Izmir University of Economics receives full marks from a British professor
Focusing its studies on personalized learning, skills-based employment, and micro-credentials, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) hosted a globally recognized expert. Prof. Dr. Rupert Ward from the University of Huddersfield in the United Kingdom visited IUE to evaluate strategic collaborations and joint projects, holding special meetings. Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said, “I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Ward for meeting with our University's stakeholders and sharing his knowledge and experience on the integration of micro-credentials into the curriculum, the development of communication with external stakeholders, and the alignment of digital skills with the needs of the workforce.”
Prof. Dr. Ward, the lead author of the Universal Micro-credential Framework (UMF), also met with Dr. Burçin Önder, Advisor to the Rector, Dr. Donald Staub, Micro-credential Office Director and Director of the School of Foreign Languages and Vice Director Özge Coşkun Aysal during his visit to the University, in addition to Rector Abacıoğlu.
SUCCESSFUL STEPS FROM IUE
Prof. Dr. Ward expressed his pleasure in witnessing IUE's rapid development in recent years. Emphasizing that IUE has taken successful steps in the transition process to learning-oriented and skills-based education, Prof. Dr. Ward added that he is ready to provide all kinds of support in these areas.
“WE EQUIP STUDENTS WITH NEW SKILLS”
IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu stated that they continue their work uninterruptedly with the goal of equipping students with new skills and providing them with an educational opportunity that will make a difference internationally. Noting that they will benefit from Prof. Dr. Ward's experience in new projects, Rector Abacıoğlu said, “Professor Dr. Ward's visit represents a critical stage for our University to expand its micro-credential ecosystem, strengthen skills-based employment, and implement personalized learning pathways in line with global higher education trends. Prof. Dr. Ward is also among our project partners at the British Council, an international arts, culture, and education organization based in the United Kingdom. During his visit, Prof. Dr. Ward also met with IUE deans, department heads, faculty members, center directors, and unit managers. This collaboration reflects our University's commitment to continuously explore learning and development pathways and our vision to ensure that our students and graduates stand out in the global employment market.”
WHAT IS A MICRO-CREDENTIAL?
Micro-credentials are new types of skills acquired in a short time on specific subjects and documented digitally. Unlike traditional education methods, micro-credentials are gained through short and focused training instead of long education programs. They enable the rapid learning of specific competencies needed in daily or working life and the documentation of these with digital certificates or digital badges.
