Opole University of Technology is the first university in Poland to issue its microcredentials using the Odznaka+ app, thereby paving the way for the implementation of innovative solutions in higher education.

Microcredentials pilot project – a real impact on the shape of microcredentials

The opportunity to co-create a new solution for education and in the labour market and influence the final shape of the microcredential system in Poland were the main reasons that led the authorities of Opole University of Technology to join the pilot project on microcredentials at the Educational Research Institute – National Research Institute (IBE PIB).

‘We believe that microcredentials allow for better recognition of competences, providing a way to document specific skills and knowledge often overlooked by traditional diplomas or certificates. They enable individuals to showcase their genuine competences in the labour market. Participating in the microcredentials pilot project, in our view, offers a real chance to co-create this solution in Poland. We are confident that the feedback, needs, and experiences we share during our collaboration will be considered in forming the final shape of the microcredential system, which is very important to us,’ says Dr Anida Stanik-Besler, Vice-Rector for Education at Opole University of Technology.

This is also hugely significant for the system’s developers. As Michał Nowakowski, leader of the microcredentials project at IBE PIB, emphasises, the experiences of each pilot participant help make the system more effective and responsive to the genuine needs of its users.

‘The experiences of every institution taking part in the pilot are incredibly valuable to us. Our collaboration with universities like Opole University of Technology not only gives us insight into how microcredentials work in practice but also allows us to view microcredentials from the perspective of both higher education and the labour market’s expectations. It’s precisely thanks to this kind of partnership approach that we have the chance to build a solution that will be practical, transparent, and responsive to the needs of educational institutions, employers, and employees,’ explains Michał Nowakowski.

Opole University of Technology blazes a trail

The collaboration between IBE PIB and Opole University of Technology has proven effective, evidenced by the well-described, valuable microcredentials.

‘From our very first working meetings, we observed that representatives from Opole University of Technology are professional, open to innovation, and keen for universities to utilise modern educational solutions. This cooperation provided a space for mutual learning and knowledge exchange whilst creating the microcredential standard,’ recounts Dr Niki Derlukiewicz, microcredentials expert in the microcredentials project at IBE PIB.

As Dr Arkadiusz Gardecki, a representative of Opole University of Technology, notes, creating a microcredential description should theoretically be straightforward for academic staff, although some challenges may arise.

‘Microcredentials are, by nature, narrow in scope. The challenge was deciding what to include and what to omit so that the microcredential was valuable yet achievable in a relatively short time,’ notes Dr Gardecki.

The future of education – personalisation and flexibility

Given the growing need for a flexible approach to learning, microcredentials offer a solution to those seeking quick and practical ways to acquire new skills.

‘Microcredentials fit perfectly into this trend, enabling the acquisition of new skills without the need for lengthy, traditional degree programmes. This enriches the educational offering. Additionally, microcredentials can become a flexible tool that helps universities adapt to the changing landscape of education and the labour market, by offering more targeted and accessible forms of learning,’ comments Dr Anida Stanik-Besler.

Microcredentials reflect the changing expectations of students, employers, and educational institutions, where it’s not just about knowledge but, above all, the ability to apply it quickly in practice. But that’s not all. As the Vice-Rector for Education at Opole University of Technology points out: ‘Microcredentials can become a key element of flexible learning pathways, enabling the acquisition of specific skills, tailored to individual needs, at any point in life.’

‘Microcredentials can allow for the rapid implementation of educational programmes that respond to the current needs of employers,’ emphasises Dr Stanik-Besler.

Opole University of Technology has not only implemented this innovative solution first but has also set a direction for other universities in Poland.

‘Universities can successfully use microcredentials as a modern tool for competence development and to supplement traditional forms of education,’ asserts Dr Niki Derlukiewicz.

This can serve as an important conclusion and valuable guidance for the authorities of other Polish universities that are considering, or will consider in the future, joining the microcredential system being developed at IBE PIB.