IJRISS Logo

Innovating the Educational Landscape by Assessing the Challenges and Needs of Micro-Credential Developers

Authors

Fauziah Saadah Abdul Halim

Universiti Teknologi MARA (Malaysia)

Article Information

DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2026.102100172

Subject Category: Education

Volume/Issue: 10/21 | Page No: 2092-2106

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-07-29

Accepted: 2026-08-03

Published: 2026-10-06

Abstract

As the rapid pace of the 4th IR continues to reshape the global economy, micro-credentials have emerged as vital tools for closing the skills gap between academic curricula and industry demands. This study aims to address the critical empirical void in the Malaysian landscape by conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of micro-credential developers. The problem is characterised by the relatively slow adoption of micro-credentials in Malaysian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) due to the movement’s novelty and a lack of evidence-based strategies to streamline market-ready modules. Employing a mixed-method research approach grounded in Design and Development Research (DDR), the study utilised a 57-item likert scale questionnaire administered to 170 developers across 6 public Malaysian HEIs. Data analysis integrated descriptive statistics via SPSS and thematic analysis of qualitative insights. Results indicate that while developers possess a strong conceptual grasp of pedagogical needs; prioritising ‘bite-sized’ content and industry alignment; they faced significant barriers. Primary challenges involve unacknowledged workloads, a lack of monetary incentives, and technical difficulties relating to the security and portability of platforms. The study concludes that sustainable implementation requires a structural shift in HEIs.

Keywords

higher education, micro-credentials (3 – 5 keywords)

