In-service ELT professionals today, whether instructors or administrators, have few options to validate and signify their in-service professional development accomplishments – other than through a paper certificate. This situation is rapidly changing as professionals are increasingly able to select theır own learning pathways through specific, granular, competency-based micro-credentials, and their accompanying open badges. In contrast to traditional graduate programs or one-shot workshops, effectively developed and delivered micro-credentials provide professionals with focused, immediately applicable skills, and a portable digital badge that validates the work completed in order to successfully earn the micro-credential. And, as the number and variety of micro-credential learning experiences increases, professionals are able to chart their own roadmap toward the skillset that enhances their value in their current or potential role.
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