobbs

Learning & Employment Record and Digital Credentials Ecosystem Development, Western Governors University
Darin R. Hobbs, leads the Learning and Employment Records Ecosystem at Western Governors University (WGU) has over twenty years of management and customer service experience in various professional, academic, and volunteer capacities.  Darin is known for innovative solutions that... Read More →
avatar for Natalie Wenzler

Natalie Wenzler

Director for Partnerships and Training, Institute for Workforce Excellence at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Natalie Wenzler is a dynamic, effective and transparent leader supporting and scaling partnerships, engaging diverse stakeholders, and connecting critical resources to launch strategic efforts in local, state, and national ecosystems. She is the Director of Partnerships and Training... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 245

3:15pm MDT

AI-Automated Assignment Scoring to Scale a Professional Development Micro-Credential Program
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
To address needs in Florida to provide a professional development micro-credential for tens of thousands of educators, we automated an assignment scoring workflow in an online course by developing and refining an AI model to scan submitted assignments and score them against a rubric. This session describes the AI model development process and pilot outcomes. The AI system employs pre-built machine learning models and custom reinforcement learning algorithms to evaluate and enhance learners' capabilities through a continuous active feedback loop. Trials of the AI assignment scoring system in the course showed that the model became more accurate, learner mastery rates in courses using the system were equivalent to or better on average compared to mastery rates in courses not using the system, and instructor time saved in scoring can reduce the cost of scoring by one third.
Speakers
avatar for Cathy Cavanaugh

Cathy Cavanaugh

Assistant Center Director, University of Florida Lastinger Center for Learning
Dr. Cathy Cavanaugh is Assistant Director and Research Scientist in the Lastinger Center for Learning at the University of Florida. Previously she held roles at Microsoft leading Professional Development and Analytics in the education products group, and working with education leaders... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 247

3:15pm MDT

Bridging the Digital Divide: Introducing Project 10 Million to Empower Students, Equip Patrons, & Engage Communities.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
P10M Overview: Explain what Project 10 Million is, its goals, and how it aims to provide free internet access to millions of students who lack connectivity at home.


Impact on Education: Discuss how this initiative can help close the homework gap, improve student performance, and support remote learning.


Implementation Strategies: Share best practices for districts and libraries to implement the program, including partnerships, funding opportunities, and logistical considerations.


Success Stories: Highlight case studies or testimonials from districts and libraries that have successfully integrated Project 10 Million, showcasing the positive outcomes.


Q&A: Allow attendees to ask questions and share their own experiences or concerns about digital equity and access.
Speakers
avatar for Dr. Kevin Starks

Dr. Kevin Starks

K12 Education Expert, T-Mobile for Education
Dr. Starks, a former educator and administrator based in St. Louis, Missouri, leads education strategy for the entire central region, spanning across 16 different states. Alongside his team of former educators, administrators, and superintendents, he works to provide equity and access... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 382+384

3:15pm MDT

Building a Unified Credential Framework: Ensuring Value, Equity, and Portability in Micro-Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
As the demand for micro-credentials rises, institutions must design credentialing systems that provide incremental value to learners while maintaining employer relevance. This session will explore how WGU’s Unified Credential Framework (UCF) ensures that all skill-based achievements are meaningful, verified, and portable, creating a seamless pathway to higher-level credentials. Through this framework, learners earn incremental recognition of their skills, allowing them to demonstrate progress toward degrees and workforce-aligned certifications.  
 
WGU’s UCF is built on a stackable model that categorizes different types of credentials—ranging from digital badges for individual competencies to certificates, certifications, and degrees. This structured approach ensures that all credentials hold real-world value and can be easily understood by learners, employers, and academic institutions. Attendees will gain insight into the methodology behind designing micro-credentials that are competency-based, skills-denominated, and employer-validated, ensuring they contribute to career advancement.  
 
A critical component of this framework is seamless technology integration to automate credential issuance, making it scalable and accessible. WGU collaborates closely with EdTech teams to embed digital badging and credential recognition directly into the learning ecosystem. Through real-time data integration with our student information system (SIS), credentials are automatically awarded when students successfully demonstrate mastery of a competency. This means that as students complete coursework, they receive digital badges without additional administrative burden, making credential attainment seamless and efficient.  
 
