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Towards a Future of Qualifications: A Systematic Review of Micro-Credentials

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Title: Towards a Future of Qualifications: A Systematic Review of Micro-Credentials
Language: English
Authors: Hakan Yildirim, Seyda Kir, Aras Bozkurt
Source: Online Learning. 2025 29(4):535-559.
Availability: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 25
Publication Date: 2025
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Literature Reviews, Meta Analysis, Microcredentials, Distance Education, Open Education, Technological Advancement, Attitudes, Stakeholders, Futures (of Society), Higher Education, Lifelong Learning, Trend Analysis
ISSN: 2472-5749
2472-5730
Abstract: Micro-credentials are bite-sized collections of skills or knowledge, complementing formal, informal, or non-formal degrees or certificates. Clarifying the role of microcredentials in open and distance learning, a comprehensive review of the existing literature is essential. This study presents the results of a systematic literature review employing the PRISMA method to analyze the integration of micro-credentialing systems, stakeholder perceptions of their value, the impact of emerging technologies on their recognition, and future trends. A total of 205 publications, encompassing as specified terms of micro-credentials in their title, were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The results were discussed in five principle impact areas including the strategies in higher education and lifelong learning, sector-specific upskilling and reskilling, the digital proof of competency, challenges in design and implementation, and critiques on micro-credentials. The study reveals the evolution of micro-credentials and provides a roadmap for their future advancement.
Abstractor: As Provided
Notes: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/B9PQT
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1490382
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Online Learning Consortium, Inc. P.O. Box 1238, Newburyport, MA 01950. Tel: 888-898-6209; Fax: 888-898-6209; e-mail: olj@onlinelearning-c.org; Web site: https://olj.onlinelearningconsortium.org/index.php/olj/index
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  Data: Micro-credentials are bite-sized collections of skills or knowledge, complementing formal, informal, or non-formal degrees or certificates. Clarifying the role of microcredentials in open and distance learning, a comprehensive review of the existing literature is essential. This study presents the results of a systematic literature review employing the PRISMA method to analyze the integration of micro-credentialing systems, stakeholder perceptions of their value, the impact of emerging technologies on their recognition, and future trends. A total of 205 publications, encompassing as specified terms of micro-credentials in their title, were retrieved from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. The results were discussed in five principle impact areas including the strategies in higher education and lifelong learning, sector-specific upskilling and reskilling, the digital proof of competency, challenges in design and implementation, and critiques on micro-credentials. The study reveals the evolution of micro-credentials and provides a roadmap for their future advancement.
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        StartPage: 535
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Meta Analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Microcredentials
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      – SubjectFull: Distance Education
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