Micro-credentials

I think that using micro-credentials in the place of traditional professional development is a fabulous idea.  What are micro-credentials? Micro-credentials are credentials that represent skills, interests and achievements earned by an individual through specific projects, programs, courses or other activities. Instead of requiring individuals complete an entire college-level course, for instance, micro-credentials could be awarded for mastery of particular skills.  Why is this better than traditional professional development? 1. Teacher earn credential is area that interest them (say in learning). 2. Teacher earn credentials in areas that will help them (need to learn). 3. Credentials can be earned at anytime and at their own pace. 4. It is more interactive than normal professional development. I tried out earning some of the Apple Teacher credential and I found it to be both very easy and interactive.  In traditional professional development someone stands up and lectures everyone about something and everyone just sits and listens. With micro credentials not only do you get a say in what you are learning but it is also interactive. Teacher can earn micro credentials that will help them build skills that will help them in the classroom to be more effective teachers. There are many options to choose from. To be a Google Certified Teacher the course is free, but there is a charge for the exam that would be required to demonstrate completion. (Level 1-$10, Level 2- $35).  For Apple Teacher the course is free but the components are skill based and include iPad, Mac, Swift Playgrounds, imovie, numbers, Keynote, and Pages. Microsoft Teaching offers a free course and you may select this course or any other course (or combination of courses) that earns points in the educator community. Bloomboard offers dozens of credentials on many different education-related topics and the course is free. Participate Learning offers a variety of courses, many of which come from various organizations. Some are free; some have a cost associated with them. With so many options to choose from any teacher could find something that would really help them become a better teacher.