Higher Ed Needs to Invest in Professional Development Right Now

As university and college administrators figure out the logistics for online learning at scale, many are asking themselves the following questions: Do our professors and faculty have the skills necessary to teach a curriculum online? How can our professional development program quickly identify which instructors are ready for teaching courses online, and which ones need additional training?  How can we help faculty and staff feel supported in learning new skills in this unpredictable time? If those sound like conversations you’ve had recently, digital credentials might help you solve several challenges. In a recent survey of U.S. workers, 66% said that their employers are providing upskilling opportunities to help prepare them for the future of work. Managers (73%) were more likely than individual contributors (61%) to say that they are receiving the necessary training as the world of work evolves.

Higher ed institutions that support professional development for their faculty and staff on how to conduct classes virtually (and in-person) will evolve with a new generation of students who are used to living their lives online. Bolstering the faculty with digital credentials enables colleges and universities to verify these new skills, showcase their dedication to evolving learning styles, and benefit from positive marketing exposure every time a faculty or staff member shares their new badge on social media. An empowering, digital credentialing program can be a tool for recognizing faculty who are engaged and committed to learning new skills and technology that serves their student body. These skills include creating a curriculum that is conducive to self-paced learning, creating an interactive learning environment without being face-to-face, and soft-skills like emotional intelligence and patience. 

Digital credentials coupled with professional development opportunities allow higher education institutions to give their educators control of their skills. Digital badges shared on websites, social media, CVs, resumes, and email signatures give students peace of mind knowing that their education lies in the hands of staff who are continuously learning and evolving, as well as at an institution that facilitates the ever-evolving technological needs of their staff. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how digital credentials can help your higher education institution’s professional development programs and validate the skills of your faculty and staff, schedule a chat with our team!