Micro-credentialing in Education

I heard the term micro-credentialing in education a little while ago.  The idea is that teachers can engage in professional development that earns them credits (often gamified in the form of badges).  Over the last two years, the idea has been revolutionalizing PD delivery and motivating teacher in ways that have never been seen before.

Personally, I love it.  Here is why.

1. Teacher Autonomy - Micro-credentialing speaks to teacher personal desires.  Rather than being told what they need to learn - be it through their district or a formal learning institution - teachers can pick areas of interest.
   
   
2. Just In Time Learning - Micro-credentialing can provide just in time learning.  Many micro-credentialling courses have multiple entry points or flexible start times.  Teachers can realise a need and find a solution -- and get credit for the learning.
   
   
3. Job-Embedded Learning - Most micro-credentialing calls for learning embedded in a teacher's practices.  The beauty of this is that it is low risk.  Time is our currency in teaching.  If something takes more time then teachers avoid it.  Job-embedded learning allows teachers to engage in learning without the add-on that formal learning often has.
   
   
4. Motivation - Remember when you were a kid and you got badges for passing swimming lessons? Or stickers for getting over 80% on a test?  How about in Brownies or Beavers?
   
   
   
   
   It was so exciting.  I'm pretty certain many adults haven't changed since those days.  Earning badges is motivating And you get to shoe them off in your signature (rather than your uniform sleeve).  
   
   
5. Small commitment - In the past, teachers needed to commit to a long program like a master's degree for any credentialing.  This was not possible for many teachers due to time and/or financial barriers.  Micro-credentialing is micro-commitment.

Today I got my newest micro-credential - Google Certified Educator Level 2.  What will your be?