Page 17 - DIGIGREEN_PR2_EN

of the participants believed that Hybrid, online and face to face combined lectures are the best
learning method, in terms of type of lesson” .
7
Online delivery option gives the opportunity to be more flexible in what it comes place and time
dedicated to the learning activity.

However, this topic is not consensual for all the players. Training institutions usually prefer to
deliver the micro credentials in a classroom-based learning environment, while companies
choose the blended or even online learning (Cedefop 2022).

When it comes to the duration of the micro credential, the length of a learning experience varies
significantly, and depending on the provider and its purpose. When the learning activity is very
specific and narrow, with restricted skills and competences the duration of it is shorter, when
compared to other general qualifications.

Regarding assessment, and according to Cedefop (2022), this is a crucial topic in any learning
process, since it can reflect the quality and the trust in credentials. For this, micro credentials can
use different assessments methods, and the evidence are usually based on the attendance of
learners, but mostly assignments that can better reflect the acquired knowledge. Finally,
assessments are usually made in-house and undertaken by external/independent providers.

3.5 Micro credentials and the allocation of credits

The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is identified as one of the solutions
to support the approach to credits in micro credentials. ECTS is a recognised mechanism to make
the learning outcomes (LO) and estimate the workload and duration of a course as something
measurable. It brings transparency to micro credentials and, apart from being a harmonised
mechanism is also used and recognised all over Europe.

Besides ECTS being close to higher education, the European Commission (2020) expect that it can
be expanded to other levels.

Another benefit of micro credentials using ECTS, is to facilitate the national and international
recognition of short courses as independent modules or potential parts of a qualification.
According to the NESET Report (Orr, 2020), the flexibility of micro credentials stands by the
possibility of micro credentials can be both credit-bearing and non-credit bearing. This will lead
the students the possibility to choose and adapt their pathway according to their preferences or
needs. Important to highlight is the fact that it is expected that the level of complexity and the
autonomy required should be present in the micro credential according to this distinguish.
The definition of credits for micro credential framework is not consensual at the time (European
Commission 2020), there are considerations that

“suggest that micro credentials should be based on a notional workload of 100-150 hours
(including revision for, and completion of, the summative assessment). This equals 4-6

7 PR1 Report, page 19

Copyright © by Digigreen All Rights Reserved | Training and Assessment Frame Design 17