To ensure industry relevance, WGU works with employers and industry partners to validate which skills should be credentialed and how they align with workforce needs. By co-designing credentials with employer input, we create stackable pathways that provide value beyond the university setting, increasing employability and career mobility for learners.  
Speakers
TB

Tiffany Burgamy

Project Manager, Western Governors University
Main focus is project management, process improvement and vendor management for the Office of the Registrar. Responsible for business product requirements. Work directly with Product Manager and team prioritizing business needs, providing metrics, setting up dashboards, etc. Manage... Read More →
avatar for Tyson Heath

Tyson Heath

Director, Academic Standards and Policies, Western Governors University
As a dedicated higher education professional, I bring robust expertise in safeguarding the integrity of educational credentials, navigating the complexities of accreditation, securing state authorizations, and upholding high-quality standards. My passion fuels my commitment to advocating... Read More →
LM

Leah McNally

Credential Analyst, Western Governors University
Using social-emotional intelligence to empower leadership and high-value communication.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 386

3:15pm MDT

Codeswitch: Translating Blackfeet Worldview into Interoperable Data
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
Accelerate Montana is committed to working with Montana’s 12 tribal nations to identify competencies learned within cultural paradigms that are largely invisible to algorithms and skill taxonomies. Frustrated by the generic descriptions available from skill libraries, we’re working with the Blackfeet Nation to develop rich skill descriptors (RSD) that translate the living principles of the Blackfeet cultural paradigm into open data standards for inclusion in badges and LERs. This collaborative process recognizes valuable skills defined by the community in their own voice.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Dove

Elizabeth Dove

Digital Credentials Director, Accelerate Montana
Elizabeth brings her expertise in design, pedagogy, and digital media to her role as Digital Credentials Director and Learning Designer for Accelerate Montana. As the lead for Montana Validated Credentials, she collaborates with education, training, employer and tribal nation partners... Read More →
avatar for Jenny Harms

Jenny Harms

Director of Finance and Operations, Accelerate Montana
Jenny brings more than twenty years of nonprofit experience to her role with Accelerate Montana working across finance, operations, fund development, and programs development. Prior to joining AccelerateMT, Jenny's work spanned entrepreneurship, impact investing, workforce development... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

3:15pm MDT

Creating a CLR program for non-academic opportunities at a university
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
As one of a handful of universities that have created or are creating CLRs for exclusively non-academic opportunities on campus the lessons learned at Mines could be useful for other institutions to think about and plan for. It’s one thing to create CLRs of skills gained in academic classes, but figuring out how to track, record and verify learning that is happening in extra-curriculars or even off-campus in internships and jobs is another.
 
In this session I will briefly share some of the hurdles I have overcome getting the CLR program started at Mines, as well as some of the decisions I am working through right now. Then I want to have the audience be able to ask questions and share their experiences so that we can all learn from each other’s journeys. I am hoping that everyone can come away with some tangible options for how to categorize activities and verify them, as well as ideas about what that looks like in a badging or certificate capacity.
Speakers
avatar for Susan Gieg

Susan Gieg

Director of TRAIL, Colorado School of Mines
As Director of TRAIL at Colorado School of Mines Susan was given the task of designing and implementing a Comprehensive Learner Record for the campus' extracuricular activities. With a launch in Fall of 2024 there was a lot of lessons learned and more to be discovered every day.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 415+417

3:15pm MDT

Empowering Learners: Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) Digital Credential Journey
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
With 63% of employers citing skill gaps as the biggest barrier to transformation by 2030, institutions must embrace skills-based learning. This session explores how Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) leverages NFT-powered digital credentials and learning journeys to equip learners with verifiable, job-ready skills. Discover how blockchain-secured, portable credentials drive economic mobility and close the gap between education and workforce demands.
Speakers
avatar for Tomas Mindlin

Tomas Mindlin

Founder & CEO, POK: Proof of Knowledge
Proof of Knowledge (POK) is a platform that empowers institutions to issue verifiable, fraud-proof credentials and micro-credentials as NFTs on the blockchain, ensuring the permanence of the record.. Trusted by over 800 universities and institutions worldwide, POK enhances student... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
CASE W262

