Loading…
Monday, July 21
 

TBA

Place holder
Monday July 21, 2025 TBA
Monday July 21, 2025 TBA

3:30pm MDT

Ask Me Anything…About Open Standards for Microcredentials
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Do you have questions? I have answers! This open discussion is for anyone interested in learning more about the latest developments in Open Badges and the Comprehensive Learner Record (CLR) Standard. I can help you understand the differences between CLRs and Learning and Education Records (LERs). We can talk about why open standards are important, how to integrate verifiable credentials into your digital ecosystem, and ways to support learning mobility. I will also connect you to resources for further learning.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Badging Skills in Humanities: An Example from Community College
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Community colleges aren’t generally considered institutions with strong liberal arts programs, but these schools generally have robust humanities offerings. One school in northern VA set out to understand the skills these courses were developing in their students and better communicate these skills. The result was a joint project between GWIPP and NOVA to identify and align skills developed in humanities classes to workforce using badges. The results can serve as a real world example for others to do the same.
Speakers
KS

Katie Sanders

Graduate Researcher/Student, George Washington University
Katie Sanders is a Masters of Public Policy student at George Washington University and a Graduate Researcher with Leveraging AI for Skills Extraction and Research (LAiSER). She has worked in the government and private sectors as an auditor for more than a decade and has evaluated... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Can AI-enhanced roleplay simulation be used to validate skills that earn credentials?
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
The move to a skills-based economy is driving increased demand for microcredentials, which in turn is driving demand for skill validation. Traditional instructor led methods are expensive and time consuming to administer, so new methods are needed. AI-enhanced roleplay simulation is one possibiltiy - let's discuss!
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Communicating Beyond the Classroom: Open Badges to Excite & Empower Language Learners
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Despite proficiency in class, language immersion students’ willingness to communicate often drops dramatically in real-world settings. Open Badges provide a framework for validating and encouraging authentic language use. This session presents a pilot study at a Spanish immersion school, detailing the development of a badge system that connects students with their communities, personalizes learning, and expands language use through experiential learning. 
Speakers
avatar for Käri Tanner

Käri Tanner

graduate student, Brigham Young University/ College of Education/ Instructional Psychology & Technology
I hold an M.A. in Foreign Language Education and have spent the past decade teaching K-12 students in the U.S. and abroad. Now, as a graduate student in Instructional Psychology & Technology, I’m passionate about leveraging Open Badges and community-based learning to help foster... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

CONVERGENCE: Collaborating Across and Beyond Campus
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
DRAFT PLACEHOLDER for Kristi, Mark and Melissa convo. MP has to leave for SOLAR conference in Portland and is only available on Monday. I think you mentioned that's the Table Talk Day. 


CONVERGENCE: Joint Table Talk hosted by AACRAO + UPCEA team focused on converging roles across campus and the strength of collaboration for credential innovation
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Peraino

Melissa Peraino

Director of Content Develompent and Volunteer Leader Management, UPCEA
Melissa Peraino serves as the Director of Content Development and Volunteer Leader Management for UPCEA. She brings passion and enthusiasm to her role while providing wide-ranging support for content development and volunteer leadership management for the organization.Most of her... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Counting Credentials: Sneak Peek into Credential Engine Research for Transparency about 500K+ badges
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
The Counting Credentials research report describes the full range and diversity of over 1 million credentials offered in the U.S. Through our past research, we know that there are over 430K badge credentials offered in the U.S. What we don’t know is what types of learning and credentials these badges represent. New research for this year's report is providing insights into how many badges are offered and the meaning behind them. Get a sneak peek and ask questions about this research!
Speakers
avatar for Deb Everhart

Deb Everhart

Chief Strategy Officer, Credential Engine
Deborah Everhart serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Credential Engine, leading the expansion of credential and skill transparency initiatives that enable more effective connections between education and career opportunities. Previously she has served as a strategic advisor with... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Culturally Responsive Digital Badging in Professional Development for Educators
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Sharing reflections from facilitators and educators (not limited to licensed teachers) in the first cohort of the Innovating Teacher Retention in Alaska (ITRAK) program, based in the Anchorage School District, and how Digital Badges are utilized to recognize and credit educators'  Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the Universtiy of Alaska Anchorage
Speakers
avatar for Dan Flores

Dan Flores

Digital Badge Developer, Cook Inlet Tribal Council
I am the Digital Badge Developer, with the Cook Inlet Tribal Council's (CITC) Youth Empowerment Services (YES) department (https://citci.org/education) as part of the Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) team (sites.google.com/view/akfablab/home) at the Denełchin Lab (https://denelchinlab.com... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Developing the ID Toolkit: Enhancing Micro-Credential Design at FIU
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Developing the ID Toolkit: Enhancing Micro-Credential Design at FIU
In this presentation, we will explore the development of the ID Toolkit, a comprehensive platform designed to support the Instructional Design (ID) team at FIU’s Office of Micro-Credentials (OMC). Our objective was to create a centralized resource hub that streamlines the design and development of high-quality Micro-Credentials using Canvas LMS, while simultaneously enhancing our team’s skills and integrating emerging technologies, particularly AI tools.
Development Process
1. Laying the Foundation
We began by creating a detailed framework to define the structure and scope of the toolkit. This served as a strategic roadmap, ensuring alignment with instructional design best practices, effective technology integration, and learner engagement principles.
2. Collaborative Content Development
Recognizing the value of diverse expertise, we engaged the OMC ID team in a collaborative process. Each member contributed unique insights and instructional strategies, ensuring that the toolkit was practical, user-friendly, and adaptable to various instructional contexts.
Throughout development, we focused on four key components:
  • Guides & Templates: We created structured guides outlining the Micro-Credential development process, accompanied by templates to ensure consistency in design and assessment.
  • Best Practices for Canvas & EdTech: The toolkit integrates best practices for leveraging Canvas LMS and educational technologies, providing a comprehensive resource for effective, engaging course development.
  • Accessibility & Engagement Strategies: We implemented accessibility standards to promote inclusivity and designed strategies to enhance learner motivation and interaction.
  • AI Integration: Acknowledging the growing role of AI in instructional design, we incorporated AI-powered tools to enhance content creation, feedback mechanisms, and course optimization.
3. Testing & Refinement
After developing the initial version, we conducted a testing phase, gathering feedback from team members to refine content, improve usability, and ensure adaptability to varied instructional needs.
4. Training & Implementation
To facilitate adoption, we developed comprehensive training materials, including step-by-step documentation and video tutorials. The final stage involves full deployment within OMC, allowing the team to seamlessly integrate the ID Toolkit into daily operations, enhancing efficiency and instructional quality.
5. Looking Forward
The ID Toolkit is now a vital resource within OMC, equipping our team with the structure, tools, and strategies needed to develop high-quality Micro-Credentials. Through this initiative, we have:
  • Strengthened instructional design capabilities
  • Positioned OMC at the forefront of AI-driven innovation
  • Streamlined workflows, enhancing productivity and consistency
By investing in this dynamic, evolving resource, we are empowering FIU’s students, faculty, and workforce with engaging, high-quality learning experiences that support lifelong learning and professional growth.
Speakers
avatar for Frances Garcia

