Implementing a Digital Microcredential Strategy at the University of Washington Continuum College

Abstract

This chapter explores the emergence of digital microcredentials and describes how the University of Washington's Continuum College is participating in the iterative design of infrastructures and approaches to support these new forms of credentials. The authors explore the current landscape of digital credentials, including the possible benefits, nascent research, and offer a brief introduction to some of the coalitions and formative work underway in many settings. The chapter details a three-pronged strategic approach at the University of Washington's Continuum College. Each of the three efforts is intended to help both the local context served by Continuum College and a new digital credential ecosystem. The three project areas at Continuum College include using digital credentials for university employees, digitally badging the college's extensive portfolio of non-degree programs, and offering digital credentialing as a service to other university departments. The authors describe these ongoing projects, their current state, and implications for further work in digital credentials.