Book chapter 2025

The Evolution of Digital Credentialing: A Technical and Practical Perspective

CS
Castanzo, Sherri Nicole Braxton
 SC
Sullivan, Collin
Developing Teaching Competencies for Pedagogical and Curricular Innovation
Journal · pp. 277-314
Abstract

As traditional degrees face increasing scrutiny from employers and learners alike, microcredentials have emerged as a flexible, transparent, and skills-oriented approach to recognizing learning. This chapter traces the evolution of digital credentialing through a dual lens: technical infrastructure and practical implementation. It explores the historical and philosophical underpinnings of credentialing, examines how microcredentials validate discrete, demonstrable competencies across diverse learning contexts, and reviews the development of digital badge standards, taxonomies, and trusted credentialing frameworks. Through a detailed institutional case study of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a governance-driven, learnercentered approach that ensures quality, equity, and workforce relevance is highlighted. Ultimately, the authors argue that microcredentials, when implemented rigorously and purposefully, can support a more inclusive, responsive, and lifelong model of education that bridges formal, informal, and professional learning environments. © 2026, IGI Global Scientific Publishing. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

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Index Keywords

Learning systems Case-studies Computer aided instruction Personnel Learning environments Baltimore Formal learning Informal learning Learner-centered approach Learning context Professional learning Technical infrastructure University of Maryland Philosophical aspects
Author Affiliations
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Baltimore, MD, United States
Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME, United States
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
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2 Accredible Demo
3 Ahsan, Kamrul, Implementation of micro-credentials in higher education: A systematic literature review, Education and Information Technologies, 28, 10, pp. 13505-13540, (2023)
4 Alsobhi, Hada A., Blockchain-based micro-credentialing system in higher education institutions: Systematic literature review, Knowledge-Based Systems, 265, (2023)
5 Ashcroft, Kate, Microcredentials and work-integrated learning, International Journal of Work-Integrated Learning, 22, 3, pp. 423-432, (2021)
6 Digital Badge Platform
7 Educause Review, (2022)
8 Braxton, Sherri Nicole, Competency frameworks, alternative credentials and the evolving relationship of higher education and employers in recognizing skills and achievements, International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, 40, 5, pp. 373-387, (2023)
9 Handbook of Research on Credential Innovations for Inclusive Pathways to Professions, (2022)
10 Quality and Trust Not A New Consideration in Microcredentials, (2024)
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