Frances Garcia

Instructional Design Consultant, Florida International University
Seasoned higher education professional versed in instructional design methods, learning management system administration, video, and web content creation for Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle LMS. Adept at aiding faculty in the design, and development of undergraduate and graduate distance... Read More →
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 →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Dynamic Evolution: Creating a Living Ontology for Skills and Micro-Credentials
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Discover how crowdsourcing knowledge dependencies can dynamically evolve skill frameworks into an adaptive ontology of learning. This session explores the innovative use of artificial intelligence to automate skill accreditation and micro-credentialing, bridging theory and practice. Participants will engage in reflective journaling and group discussions, gaining insights into how dynamic frameworks can transform learning pathways, accreditation processes, and the broader education ecosystem. Join this interactive experience to explore how a collaborative, learner-driven approach can redefine skill development and credentialing in education.
Speakers
avatar for Laurin Hagemann

Laurin Hagemann

CEO, LearnGraph
I am a Member of the European Working Group for Higher Education Interoperability, Founder of LearnGraph and Buddhist Monk. My work bridges technical expertise and holistic perspectives on learning & self-development to create dynamically evolving frameworks for skill development... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Empowering Lifelong Learning: The TWU Micro-Credential Initiative
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Discover how Texas Woman’s University launched its  micro-credential initiative to enhance student success and workforce readiness. Learn about the development framework, advisory committee structure, and pilot program featuring 11 curated micro-credentials across curricular and co-curricular domains. Explore lessons learned and strategies for scaling alternative credentials to align with institutional goals and industry needs. 
Speakers
avatar for Jorge F. Figueroa

Jorge F. Figueroa

Vice Provost, Curriculum and Strategic Initiatives, Texas Woman's University
Dr. Jorge F. Figueroa is the inaugural Vice Provost for Curriculum and Strategic Initiatives at Texas Woman's University (TWU). He is a tenured Professor for the College of Professional Education in the School of Education. Figueroa provides leadership for curriculum development and... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

LAiSER: Connecting Badges, Education and Labor Market with Clarity
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Badges suffer from a lack of definition. Differences in the issuer, academic context, and time frame make aligning definitions for similar credentials difficult. LAiSER gives badges a foundation by helping align different offerings to a single context. We will explore how issuers can use LAiSER to align curriculum with current employment demand, publish badges with grounded skill definitions, and identify core competencies while exploring future opportunities.


Speakers
avatar for Satya Phanindra Kumar Kalaga

Satya Phanindra Kumar Kalaga

Lead Graduate Research Assistant, The George Washington University
I am a data scientist, researcher, programmer, and project manager. My professional journey has led me through opportunities for management, data science, research, and academia which has given me the opportunity to conduct analyses and solve diverse problems. I am always looking... Read More →
avatar for Bharat Khandelwal

Bharat Khandelwal

Graduate Research Assistant, The George Washington University
Currently deepening my expertise at The George Washington University, I am dedicated to mastering the intricacies of data science, particularly k-means clustering. My academic journey at K.J. Somaiya College laid a strong foundation in statistics, empowering me to confront real-world... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
  Table Talk

3:30pm MDT

Level Setting: Words Matter and Taxonomies
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Microcredential taxonomies help institutions create a shared language for defining, classifying, and implementing digital credentials. In this interactive level-setting table talk session, participants will explore the importance of microcredential taxonomies, their role in credential transparency, and how they can support institutional strategy and learner mobility. The discussion will include real-world examples from institutions that have developed taxonomies to structure their credentialing ecosystems. Participants will engage in a dialogue about the benefits and challenges of different approaches, sharing insights on what implementation could look like on their own campuses.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Ready, Set, Badge! Scaling Safety & Compliance in University Lab Settings
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
We have implemented a Lab Safety Badging program embedded in academic courses to improve safety knowledge, skill verification, and access for students, as well as compliance for lab managers and faculty in both the Engineering and Chemistry labs. This badging system includes both foundational lab safety badges in Engineering and Chemistry, as well as advanced credentials in each department, including Woodshop hybrid credentials, as well as Chemical Safety for summer research students.
 These badges ensure that students acquire the skills necessary to work safely and effectively in their labs. The program fosters collaboration across departments and lab managers who can build on each other's work and training models, supports equity by providing consistent training opportunities for all students, and increases efficiency in delivering training at scale.
The training model combines self-paced online learning with in-person, hands-on workshops to optimize personalized attention while maintaining training efficiency. Students can conveniently access and reference training materials as needed, and the system ensures that they remain up-to-date through periodic recertification. This ongoing process reinforces critical safety protocols at regular intervals during their academic journey.
Additionally, the program addresses key institutional needs by streamlining the tracking of student training completion, which directly supports compliance with OSHA regulations for lab safety. This streamlined approach not only enhances student outcomes but also ensures institutional accountability and adherence to safety standards.
Speakers
avatar for Helen Baer

Helen Baer

Instructional Designer, University of St. Thomas
I currently work as an Instructional Designer at the University of St. Thomas with over three years of experience building out and developing the badge and microcredential landscape at our Institution. I collaborate with faculty and staff to transform their ideas into effective and... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Self-Leadership Coach
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
From Getting to Growing: Rethinking Partnership for a Better World


People often operate from an acquisitional mindset regarding partnerships in many areas of life—business, education, and personal relationships. "I need to win. I need to get what I want." This win-lose mentality, while common, creates no net value—if someone has to lose, we are limiting the potential for something greater to emerge.


What if we aimed higher? At a minimum, we should strive for transactional partnerships—exchanging value in a way that benefits both sides. When we start there, we open the door to something even greater: collaborative and transformational partnerships that contribute to growth and well-being.


I'd like to facilitate a table talk that introduces the Axiological Hierarchy of Partnership and Trust and prompts participants to identify a partnership they are currently navigating and how they might move up the hierarchy. What might that do for their growth and the growth of others, and ultimately, how might that put more value in the world? 


I am open to adapting the discussion to align with the Summit's overarching theme/purpose!
Speakers
avatar for Jordan White

Jordan White

Founder / Co-Host, Jordan White Coaching / The Practicing Peoples Podcast
Jordan White is a Denver-based Self-Leadership Coach, trainer, podcast host, and mentor dedicated to helping individuals and teams unlock their highest potential. Rooted in his athletic background, Jordan's coaching philosophy emphasizes collective greatness, inspired by Phil Jackson's... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Survey Says: Gathering Data for Insights on Efficacy and Impact
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Digital badging has proven to enhance students' recognition of their skills, boosting their confidence and perceived value. This session will explore four key avenues of inquiry: perceived value, utility, self-efficacy, and program assessment. We'll share research findings from UT Austin and discuss sample prompts and questions for gathering data from badge earners to evaluate the efficacy of digital badging programs and their impact on learners.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - A Demonstration Within Higher Ed at ASU
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


The ASU team is helping student employees communicate the value of the work they do with verifiable credentials. They have worked closely with supervisors across departments to gain buy-in and ensure successful implementation of this initiatives.  
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - Building a Statewide System in Alabama
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


In 2023, Governor Ivey issued a directive to implement a full-scale talent marketplace - the Alabama Talent Triad. Through SkillsFWD, this team has worked with the community college system and local workforce boards to engage key stakeholders across the state. 
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - Intentional Co-Design in Colorado's Direct Care and Behavioral Health Sector
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


The Colorado team engaged in intentional co-design with learners and employers, leading them to prioritize leveraging LERs for primary source verification of occupational licenses. They are also working to connect this initiative with other statewide technology to drive adoption. 
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - Reaching Tribal Communities and Small Businesses in Montana
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room


Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


The Accelerate Montana team tested their tech and process with their own staff, to inform their approach with other small employers. They also worked with the Blackfeet tribe to translate cultural values into interoperable data as rich skill descriptors.