3:15pm MDT

Fishbowl: What are Verifiable Credentials and Open Badges
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
This session will surface misconceptions, generative shared language, and clarify concepts around LERs as VCs through an interactive "Fishbowl" activity. Participants will be encouraged to share their expertise but will alsp practice observing and listening to the perspectives of others as they respond to provocations around LERs as VCs.
Speakers
GW

Gillian Walsh

Operations and Project Manager, Digital Credentials Consortium
Gillian Walsh is the Operations and Project Manager for the Digital Credentials Consortium (DCC). Her work focuses on the design, implementation and evaluation of academic programming and technologies that promote equitable pathways for meaningful careers for learners across the... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
  Rapid Fire
  • global Y

3:15pm MDT

From Micro to Mighty: Revolutionizing Professional Growth with Digital Badges in Higher Education
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
The University of South Carolina is leading the charge in transforming professional growth through innovative digital badges and micro-credentials. This session will showcase how USC is leveraging these tools to create personalized, flexible, and impactful learning opportunities for educators and professionals. Participants will learn how micro-credentials validate specific skills, support career advancement, and promote lifelong learning within and beyond the USC community. The presentation will explore real-world success stories, gain insights into the design and implementation of USC’s badge systems with our platform provider, Get Efficient, and discover actionable strategies to enhance professional learning initiatives. Join us to see how USC is paving the way for a future where every achievement—big or small—is recognized and celebrated.
Speakers
avatar for Renee Anderson

Renee Anderson

Credentialing Client Liaison, CertBank by Get Efficient
Renee Anderson is the Credentialing Client Liaison for Get Efficient, effectively managing relationships and workflow with customers and clients. With a diverse background in healthcare and education, Renee brings a unique perspective to projects. Renee holds a Green Belt in Lean... Read More →
avatar for Dr. Cindy Van Buren

Dr. Cindy Van Buren

Assistant Dean for Professional Partnerships, CarolinaCrED, University of South Carolina
Cindy Van Buren has been a SC educator since 1988. She has previously served as the Deputy Superintendent for the Division of School Effectiveness for the South Carolina Department of Education, the Chair of the Department of Education at Newberry College, the Director of Teacher... Read More →
avatar for Elizabeth Scarbrough

Elizabeth Scarbrough

Director of Personalized Professional Learning, CarolinaCrED, University of South Carolina
Elizabeth Scarbrough serves as the Director of Personalized Professional Learning for CarolinaCrED at USC’s College of Education and the Director of the SC Writing Improvement Network. With a career in education starting in 2005, Elizabeth brings her experience as a former instructional... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
CASE E422

4:15pm MDT

Empowering Military Service Members through Skills Identification and Digital Badging
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
This session explores an innovative approach to translating military-earned skills into digital badges that educational institutions and employers can leverage highlighting the Manufacturing Readiness Project as a use case. Attendees will learn how the skills identification process supports smoother transitions for service members into civilian careers, showcases collaborative efforts between government and industry to enhance workforce development through digital badges, and fosters collaboration between education, industry, and veterans for scalable success. 
Speakers
avatar for Gardner Carrick

Gardner Carrick

Chief Program Officer, The Manufacturing Institute
Gardner Carrick is the Chief Program Officer for The Manufacturing Institute, the non-profit affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers.  Mr. Carrick leads the Institute’s efforts to create a world class workforce for the U.S. manufacturing sector.  He oversees all... Read More →
avatar for Sytease Gieb

Sytease Gieb

Special Projects Manager, Heroes MAKE America & The Manufacturing Institute
Strategic Workforce Development Leader with 10+ years of experience in mission advocacy, workforce system navigation, business relationship development/management, stakeholder integration, program creation, career pathway planning, and contract management. Proven ability to manage... Read More →
avatar for Deanna Parker

Deanna Parker

Strategic Initiatives Lead, Solutions for Information Design, Inc.
Deanna Parker serves as the Strategic Initiative Lead for Solutions for Information Design, Inc. (SOLID) where she manages all facets of SOLID’s unique projects that fall outside of the company’s regular business while also collaborating with the Innovation and Strategy team... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 382+384

