Digital technology, as well as growing demand for mid-career training and credentialing, has fueled new approaches for colleges and universities to recognize prior learning and work experience. Alternative learning strategies — such as prior learning assessments, digital learning and participation in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) — allow adult learners to certify their knowledge and provide a signal to employers of what an employee is able to do.
This study from the Online Learning Consortium examines six institutions in the United States that are experimenting with alternative credentialing strategies to provide flexible learning opportunities, including digital distance learning and prior learning assessments. The report draws forth five strategies across each of the studies sites: The use of prior learning assessments, competency-based education, data, alternative learning credentials and non-traditional strategies to recognize the skills of adult learners.
