Izmir University of Economics builds the future with micro-credentials

Taking another significant step in the field of digital transformation, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) became the first and only university from Turkey to join the Digital Credentials Consortium (DCC) network, which includes the world's leading universities. Stating that they aim to make students' 21st-century skills visible and internationally recognized, Asst. Prof.Dr. Donald Staub, the Director of the IUE Office of Micro-Credentials, said, “Thanks to our DCC membership, we are supporting this process with international trust standards and leading Turkey's digital credentials transformation.”

By joining the DCC, which includes some of the world's most respected universities such as MIT, Harvard, University of Toronto, and TU Delft, Izmir University of Economics has become an international reference point for the trustworthiness and interoperability of micro-credentials.

THE FIRST UNIVERSITY TO ESTABLISH AN OFFICE

Izmir University of Economics, holding the title of the first university in Turkey to establish a micro-credentials office, aims to integrate Open Badge v3 and block chain-based verification infrastructures into the university ecosystem to accelerate the digital credentials transformation. Furthermore, it aims to realize a transformation in digital learning and recognition processes.

 “THEY MUST GRADUATE WITH DIVERSE SKILLS”

Stating that micro-credentials are redefining the future of university education, Asst. Prof. Dr. Donald Staub said, “A micro-credential is a structured learning outcome that documents the acquisition of a small-scope, focused, and measurable knowledge or skill in a specific area. They are usually obtained as a result of short-term and goal-oriented training. They provide the individual with the opportunity to formally and verifiably prove a specific competency. It is possible to acquire micro-credentials in many fields such as software development, vocational and technical areas, logistics, health, and artificial intelligence. As a University, our goal is not only for our students to receive a diploma but also to graduate with verifiable skills in diverse fields. In this regard, expanding our students' access to micro-credentials, offering them new opportunities through various training programs, and strengthening the future of our youth are among our top priorities.”

“WE PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT ADVANTAGES”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Staub continued as follows: “Micro-credentials make an individual's learning process visible while building a strong bridge between the business world and academia. As an office, we also highly value establishing a connection between learning, employment, and lifelong development. By documenting the skills our students develop in different areas with micro-credentials, we want them to gain competency-based recognition in national and international job markets. Through this, we aim for our students to gain employment advantages.”

“THEY ARE SHAPING THE FUTURE”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Staub stated that Izmir University of Economics has a structure compatible with the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) and the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), which serves as an example for quality assurance and innovation in higher education. Asst. Prof. Dr. Staub said, “At our University, we position micro-credentials not just as a certification tool but at the center of the institutional learning culture. We aim to create a learning-centered, inclusive, and sustainable skills ecosystem through collaborations with faculties, public institutions, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations. In this context, our innovative micro-credential programs are guiding the academic and professional development journey of our students.”