Building academic and social success through online microcredentials

The pandemic has highlighted many knowns and unknowns for transitioning first year students. The main challenge has been preparing students who have had 18 months of disrupted education to be successful at university. Part of the solution at Abertay is online, credit-bearing, skills-based micro credentials that address the academic and social integration of our students to university.

Through partnerships with students, professional services, academics and the Students' Association, Abertay University has implemented a model that is mandatory for all first years. Putting the student at the centre of a personalised academic and social curriculum. The aim is to foster a sense of purpose at university and belonging within the curriculum (Lizzio, 2006; Thomas, 2012). Through diagnostic testing and a core module (ABE101 Being Successful at Abertay) students make an informed choice in personalising their optional choices within a social and academic framework. These micro credential options include:
•Success Writing at Abertay –With a focus on structure and integrity. Delivered by learner development team.
•Digital Skills for University & Beyond – Understanding key university systems, digital environments, collaborations, and ways of communicating. Developed by the Technology enhanced learning team.
•Dundee & Me – Getting to know the city of Dundee and engaging in the opportunities available. Developed by an academic with wide ranging community links.
•Research & Enquiry Skills for the Digital Age –Finding and evaluating sources with a focus on referencing. Developed by the library team.
•How to sell your ideas – Communicating ideas through persuasion. Delivered by academics.
•Planning your future career – A focus on self-awareness. Delivered by Careers team.
•Welcome to the CommuniTAY – Engaging with social aspects of university life including student representation, societies, sports & peer mentoring. Developed by the student’s association.
•Wellbeing tools & tricks – Focus on the 5 ways of wellbeing. Developed by student services team.

Each module has a team of students working in partnership with the module team. We will share our partnership approach, the implementation of micro credentials and the early results from across 2021/22. In the workshop delegates will be asked what the focus of a personalised micro credentials offering at their institution might look like?

References:
Lizzio, A. (2006) Designing an Orientation and Transition Strategy for Commencing Students. A Conceptual Summary of Research and Practice. First Year Experience Project. Griffith University, Brisbane.
Thomas, L. (2012). Building student engagement and belonging in Higher Education at a time of change. Paul Hamlyn Foundation, 100, 1-99.