Speakers
avatar for SkillsFWD Grantee Spotlight: Accelerate Montana

SkillsFWD Grantee Spotlight: Accelerate Montana

Project Lead, Accelerate Montana
Jenny is the team lead for Accelerate Montana's SkillsFWD project.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - Starting with Scale in Indiana
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


The WGU-Indiana team has worked extensively through the Indiana Chamber of Commerce to gain support from employers who have demonstrated interest in skills-based hiring. They have achieved a wide reach to learners through buy-in from leadership of large higher education institutions.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation - Unlocking Untapped Potential in Pittsburgh
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


The CAEL team leveraged community-based orgnaizations in Pittsburgh to engage asset limited, income constrained, employed adults in training that leads to credentials valued by employers committed to diversifying their workforce. 


Speakers
BD

Beth Doyle

Team Lead, CAEL
Beth is the project team lead for the CAEL - Pittsburgh SkillsFWD project
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

The Evolution of an LER Implementation: Leveraging Youthful Energy in Columbus City Schools
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Come hear from each SkillsFWD grantee about how their team engaged users, how their projects have changed as a result, and how these changes have shaped their vision for long-term scale and sustainability.


Aspyr has formed a partnership with their local K-12 school district, leveraging existing institutional technology to reach all students. They are exploring ways to align student career interests with industry demand. 
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

There is no One Badge System to Rule Them All--developing two different badge systems within the university.
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Engaging Learners Through Open Badges: Self-Awarded and Stackable Approaches


In an effort to enhance student engagement and professional learning, we have developed two distinct open badge systems at Brigham Young University (BYU). These badge systems support different learning objectives yet share a common goal: fostering meaningful learner interaction with key resources and instructional frameworks. This “Table Talk” will explore the development, implementation, and early findings from both initiatives, offering insights into how open badges can empower learners in diverse contexts.


The first badge system, created in collaboration with BYU’s Student Wellness initiative, is designed to encourage students to explore and engage with wellness resources through the Wellness Wise website. These self-awarded badgesenable students to take ownership of their wellness journey by recognizing their efforts in learning, applying, and sharing wellness principles. The approach ensures accessibility and inclusivity, allowing students to progress at their own pace while reinforcing positive behaviors that contribute to their overall well-being.


The second badge system, developed in partnership with BYU’s Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL), supports faculty and instructors in adopting Decision-Based Learning (DBL)—an instructional approach that scaffolds problem-solving and critical thinking. These badges are designed to accompany initial DBL training and provide structured yet flexible learning pathways. The system is stackable, meaning that learners can build upon their knowledge incrementally, but it is not required to follow a linear sequence. Instead, faculty can select badges aligned with their existing knowledge and specific instructional needs, ensuring a personalized professional development experience.


During this discussion, we will share key design considerations, including badge criteria, assessment approaches, and user feedback. We will also explore the broader implications of self-awarded versus structured stackable badge models, particularly in fostering learner agency, motivation, and long-term engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on how similar approaches could be applied in their own institutions to enhance student and faculty learning.


By presenting these two case studies, we aim to contribute to the growing conversation on how open badges can support personalized learning, encourage engagement with institutional resources, and create flexible pathways for professional growth.
Speakers
avatar for Rick West

Rick West

Associate Professor in Instructional Psychology and Technology, Brigham Young University
Dr. Richard E. West is an associate professor of Instructional Psychology and Technology at Brigham Young University. He teaches courses in instructional design, academic writing, qualitative research methods, program/product evaluation, psychology, creativity and innovation, technology... Read More →
avatar for Tyler Westerberg

Tyler Westerberg

Graduate student--Ph.D., Brigham Young University
Tyler Westerberg is currently a Ph.D. graduate student at Brigham Young University’s Instructional Technology and Psychology Department. His interests are in the role of open badges in higher education, design theory, and philosophy. Tyler earned his undergraduate degree, MBA, and... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

TLN Hot Topic Session #2
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Check in on a hot topic fresh from the Trusted Learner Network and continue the conversation. (Topics may be like, 'trust registries' or 'employer use cases' or something like that. Will emerge from unconference activities!)
Speakers
TL
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

TLN Hot TOpic Table #4
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Check in on a hot topic fresh from the Trusted Learner Network and continue the conversation. (Topics may be like, 'trust registries' or 'employer use cases' or something like that. Will emerge from unconference activities!)
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

TLN Hot Topic table talk
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Check in on a hot topic fresh from the Trusted Learner Network and continue the conversation. (Topics may be like, 'trust registries' or 'employer use cases' or something like that. Will emerge from unconference activities!)
Speakers
avatar for TLN

TLN

TLN, TLN
TLN
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

TLN Uncon Topic #1
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Check in on a hot topic fresh from the Trusted Learner Network and continue the conversation. (Topics may be like, 'trust registries' or 'employer use cases' or something like that. Will emerge from unconference activities!)
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Unhiding the Curriculum though Skills Badging
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
The concept of the “hidden curriculum” refers to educational norms that are never explicitly communicated, impeding the success of international students, first generation students, and others. At DU, we created a microcredential program for student employees and found that the program became a tool for uncovering the workplace hidden curriculum through direct discussion of otherwise-implicit workplace norms. In this table talk, we will explore the implications of the workplace hidden curriculum and how microcredentials can be an important tool in overcoming them.
Speakers
avatar for Elise Goss-Alexander

Elise Goss-Alexander

Director, Student Employment, University of Denver
Elise Goss-Alexander supports student employees and their supervisors at the University of Denver in creating meaningful employment opportunities to prepare students for post-graduation career outcomes. In her role, Elise builds partnerships across campus and provides training to... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y

3:30pm MDT

Using trusted digital repositories to provide persistent access and preservation for micro-credential evidence
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
Attaching evidence artifacts to micro-credentials offers value in demonstrating how learners met requirements, but how do you do this in a way that enables evidence to be persistently accessible and linked to credentials? We will share experiences using our institution’s existing trusted digital repository, with established practices/infrastructure for similar content like theses/dissertations, as one possible pathway to providing persistent access and preservation for micro-credential evidence.
Speakers
RC

Ryan Caillet

Institutional Repository Program Manager, Center for Research Data and Digital Scholarship, University Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder
AJ

Andrew Johnson

Associate Professor and Head of Data and Scholarly Communication Services, Center for Research Data and Digital Scholarship, University Libraries, University of Colorado Boulder
As Associate Professor and Head of Data and Scholarly Communication Services in the Center for Research Data and Digital Scholarship at the University of Colorado Boulder Libraries, Andrew's work includes research data management and curation efforts, open access publishing initiatives... Read More →
Monday July 21, 2025 3:30pm - 6:30pm MDT
Glen Miller Ball Room
  Table Talk
  • global Y
 