4:15pm MDT

From Achievements to Advocacy: Designing of the Brag Sheet
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
This session explores the UX design process behind Brag Sheet, a tool helping individuals track achievements and impact for salary negotiations, promotions, and evaluations. We’ll discuss user research, designing for working adults, and crafting a seamless experience for data collection and career advocacy—bridging the gap between personal achievement tracking and digital credentials like badges and LERs.
Speakers
avatar for Jonny Coreson

Jonny Coreson

Founder, Brag Sheet
Jonny spent 10 years in the US Navy as a Career Counselor where he helped hundreds of Sailors advance in their careers. He then went on to build the premier Navy Advancement Exam preparation tool, Bluejacketeer, selling that to Kaplan in 2021.
MP

Morgan Pence

UX Design, CU Boulder
Morgan is a student at The University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing a Masters of Strategic Communication Design with a specialization in User Experience Design and Brand Design.
MS

Madeline Sinkovic

UX Design, CU Boulder
Madeline is a student at The University of Colorado Boulder, pursuing a Masters of Strategic Communication Design with a specialization in User Experience Design and Brand Design.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417

4:15pm MDT

From Campus to Career: Empowering Students with Competency Badges To Use As Job Search Currency
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Millions of learners are underserved by systems that fail to connect education with economic opportunity. In this session, Keith Look (Territorium) and Ian Davidson (SmartResume) will share how bold, competency-based approaches and learner-owned data can create equitable and empowering paths from campus to career.


The presenters will explore:
·  How institutions can go beyond traditional credentials to badge real-world skills, enabling employers to recognize talent based on capability rather than degrees.
·  A radical vision for learner-driven data portability, where students control their records of skills and achievements.
·  A demonstration of competency-based credentials empowering student resumes with verifiable and professional resume content
·  A look under the hood of how credentials power career matches in a talent marketplace


This session offers a transformative approach to connecting education and work through the collaboration between Territorium's learning and employment (LER) ecosystem and SmartResume's next-generation resume builder and skills-matching talent marketplace.


Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for advancing competency frameworks, supporting student agency in data portability, and creating partnerships that enable learners to take ownership of their career journeys.
Speakers
avatar for Keith Look

Keith Look

VP of Education Solutions, Territorium
Dr. Keith Look serves as the Vice President for Education Solutions at Territorium. A former principal (of all grade bands) and superintendent, Dr. Look and his teams facilitated meaningful growth in districts large and small, urban and rural, resourced and challenged. A therapeutic... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)

4:15pm MDT

Harnessing Communities of Practice for Workforce Development and Digital Equity
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Digital credentials in social learning enable diverse stakeholders to co-create knowledge and expand educational opportunities. This session will highlight The Workforce Integration Network (WIN) at CSU Dominguez Hills partners with Participate, Inc. to leverage Open Badges technology, creating pathways for students and community members to develop workforce skills, build learning networks, and showcase their competencies through collaborative and inclusive approaches.
Speakers
avatar for Dr Julie Keane

Dr Julie Keane

Chief Learning Officer, Participate, Inc.
I am the Chief Learning Officer at Participate. I lead business development, research, and evaluation of Participate's platform and services and support partner organizations' online community of practice design. I have been an educator technology researcher for more than 25 year... Read More →
avatar for Dr Kelly Page

Dr Kelly Page

Founder, CEO, Curator, LWYL Studio, LLC
Dr. Kelly Page is a social design ethnographer, social and digital innovator, and learning entrepreneur committed to developing truly social cultures, people, and organizations with emerging learning, employment and social technology.
avatar for Dr Krystal Rawls

Dr Krystal Rawls

Director, CSUDH, Workforce Integration Network
► I am a highly effective program leader and storyteller, with over 15 years of professional experience and a proven ability to lead, analyze, and translate data into actionable items.► My goal is to leverage strong development skills to secure funds, develop relationships, and... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 386

4:15pm MDT

Simulations, AI, and Microcredentials: A Recipe for Creating Valid Assessments of Skills and Competencies
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
Learn how an instructional designer and faculty member at Penn State collaborated with Muzzy Lane to create simulations to assess specific skills of graduate students completing Interprofessional Leadership in Healthcare microcredentials nested in their courses.  With Muzzy Lane’s new AI tool, Penn State effortlessly created real-world scenarios by inputting specific learning outcomes and program competencies and iterating with the AI like a design colleague to create an activity in a single brief sitting.  
Speakers
avatar for Jeff Fiske

