Overview:
MicroNet is a European transnational peer support and learning network for university micro-credentials, comprising innovative and change-making higher education consortia, led by the Irish Universities Association (IUA). MicroNet is a 3 year project funded until 2025 through the European Commission’s Erasmus+ Programme (ERASMUS).
The MicroNet project aims to drive the awareness, delivery and acceptance of micro-credentials as a learning tool fit for 21st century European citizens, aligning with the direction of the European Skills agenda (EC, 2020 – Action 10 on Micro-credentials), showcasing our common drive to a climate neutral Europe (European Green Deal, EC, 2019) together with the empowerment of citizens and enterprise in a sustainable and more prosperous European digital future (Europe’s Digital Decade: Digital targets for 2030, EC, 2021)
Over the lifetime of the project, MicroNet will host a series of virtual and in-person events hosted by our project partners aimed at addressing the core objectives of the project and creating a transnational peer-learning network on micro-credentials. MicroNet project partners will produce a series of digital assets and resources which will act as a free access digital repository of best practice for micro-credentials nationally and internationally.
Core Objectives of MicroNet:
Our MicroNet partners will work collaboratively as a network across the EHEA to achieve the following objectives:
- Promote awareness and understanding of micro-credentials
- Share good policy and practice approaches to quality assurance for micro-credentials using the Bologna tools
- Develop and grow understanding and support for micro-credential learner mobility and pathways across the EHEA using the Bologna tools and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to support access to and the portability and stacking of credentials.
MicroNet Consortium Members:
The MicroNet Consortia is comprised of IUA, MicroCreds, the European University Association (EUA), Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), European University of Post-Industrial Cities (UNIC) and the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).
Definition of Micro-Credentials:
Through our work we will follow the definition of micro-credentials set out in the EU Council Recommendation on a European Approach to Micro-Credentials, June 2022
“A micro-credential is the record of the learning outcomes that a learner has acquired following a small volume of learning. These learning outcomes have been assessed against transparent and clearly defined standards.
Courses leading to micro-credentials are designed to provide the learner with specific knowledge, skills and competences that respond to societal, personal, cultural or labour market needs.
Micro-credentials are owned by the learner, can be shared and are portable. They may be standalone or combined into larger credentials. They are underpinned by quality assurance following agreed standards in the relevant sector or area of activity.”
EU Council Recommendation on a European Approach to Micro-Credentials, June 2022
MicroNet Events:
Over the lifetime of the project MicroNet partners will host and share the outcomes of a series of events aimed at addressing our core objectives.
Connect with the MicroNet Project:
Twitter: @MicroNet_EU LinkedIn: MicroNet EU #MicroNetEU