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
  Rapid Fire

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
UMC 247
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
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

Aligning Your Credentials to the TrustEd Credentials Framework
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 386
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
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

Collaborating for a fairer, more inclusive, and transparent badge policy in organisations
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
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)
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

Designing for All: Learner-Centricity, accessibility, UXR, and Inclusive Feedback Loops
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
UMC 415+417
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
  Deep Dive

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
CASE W262
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
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

LinkedCreds & Resume Author: Apps for Skills-based Hiring & Advancement
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E422
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
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

Motivating and Rewarding Learners with Digital Credentials in the IBM Ecosystem
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Deep Dive

9:45am MDT

You are Here: A Low-Tech Roadmap for Navigating Modern Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E351
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
  Deep Dive

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
UMC 245
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
  Dream Makers Lounge

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
UMC 247
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
  Deep Dive

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
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
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
UMC 382+384
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
UMC 415+417
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
UMC 386
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 →
MD
JJ
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 386
  Deep Dive

11:00am MDT

Infuse: Empowering Institutions, Enabling Learners
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE W262
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
  Deep Dive

11:00am MDT

Making the Case: If not now, then when?
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Deep Dive

11:00am MDT

Navigating the Messy Middle: Overcoming Challenges in Digital Credential Innovation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E422
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
  Deep Dive

11:00am MDT

The Road to Equity - How LERs Democratize Talent Visibility
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
CASE E351
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
  Deep Dive

11:00am MDT

Building Communities of Learning
Tuesday July 22, 2025 11:00am - 11:45am MDT
UMC 245
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
  Dream Makers Lounge

12:00pm MDT

Badging Validated Skills: Principles from the Partnership for Skills Validation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 247
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

Beyond the Achievement: Supporting Learners Evidence and Endorsements
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 245
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

Bridging the Gap: Integrating Microcredentials into Higher Ed Infrastructure
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 382+384
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

Building Bridges: Strengthening Campus Partnerships to Expand the KSU Micro-Credential Initiative
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

Designing Quality Micro-Credentials: Badges for Success in the 21st Century
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 415+417
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

Empowering Career Success: Building Strategic Campus Partnerships for Micro-Credentialing at TCU
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 386
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

FamiLER Fued
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
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)
  Rapid Fire

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
CASE E422
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
  Rapid Fire

12:00pm MDT

How to Co-Design: A Practical Approach to Human-Centered Skill Validation
Tuesday July 22, 2025 12:00pm - 12:30pm MDT
CASE W262
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
  Rapid Fire

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
UMC 382+384
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
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Credential Stanley: An Experiential Exploration of the LER Ecosystem
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 247
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
  Deep Dive

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
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
“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)
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Empowering Job Seekers with Skills-Based Hiring Technologies and Digital Skills
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 386
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
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Evaluating curriculum and providers: A exploration of quality assurance opportunities
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417
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
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

LER Credentials As Currency In A Student Jobs Marketplace
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE W262
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
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Making Decisions Today to Support the Workforce System of Tomorrow
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E422
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
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Piecing Together Perspectives: Advancing Skill Validation Through Stakeholder Insights
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Deep Dive

2:15pm MDT

Wallet Attached Storage - a web-accessible data store for your wallet
Tuesday July 22, 2025 2:15pm - 3:00pm MDT
CASE E351
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
  Deep Dive

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
UMC 245
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
  Dream Makers Lounge

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
UMC 245
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
  Dream Makers Lounge

3:15pm MDT

AI-Automated Assignment Scoring to Scale a Professional Development Micro-Credential Program
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 247
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
  Rapid Fire

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
UMC 382+384
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
  Rapid Fire

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
UMC 386
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
  Rapid Fire

3:15pm MDT

Codeswitch: Translating Blackfeet Worldview into Interoperable Data
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Rapid Fire

3:15pm MDT

Creating a CLR program for non-academic opportunities at a university
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 415+417
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
  Rapid Fire

3:15pm MDT

Empowering Learners: Universidad Abierta Interamericana (UAI) Digital Credential Journey
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
CASE W262
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
  Rapid Fire

3:15pm MDT

Fishbowl: What are Verifiable Credentials and Open Badges
Tuesday July 22, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
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
CASE E422
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
  Rapid Fire

4:15pm MDT

Empowering Military Service Members through Skills Identification and Digital Badging
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 382+384
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
  Deep Dive

4:15pm MDT

From Achievements to Advocacy: Designing of the Brag Sheet
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417
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
  Deep Dive

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
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
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)
  Deep Dive

4:15pm MDT

Harnessing Communities of Practice for Workforce Development and Digital Equity
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 386
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
  Deep Dive

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
CASE W262
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
  Deep Dive

4:15pm MDT

Sustaining Communities of Practice Through Micro-Credentials
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
CASE E250 (CTL)
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)
  Deep Dive

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
CASE E422
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
  Deep Dive

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
CASE E351
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
  Deep Dive

4:15pm MDT

New Mexico Leadership Fellowship Digital Credentials Workshop
Tuesday July 22, 2025 4:15pm - 5:00pm MDT
UMC 245


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
  Dream Makers Lounge
 
Wednesday, July 23
 

9:45am MDT

If You Badge a Birthday Party
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 247
Bring your badge wallet to a next-level birthday bash that will stretch your thinking about what badges can do and how they can connect us: 🎶 music, 🎉 surprise moments, 🎂 cake (obviously), and the kind of spontaneous connections that make conferences unforgettable.


This session isn’t just about digital credentials—it’s about community and the magic of shared experiences. Remember when you'd meet someone special at an event and then pore over the photos on the private event page the next morning to make a friend request? That’s the energy we’re bringing back. Online badges that unlock doors, and IRL badges that unlock online experiences. Selfies with your new friends. Connections that can last through the year.
Speakers
avatar for Nate Otto

Nate Otto

Founder, Skybridge Skills
Nate Otto is the founder of Skybridge Skills, a digital credentials technology vendor offering hosted solutions including ORCA, the Open Recognition Community App. Previously, he was the creator of Badgr, a leading Open Badges issuing platform. Nate has contributed to open standards... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 247
  Rapid Fire