Jeff Fiske

VP of Production, Muzzy Lane
I have been designing strategy games for over fifteen years and have always seen them as an opportunity for a deeper level of learning. I enjoy creating the mental models that allow users to relive key moments in history that allow people to explore 'what it would have been' like... Read More →
AM

Amanda Morris

Instructional Designer, Penn State University
I am an instructional designer and doctoral student at Penn State University. I oversee the development of online graduate programs for the College of Health and Human Development. For the last year, I have led a microcredential pilot program for the College of Health and Human Development... Read More →
GP

Gina Pazzaglia

Director, Online Master of Professional Studies in Nutritional Sciences, Teaching Professor, Penn State University
I am committed to improving learning for all students and creating meaningful, inclusive learning environments. Our goal as educators is to improve learning and promote the development of learner’s skills, knowledge, and personal growth. I believe that not only do we ensure better... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
CASE W262

4:15pm MDT

Sustaining Communities of Practice Through Micro-Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
In 2023, CPS, the nations 4th largest school district launched a micro-credentialing pathway for its new district-wide curriculum, Skyline. The Skyline Essentials Badges quickly became the cornerstone of a robust profession learning plan and an entry-point to the digital learning ecosystem designed where Skyline was built. 2 years on, we will reflect on the impact of awarding over 12k badges across 400+ schools. We will ask, “How can micro-credentials be designed and implemented to sustain inclusive communities of practice that elevate diverse voices, experiences, and teaching contexts?” Seeking input from participants we will explore lessons learned and share our ambitions as we launched a new credentialing pathway around learning about GenAI.


Sustaining Communities of Practice Through Micro-Credentials
Speakers
avatar for Alex Fishman

Alex Fishman

Manager of Digital Learning Design & Instructional AI, Chicago Public Schools
Alex is the Manager of Digital Learning Design and Instructional GenAI at CPS Over two decades in the classroom and now leading district level work in K-12. He has specialized in driving innovative educational initiatives and leveraging technologies like GenAI to reimagine learning... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)

4:15pm MDT

The Microcredential Governance Mirage: Turning Industry Aspirations and Campus Collaboration Into Tangible Outcomes
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
The rapid evolution of workforce demands has spotlighted microcredentials (MCs) and Learner Employment Records (LERs) in higher education. Yet, creating effective governance frameworks often feels elusive. How can colleges create governance frameworks that simultaneously align with industry needs while fostering meaningful engagement across internal stakeholders? This session blends discussions, activities, and real-world examples to explore strategies for balancing external alignment with internal cohesion. Attendees will gain practical tools to overcome challenges, foster buy-in, and design adaptive, sustainable governance structures.
Speakers
LY

Lisa Young

Maricopa Community College District
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
CASE E422

4:15pm MDT

You have a badge, so what ? What is it Employers and Industry is looking for...
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
So much of what is driving recognition is being driven by the "supply side" - i.e., the learning institutions, vendors, etc.  The solutions are focused on what they think the industry and learners want.   But do they know what they want, indeed does industry want rich data or do they just want to know someone can do they job?   How do they trust the badge?  The reality is we need standards to measure against, and we need external verification; otherwise, the industry will fall back on quals and where you got them and will be in the same place as we are now just with digital badges instead of certificates...
Speakers
avatar for Yasmin King

Yasmin King

CEO, SkillsIQ Limited
Yasmin is CEO of SkillsIQ a Not for Profit focused on vocational standards development in Australia, Asia and Latin America.  Working with industry stakeholders  SkillsIQ is focused on improving educational quality outcomes to ensure that training design ensures the right skills... Read More →
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
CASE E351

4:15pm MDT

New Mexico Leadership Fellowship Digital Credentials Workshop
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT


This design session will highlight an educational leadership through collaborative practice model that integrates digital badge ecosystem with leadership development. Participants will: map organizational trust networks, design equity-centered leadership strategies, and brainstorm a micro-credential system that documents collaborative leadership competencies. Blends technology  and relational trust-building for systemic educational transformation.
Speakers
KS

Ken Simon

Deputy Director for Leadership, Institute for Educational Leadership, simonk@iel.org
My specialties include teacher development and growth, new school development, education policy, professional learning communitiesand school based leadership development.
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 245
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date -