9:45am MDT

Leveling the Playing Field: Improving Access and Inclusion via Micro-Credentials (Lessons from Ireland)
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
Higher education is facing many challenges. Evolving curricula, financial difficulties, rising student costs, and increased competition are some examples of issues that higher education institutions are grappling with. Some of these issues have been exacerbated by recent global events such as the Covid 19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis. However, there is one issue that acts as a major obstacle to learning, affecting both institutions and potential learners, and has been around since the advent of formal education: access to higher education remains grossly unequal (Stich, 2012). Students from low-income backgrounds, underrepresented minorities, and marginalized communities often face financial and other accessibility barriers that make it difficult to pursue higher education opportunities (Taylor and Cantwell, 2019).
Micro-credentials have been identified as a means of addressing inequality issues in higher education (European Commission, 2021). Our presentation, drawing on examples from Ireland’s National MicroCreds project, will explore how micro-credentials can improve accessibility and inclusivity in higher education by providing flexible, affordable, and high-quality learning opportunities that are accessible to learners from diverse backgrounds. A micro-credential is a proof of learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a short, usually digital, learning experience. Credit bearing, and with the ability to “stack” learning towards a higher education award, micro-credentials offer a way for learners to control their own learning journeys (MICROBOL, 2022).
With the changing face of the workplace and the availability of new tools and approaches, the demand for lifelong learning and professional development opportunities is expected to grow (OECD, 2021). Micro-credentials have the potential to become an increasingly popular method for individuals, regardless of circumstance or background, seeking to advance their careers or improve their lives. An additional benefit of improving accessibility and inclusivity is the increased diversity of student cohorts, where exposure to wide-ranging backgrounds, experiences, and opinions can improve and enhance the student experience for all, not just those of traditionally marginalised groups (Spencer-Oatey and Dauber, 2019). 
However, although micro-credentials represent an opportunity to tackle accessibility and inclusivity issues in higher education, it is important to mirror the student experience with the principles of this learning movement. For micro-credentials to reach their potential then they must be designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind from the outset of the design process. This can be achieved by focusing on the student-centred learning principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
It is important to note that “levelling up” via accessible learning design does not mean a reduction in academic or teaching standards. The purpose of UDL is to improve the learning journey for all students by incorporating teaching and assessment approaches that address the specific needs, strengths, and circumstance of all students. UDL offers a set of principles for curriculum design and development that strives to reduce education inequality by offering all students equal opportunities to learn (Griful-Freixenet et al, 2021). Marrying micro-credentials with UDL principles brings together two mechanisms for improving accessibility and inclusivity in higher education. This represents both a great opportunity and a grand challenge.


Speakers
avatar for Brian Shee

Brian Shee

Instructional Designer, University of Limerick
Biography - Brian Shee is the University of Limerick's Instructional Designer for the Micro-Creds project, tasked with developing the learning design framework for the University’s micro-credential offerings. Brian has extensive teaching experience, lecturing in the areas of entrepreneurship... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
  Rapid Fire

9:45am MDT

Micro-credentials’ Edge: 5 Benefits for Learners
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 415+417
In today’s rapidly evolving society, micro-credentials have emerged as powerful credentials that capture career advancement and lifelong learning. This session highlights 5 key reasons why earning micro-credentials benefits learners, drawing on insights from research conducted with high micro-credential earners. 
Speakers
avatar for Marilys Galindo

Marilys Galindo

Senior Research Project Manager, Digital Promise
Dr. Marilys Galindo is the Senior Research Project Manager for the Center for Learner Pathways team at Digital Promise. At Digital Promise, she researched the motivators behind high micro-credential earners, implemented micro-credentials and learning and employment records in K12... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 415+417
  Rapid Fire

9:45am MDT

Mind the Gap: Addressing Challenges in Secondary School and College Badge Implementation
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 382+384
We'll explore the challenges of implementing digital badges in secondary and higher education environments. Digital badges are powerful tools for recognizing skills and achievements, yet their adoption varies significantly between these settings. In higher education, decentralized decision-making, integration complexity, and overlapping credentials affect adoption. On the other hand, secondary school faces centralized leadership constraints, limited resources, and low parent engagement. 
The presentation will highlight case studies, including UT Tyler’s badge initiatives, and open the conversation to thinking about strategies to overcome barriers. By aligning badges with existing programs, training educators, and building awareness, we can foster greater adoption and effectiveness. Additionally, we will discuss cross-sector collaboration to bridge these educational contexts, ensuring a seamless transition from high school to higher education’s badge ecosystem and ultimately to the workforce. 
The session will conclude with actionable strategies, a call for innovative solutions, and a Q&A to engage participants in addressing these challenges. 
Speakers
SD

Scott Dillingham

Executive Director, Office of Digital Learning, The University of Texas at Tyler
 Scott has led digital and technology teams for 18 years in K12, community college, and higher education. He's directed non-profit sports organizations and charitable foundations. Though not a digital native, Scott has worked in the digital space for long enough that he qualifies... Read More →
KV

Katherine Villasenor

Learning Analytics / LMS Specialist, The University of Texas at Tyler
Graduated with a BA in Psychology, transitioned into a career in sales in the tech industry after college and made the change into Learning Analytics in the education industry about a year ago.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:15am MDT
UMC 382+384
  Rapid Fire

9:45am MDT

Microcredentials as a Tool for Lifelong Learning: The Polish Approach and Implementation of the Odznaka+ Application
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E422
As part of the "Microcredentials – piloting a new solution to support lifelong learning" project, we are testing microcredentials for skills development and designing their issuance process. Currently focused on the ICT sector within VET, the project has a budget of €5.7M. It includes developing technical solutions, such as the Odznaka+ app, based on the Open Badges standard.


Pilots have involved various issuers, including universities, schools, associations, sports clubs, and private companies, certifying achievements, competencies, and qualifications. The project emphasizes stakeholder-driven solutions. A national advisory group was formed, bringing together five ministries and key representatives from the education and labor sectors.


During the conference, we would like to present the Polish approach to badges and microcredentials, showcase best practices (e.g., UNICEF badges for inclusive education teachers), and introduce the preliminary quality assurance model, the functionalities of the Odznaka+ application, and our plans for the system's future development.
Speakers
avatar for Michał Nowakowski

Michał Nowakowski

Project Leader, Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute
I graduated from the University of Wrocław with a degree in Law and pursued studies at Universidad da Coruna in Spain. My academic focus centers on competence development in the workplace and the integration of new technologies in education. Currently, I am leading the systemic project... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 9:45am - 10:30am MDT
CASE E422
  Rapid Fire

10:30am MDT

Issuer Registry Research Project
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 247
Credential Engine and the Digital Credentials Consortium (DCC) will present the outcomes of their year-long collaborative project on best practices for issuer registries and the development of an innovative issuer registry prototype. Attendees will gain insights into the benefits of issuer registries, their integration with verifiable credentials, and their potential to enhance trust and interoperability in digital ecosystems. The session will feature a live demonstration of the prototype in action, illustrating its practical applications. Presenters will also share key lessons learned from an applied research approach to technology development, leveraging the unique strengths of a higher education consortium like the DCC and the Credential Registry.
Speakers
avatar for Deb Everhart

Deb Everhart

Chief Strategy Officer, Credential Engine
Deborah Everhart serves as the Chief Strategy Officer at Credential Engine, leading the expansion of credential and skill transparency initiatives that enable more effective connections between education and career opportunities. Previously she has served as a strategic advisor with... Read More →
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 →
avatar for Jeanne Kitchens

Jeanne Kitchens

Chief Technology Services Officer, Credential Engine
Jeanne Kitchens serves as the Chief Technology Services Officer, overseeing all technological programs, policies, and advancements across all facets of Credential Engine’s work.Previously, she served as the Associate Director for the Southern Illinois University Center for Workforce... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 247
  Rapid Fire

10:30am MDT

Neurodivergence Allyship & Advocacy Through Digital Credentials
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
Research indicates that neurodivergent (ND) students in higher education often avoid self-disclosure due to fear of stigmatization (Brown, 2023) and discrimination (Edwards et al., 2023). This can leave ND students navigating their education without essential support. Faculty and staff signaling their understanding, allyship, and advocacy of neurodivergence may ease these burdens. This session outlines a digital credentialing system to recognize neurodivergence allyship and advocacy, with the goal of fostering a more supportive environment.
Speakers
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 →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
  Rapid Fire

10:30am MDT

Rubrics, Relevance, and Reliability: Building Trust in Microcredentials
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 382+384
As microcredentials continue to gain traction in higher education, ensuring trust and quality is more critical than ever. Join us for an interactive exploration of how the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) developed and implemented a Microcredential Evaluation Rubric to elevate its digital credentialing initiatives. This session will showcase the six standards driving UMBC’s approach—spanning alignment, stackability, and external relevance—and how they support meaningful, reliable microcredentials for learners and employers alike. Expect practical insights, governance tips, and real-world applications that you can adapt to your institution’s credentialing strategy.


This description highlights your unique contributions while making the session sound accessible and practical. Let me know if you'd like to fine-tune it further!
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 382+384
  Rapid Fire

10:30am MDT

The Skyway: In the Journey of Life, Learning is your Passport
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 415+417
Welcome to The Skyway, an innovative global education initiative designed to revolutionize how learners access and manage their personal data and developmental growth. By creating and maintaining connected learning pathways—called Flight Paths—The Skyway aims to empower learners to choose their own educational journeys, accessing the essential skills needed to thrive in the modern world. 


By promoteing educational agency, safety, and access, we can collectively build, maintain, and govern learning "Terminals" and “Flight Paths” for a variety of skills and domains, enabling learners to explore diverse learning pathways aligned with their personal and professional interests and goals. 
Speakers
avatar for Taylor Kendal

Taylor Kendal

President, Learning Economy Foundation
Edu • Web3 • Culture • Travel • Trust // President @Learning Economy Foundation | Co-founder @Transformative | Producer @The Human Layer + @Future of Web3 // Not all who wander are lost.
Wednesday July 23, 2025 10:30am - 11:00am MDT
UMC 415+417
  Rapid Fire

11:30am MDT

Putting Recognition First
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 247
In the beginning was Mozilla Open Badges, to open up recognition of people and achievement across a lifewide spectrum, from formal education to informal experience. Recognition as a conversation — flexible and accessible for all.
Then came micro-credentials: badges as handy digital envelopes for old school course certificates. And the walls closed in again. Or did they?
Learn how badges can be more than certificates. Explore how they can help articulate formal, non-formal and informal learning.
Speakers
avatar for Don Presant

Don Presant

President, Learning Agents
Don wears three professional hats: volunteer advocate for opening up lifewide recognition of lifelong learning, international digital credentialing consultant and provider of CanCred.ca, a leading digital badging platform in Canada. As an advocate, Don co-authored the 2016 Bolo... Read More →
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 247
  Rapid Fire

11:30am MDT

The IBM SkillsBuild Certificate to Job Strategy - Leveraging the LER Ecosystem
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 382+384
IBM has partnered with the Alabama Community College System, Bay Area Community College Consortium, Colorado Community College System, and Louisiana Community and Technical College System to scale access to Cybersecurity and Data Analytics training and certificate programs. These credentials were designed to include ACE recommended college credits and to align directly with in-demand jobs.  As the programs scale the IBM team is building a Talent Community to connect all credential earners with recruiters looking for people with their skills.  In this session we will examine IBM's end-to-end LER ecosystem approach to credential learning, help learners market their newly acquired skills, and develop a network of employers who can monitor and recruit from a national pipeline of certified talent.

We'll examine the challenges along the way - how to make data interoperable, how to capture employer attention, and most importantly how to inspire job seeker confidence and generate results.
Speakers
avatar for Ian Davidson

Ian Davidson

Chief Growth Officer, SmartResume
Ian Davidson is the Chief Growth Officer of SmartResume, an innovative platform that transforms digital credentials into verifiable resumes. Ian partners with credential issuers to empower learners with high-quality resume content and connect them to economic opportunities.His career... Read More →
avatar for Sonia Malik

Sonia Malik

Global Program Director - IBM SkillsBuild, Corporate Social Responsibility, IBM
Placeholder for Sonia to fill out
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 382+384
  Rapid Fire

11:30am MDT

What does Digital Literacy mean with it comes to Digital Credentials?
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417


According to AI, Digital literacy within the topic of digital credentials" refers to the ability to understand, access, and effectively utilize digital credentials. How do we as Higher Education Administrators create this ecosystem? Come join in a conversation with 4 Higher Education Subject Matter Experts who have a take on what the gaps may be in creating literacy around digital credentials for students, administrators, faculty and employers.


Speakers
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 →
IB

Insiya Bream

Registrar & Associate Vice President, University of Maryland Global Campus
Insiya Bream, Registrar & Associate Vice President at University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC), has 17 years of experience as a higher education administrator. She has experience working in Enrollment Management, Admissions and most recently experience working with Registration... Read More →
avatar for Keisha Campbell

Keisha Campbell

Executive Director for Enrollment Services & University Registrar, Morgan State University
Keisha Campbell, Executive Director for Enrollment Services and University Registrar
NW

Nicole Westrick

Assistant Vice President and Dean College of Interdisciplinary & Continuing Studies, Morgan State University
Nicole Westrick,  Assistant Vice President and Dean College of Interdisciplinary and Continuing Studies
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 415+417
  Rapid Fire

11:30am MDT

Work in Progress: Articulating postsecondary pathways for K-12 digital badges
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
SkillStack®, Idaho's statewide Open Badges microcredential platform, has been in place for over 10 years. It has been widely adopted across Idaho, with over 40,000 secondary and postsecondary learners earning digital badges. A key use case for SkillStack® is the awarding of microcredentials to high school juniors and seniors enrolled in CTE capstone courses. These digital badging pathways incorporate both written and observed career skills assessments conducted by teachers, serving as indicators of students' career and college readiness. 
Within Idaho, SkillStack® digital badges can potentially be leveraged in various formal and informal contexts to provide prior learning credit, facilitate recruitment into college programs, and offer other advantages to badge earners. However, numerous logistical and technological barriers currently complicate this process, rendering it unclear and burdensome for the badge earners themselves. This presentation will delve into IDCTE's experiences and efforts to articulate and streamline these pathways of opportunity for digital badge learners as they transition from high school to college.
Speakers
avatar for Heather Luchte

Heather Luchte

Chief Performance and Accountability Officer, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
Heather is the Chief Performance and Accountability Officer at the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education.
RS

Rick Stoddart

Microcredentials Coordinator, Idaho Division of Career Technical Education
Rick Stoddart is the Microcredential Coordinator at the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education. 
Wednesday July 23, 2025 11:30am - 12:00pm MDT
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
  Rapid Fire
 
Tuesday, August 5
 

TBA

Place holder
Tuesday August 5, 2025 TBA
Tuesday August 5, 2025 TBA

12:00am MDT

Amplifying Achievement: Engaging Digital Badge Earners at Purdue Global
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
Purdue University Global has learned a lot through recent years, and as a result of testing several strategies, has successfully increased digital badge engagement by empowering earners to share their credentials. Through strategic communication and email campaigns, we’ve fostered a culture of recognition and professional visibility to help earners amplify their professional reach. This session explores our approach, key insights, and best practices for maximizing badge impact.
Speakers
avatar for Jacob Askeroth

Jacob Askeroth

Director of Digital Credentialing, Purdue University Global
Jacob Askeroth is the Director of Digital Credentialing at Purdue Unviersity Global. In his role, he oversees the development and implementation of digital credentialing initiatives, ensuring scalability and efficiency so that digital credentials enhance the student experience, engagement... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Beyond the Badge: Data-Driven Insights into Digital Badging in Higher Education
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
The lecture will delve into the open-ended question, exploring how badges can be effectively measured and evaluated to maximize their impact on employability, skill validation, and academic success in a university setting. The interesting facts one can find as we look deeper into how our badging programs can affect students. For example, this year is the first time first-generation students received more badges than non-first-generation students. Beginning with an introduction on how a great program on badging was set in motion, what makes an effective credentialing system, and their integration into higher education, the lecture will emphasize the necessity and opportunities of data-driven insights for refining badging initiatives. Methodologies for data collection, including quantitative and qualitative approaches, will be outlined, along with key metrics such as employability, equity gaps and engagement outcomes. Techniques for analyzing collected data and how to persuade various parties in sharing their experiences, real-world case studies from our university and many correlations we found, and best practices will be shared, acknowledging challenges and offering practical solutions. Concluding with future directions and integrating such studies into the university reporting and periodic collection in digital badging, the lecture aims to equip attendees with comprehensive strategies to assess and enhance their digital badging programs which have already been initiated.
Speakers
avatar for Priyatham Bazaru

Priyatham Bazaru

Technical Lead, Innovation Inucbator, California state polytechnic University, pomona
Technical lead
GG

Ghada Gad

Faculty Fellow, California state polytechnic University, pomona
Faculty Fellow
avatar for Ericka Olguin

Ericka Olguin

Director, Innovation incubator, California state polytechnic University, pomona
Director, Innovation Incubator
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Competency-Based Microcredentials for Educators: A Case Study with Delaware Department of Education
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
In this session, we will hear from program leaders at the Delaware Department of Education, who are using competency-based micro-credentials as an integral part of their educator professional development strategy. We will detail the history of our partnership, their program goals and findings from recent submissions and recent educator feedback that is helping to shape their program. Interactive elements will be incorporated, including live polling and opportunities for Q & A.
Speakers
avatar for Alyssa Moore, Ed.D.

Alyssa Moore, Ed.D.

Education Associate, Digital Learning, Delaware Department of Education
Alyssa Moore is the Digital Learning Education Associate and Lead of the Digital Learning Office for Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development at the Delaware Department of Education. In this role, she works with hundreds of educators across the state to offer valuable... Read More →
avatar for Ashley Miller

Ashley Miller

Program Manager, Credentials, Digital Promise
At Digital Promise, Ashley helps guide partners through the process of designing, developing, and evaluating competency-based, equity-focused learning experiences for diverse sets of learners. Ashley resides in Columbus, Ohio, where she has worked to promote equitable access to higher... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Deep-Dive

12:00am MDT

Deep Dive: Discussion of questions and themes around Verifiable Credentials and Open Badges
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
In this virtual session, DCC Director Dr. Kerri Lemoie  will address questions and themes that arose from the DCC Fishbowl activity hosted by DCC Operations and Project Manager Gillian Walsh. Topics may include: the function of issuer registries in VC ecosystems, trust models for VCs and Open Badges, digital identity solutions, and applications in higher education. If time allows, participants will be able to ask Dr. Lemoie questions related to VCs and Open Badges.  
Speakers
KL

Kerri Lemoie

Executive Director, Digital Credentials Consortium
Kerri Lemoie, Ph.D. directs the development, planning, and strategy of the DCC. Kerri has been working on the web for 25+ years as a web developer and in multiple leadership capacities and advisory roles. As one of the founding technical contributors to Open Badges, she is a recognized... Read More →
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 August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Deep-Dive

12:00am MDT

From Competency to Credential: Badge Engine and Open-Source Digital Badging
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
With our micro-credentials program and platform, we’ve worked with over 100 subject-matter expert organizations to provide more than 600 competency-based micro-credentials. In 2024, we partnered with learners and practitioners to design an open-source badging solution, Badge Engine, that focuses on Equity, Learner Autonomy and Control of Data, Serving All Ages, Open Source for Sustainability and Scalability, and Adherence to 1EdTech Open Badges Standard V3.0.
Speakers
avatar for Keying Chen

Keying Chen

Product Manager, Digital Promise
Keying Chen discovered her passion for using media, technology, and design to facilitate learning during her study at Teachers College, Columbia University. With this passion, she has experience designing toolkits for K-12 educators and children in rural areas of China, creating learning... Read More →
avatar for Kristen Franklin

Kristen Franklin

Director of Product, Digital Promise
Kristen Franklin, Director of Product, Credentials, has worked in adult education for more than 25 years, ranging from informal learning spaces to undergraduate seminars on rhetoric and communication at Stanford University. At Digital Promise, she is the competency-based assessment... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Level Up: Gamified Learning and Financial Incentives for Transfer Success
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
This session explores the combined impact of gamification and financial incentives on transfer student success through the Transfer Envisioning Network (TEN) Program Badge. By integrating academic support, career readiness activities, and monetary rewards into a gamified structure, TEN provides a comprehensive approach to improving student engagement, retention, and career outcomes. The Transfer Envision Network (TEN) program leverages gamified learning combined with financial incentives to enhance the success of transfer students. Participants will learn how this dual approach fosters higher engagement and persistence among transfer students, leading to improved academic and career outcomes. The presentation will include preliminary data on the program's effectiveness, highlighting student engagement levels, retention rates, and successful career placements. The session will also explore the broader implications of integrating these strategies within higher education institutions. The session will begin with an introduction to TEN’s gamified structure and incentive model powered by Suitable, providing an overview of the program’s design and objectives. Special focus will be placed on the unique needs of CSU Channel Islands’ transfer student population and the program’s intentional alignment with those needs. This will transition into a discussion on the power of combining gamification and financial incentives to drive engagement, particularly within a diverse and often nontraditional transfer student demographic. Attendees will then learn about the measurable impact of the TEN program on student retention and career success. Preliminary data will showcase improvements in student outcomes, such as GPA increases, enhanced engagement, and higher retention rates. The session will also highlight successful career placements and demonstrate how incentivized, structured support contributes to students achieving tangible academic and professional goals. To encourage deeper reflection, the presentation will include an interactive discussion on the future of incentivized learning in higher education. Participants will engage in conversations about the applicability of gamified learning and financial rewards within their own institutional contexts, sharing ideas and exploring new opportunities to foster student success. Implemented in Spring 2024, the TEN program has already shown promising results in increasing student engagement, retention, and career readiness. Data reveals measurable improvements in these areas, underscoring the effectiveness of a dual approach that addresses both motivational and practical barriers to success. The session will also address challenges faced during implementation, such as time constraints due to students’ work and family responsibilities, and the strategies used to mitigate these challenges. This session is designed for academic administrators, student success coordinators, faculty, and student affairs professionals who are interested in exploring innovative, data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes. The Transfer Envision Network demonstrates how integrating gamification and financial incentives can holistically support students, with particular attention to the transfer population, whose needs often differ from traditional students.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica Muth

Jessica Muth

Director of Career Success Initiatives, California State University Channel Islands
Jessica Muth serves as the Director of Career Success Initiatives and faculty member in the Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economics at Cal State Channel Islands. With over a decade of experience in higher education and career development, she is deeply committed to enhancing... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Table Talk

12:00am MDT

Micro-Credential Design for Greater Learner Impact
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
How can online micro-credential content and structure be designed to aid in the learning process for adult learners?  What are the best practices for micro-credential development and design? A well-structured design aids adult earners in building confidence in their ability to succeed in an online learning environment. In this session, attendees will hear about lessons learned in developing strategies to standardize micro-credential design across a university system.  A standardized micro-credential design framework ensures consistency, trust, and scalability across multiple campuses. It can support lifelong learning, employer recognition, and skill verification, making micro-credentials a valuable tool for career advancement. 




Speakers
ME

Meredith Eaton

Project Specialist, University of Maine System
University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative 
NR

Nicholas Runco

Instructional Designer and Micro-Credential Initiative Staff, University of Maine System
University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative 
avatar for Claire Sullivan

Claire Sullivan

Assistant Vice Chancellor for Innovation in Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials, University of Maine System
University of Maine System Micro-Credential Initiative 
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Peak Behind the Curtain: Badge Practitioners Training
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
In this session, we will share the story of developing training for badge practitioners across the Alamo Colleges District and its five Colleges. A tour of an example training will be provided. Our lessons learned (and still being learned) we be shared.
Speakers
avatar for Amber O'Casey

Amber O'Casey

Online Learning Coordinator, Alamo Colleges District
As an Online Learning Coordinator, Amber O’Casey serves as a project manager, consultant, and subject matter expert for developing and scaling micro-credentials across the Alamo Colleges District and its five independently accredited colleges: Northeast Lakeview College, Northwest... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Understanding Badge Quality: How It Evolves from Novice to Expert
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
During our collaboration with the Cities of Learning network on the "Quality Label for Badge Recognition," we explored how novice and expert users perceive badge quality and the criteria affecting it. This session presents findings from a scientific study that analyse and compare the importance of the factors influencing quality of badge creation and issuance processes in different target groups. It also explains how these insights can help improve badge quality and effectively communicate its value to diverse audiences.
Speakers
IL

Ingrida Lescauskiene

Digital badge system manager, Vilnius Gediminas technical university
I am a scientist, innovator and digital badge system manager in Vilnius Gediminas technical university. By combining my expertise in video game design, user research and learning recognition, I was actively involved in the creation and management of the VILNIUS TECH Digital Badge... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Rapid Fire

12:00am MDT

Wallet-splaining: Is that Open Recognition in your pocket!?
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
What if you could carry a complete, personalized record of your achievements in your pocket, ready to share when it matters most? This presentation explores the exciting potential of Open Recognition Wallets—digital tools that put individuals in charge of showcasing their skills and experiences. We’ll talk about how these wallets go beyond traditional credentials, embracing diverse learning journeys, self-issued badges, and endorsements from communities. Whether you're curious about the future of recognition or eager to rethink how achievements are celebrated, this session offers fresh insights and practical ideas for reimagining what’s possible.
Speakers
avatar for Doug Belshaw

Doug Belshaw

Director, We Are Open Co-op
Doug Belshaw co-founded We Are Open Co-op and works to improve our world at the intersection of learning, technology, and community. He is currently studying towards an MSc in Systems Thinking in Practice to be a more effective consultant and critical friend.Best known for work around... Read More →
avatar for Laura Hilliger

Laura Hilliger

Director, We Are Open Co-op
Laura Hilliger is a writer, educator and technologist. She’s a multimedia designer and developer, a technical liaison, a project manager, a conceptual architect, an open advocate who is happiest in collaborative environments. She was awarded the Women in IT Digital Leader of the... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:00am - 12:15am MDT
  VIRTUAL

12:30am MDT

Come Join Us - It's the Era of All Learning Counts!
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:30am - 12:45am MDT
This panel of instigators will engage in a provocative and interactive discussion about what an All Learning Counts movement could mean at this moment in time, and will provoke a deep conversation among attendees for how this movement might help advance thinking about 1) where learning happens, by whom, and for whom; 2) how we can assess, validate, recognize knowledge, skills, and abilities regardless of source; 3) how this paradigm can help meet labor market needs - both in addressing skill gaps but also experience gaps; 4) how it can accelerate on-ramps to furthering education and off-ramps to career opportunities for learners; 5) how it can address equity issues; 6) and therefore, a bigger "So What?" and "Yes, now!" 

Speakers
HG

Haley Glover

Senior Director, UpSkill America, Aspen Institute
More than twenty years of experience solving complex social, economic, and educational issues. Expertise in policy research, philanthropic strategy design, program development, evaluation, legislative analysis and interpretation, coalition building, strategy development, and strategic... Read More →
JM

Jeremy McQuigge

Secretary General, Council Advancing Work-Based Learning
A champion of work-based learning as an accredited learning system, I aim to transform innovative thinking into practical applications that lead to family- and community-supporting careers for all who seek one.
MB

Melanie Booth

Principal, Nectary Solutions
Dr. Melanie Booth has 25 years of leadership in connecting education and work, primarily in postsecondary and nonprofit organizations. Over her career she has worked directly and indirectly with hundreds of colleges, universities, and organizations to affect change in the learn and... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:30am - 12:45am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Deep-Dive

12:30am MDT

Credentials and the Circle of Trust
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:30am - 12:45am MDT
The biggest challenge facing the credential world currently is that of organisations "consuming" the credentials that all the credential issuers are busy creating. Employers, Universities etc have certain credentials that they know and recognise but why should they trust new digital forms of recognition? The latest version of the Open Badge Standard (V3), provides functionality that can help both credential issuers and consumers increase trust and will be key to driving widespread adoption. In this session Stephen will explain how large organisations can use credentials to support large reskilling efforts and how to increase trust in the meaning and value of those credentials.

(I will do a table talk based on the same theme. Something like "Ten practical ways to increase trust in your credentials")
Speakers
avatar for Stephen Buckley

Stephen Buckley

Managing Director, Digital Credentials Ltd
As the founder of IBM Consulting's pioneering digital badge programme, I am deeply passionate about leveraging digital credentials to recognise and celebrate achievements. With extensive experience in designing and implementing large-scale global corporate credential initiatives... Read More →
Tuesday August 5, 2025 12:30am - 12:45am MDT
  VIRTUAL, Virtual: Deep-Dive
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Monday, July 21
Tuesday, July 22
Wednesday, July 23
Tuesday, August 5
CASE E250 (CTL)
CASE E351
CASE E422
CASE W262
Glen Miller Ball Room
UMC 245
UMC 247
UMC 285+287 (Aspen)
UMC 382+384
UMC 386
UMC 415+417
  • Deep Dive
  • Dream Makers Lounge
  • Rapid Fire
  • Table Talk
  • VIRTUAL
  • Popular