Downloads

PDF JATS XML

References

1. Abdul Halim, F. S., Luaran, J. E., & Lee, S. S. J. (2024). Unravelling challenges of higher education institutions in implementing effective micro-credentials: a multi-stakeholder qualitative study. Asian Journal of University Education, 20(1), 114-126. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Aberdour, M. (2016). Transforming workplace learning culture with digital badges. In D.,Ifenthaler, Bellin-Mularski, N., Mah, DK. (eds) Foundation of digital badges and micro-credentials: demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies, (pp. 203-219). Springer. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_11 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ahsan, K., Akbar, S., Kam, B., & Abdulrahman, M. D. A. (2023). Implementation of micro-credentials in higher education: A systematic literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 1-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11739-z [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Alam, M. A. (2021). Necessity of andragogy in the managerial education programs to facilitate learning of the professionals: A literature review. Asian journal of management sciences & education, 10(1), 1-9. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Alias, N. F., & Abdul Razak, R. (2023). Exploring the pedagogical aspects of microlearning in educational settings: A systematic literature review. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 20(2), 267-294. https://doi.org/10.32890/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Anderson, D.M., & Staub, S. (2015). Postgraduate digital badges in higher education: Transforming advanced programs using authentic online instructions and assessment to meet the demands of a global marketplace. Journal of Social and Behavioural Science, 195, 18-23. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Barnett, R. (2011), Lifewide education: A new and transformative concept for higher education. In N. Jackson (Ed.), Learning for a Complex World: A Lifewide Concept of Learning, Education and Personal Development. Bloomington: Author House. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bates, T. (2015). Teaching in a digital age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning. Retrieved from http://opentextbc.ca/teachinginadigitalage/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Bideau, Y.M., & Kearns, T. (2022). A European approach to micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability. Journal of European CME, 11(1), 2147288. https://doi.org/10.1080/21614083.2022.2147288 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Blaschke, L.M. (2012). Heutagogy and lifelong learning: A review of heutagogical practice and self-determined learning. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 13(1), 56-71. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v13i1.1076 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Blaschke, L.M., & Hase, S. (2019). Heutagogy and digital media networks. Pacific Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 1(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.24135/pjtel.v1i1.1 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Brown, M., Mhichíl, N.G.M., Beirne, E., & Mac Lochlainn, C. (2021). The Global Micro-credential Landscape: Charting a New Credential Ecology for Lifelong Learning. Journal of Learning for Development, 8(2), 228–254. https://doi.org/10.56059/jl4d.v8i2.525 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Caruth, G.D. (2013). Toward a definition of Andragogy: A grounded theory approach. International Journal of Advanced Research, 1(9), 600-607. http://www.journalijar.com/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Clark, R.C., & Mayer, R.E. (2016). e-Learning and the science of instruction: Proven guidelines for consumers and designers of multimedia learning. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Conde-Caballero, D., Castillo-Sarmiento, C.A., Ballesteros-Yánez, I., Rivero-Jiménez, B. & Mariano-Juárez, L. (2023). Microlearning through TikTok in Higher Education. An evaluation of uses and potentials. Education and Information Technologies, 29, 2365–2385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-023-11904-4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Corbeil, M.E., Corbeil, J.R., & Khan, B.H. (2021). A multidimensional roadmap for implementing effective microlearning solutions. In J.R. Corbeil, B.H. Khan & M.E.Corbeil (Eds.), Microlearning in the digital age: The design and delivery of learning in snippets (pp. 2-13). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Dabbagh, N., & Castaneda, L. (2020). The PLE as a framework for developing agency in lifelong learning. Educational Technology Research and Development, 68(6), 3041-3055. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-020-09831-z [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Elliott, R., Clayton, J. & Iwata, J. (2014). Exploring the use of micro-credentialing and digital badges in learning environments to encourage motivation to learn and achieve. In B. Hegarty, J. McDonald & S.-K. Loke (Eds.), Rhetoric and Reality: Critical perspectives on educational technology. Proceedings ascilite Dunedin 2014 (pp. 703-707). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Ehlers, U. D. (2018). Higher creduation–Degree or education? The rise of Microcredentials and its consequences for the university of the future. In European Distance and E-Learning Network (EDEN) Conference Proceedings (No. 1, pp. 456-465). European Distance and E-Learning Network [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Erickson, T.J. (2008). Plugged in: The Generation Y guide to thriving at work. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Flynn, S., Cullinane, E., Murphy, H. & Wylie, N. (2023). Micro-credentials & Digital Badges:Definitions, Affordances and Design Considerations for Application in Higher Education Institutions. The All Ireland Journal of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education, 15(1). https://ojs.aishe.org/index.php/aishe-j/article/download/709/1061/4057 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Gibson, D., Coleman, K. & Irving, L. (2016). Learning journeys in higher education: Designing digital pathways badges for learning, motivation and assessment. In D., Ifenthaler, N., Bellin-Mularski & D., Mah (Eds) Foundation of digital badges and micro-credentials: Demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies, 115-138. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Grant, S. (2014). What counts as learning. Open Digital Badges for New Opportunities. The DML Research Hub Report Series on Connected Learning [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Hanafy, A., (2020). Features and Affordances of Micro-Credential: Platforms in Higher Education. Master of Science Thesis, Tampere University. https://trepo.tuni.fi/handle/10024/124188 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Hunt, T., Carter, R., Yang, S., Zhang, L., & Williams, M., (2020). Navigating the use of Microcredentials. Journal of Special Education Technology. https://doi.org/10.1177/0162643420933568 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Karachalios, G., & Papadakis, N. (2023). Micro-Credentials and Skills: Towards A Paradigm Shift in Reskilling? Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(5).95-102. https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.105.14691 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Kohler, M., Gamrat, C., Raish, V. & Gross, E. (2021). Microlearning and micro-credentials in higher education. In J.R. Corbeil, B.H. Khan & M.E. Corbeil (Eds.), Microlearning in the digital age: The design and delivery of learning in snippets ( (pp. 109-128). Routledge [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Kohnke, L. (2021). Optimizing microlearning materials for mobile learning. In J.R. Corbeil, B.H. Khan & M.E. Corbeil (Eds.), Microlearning in the digital age: The design and delivery of learning in snippets (pp. 80-94). Routledge [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Kiiskilä, P., Kukkonen, A., & Pirkkalainen, H. (2023). Are micro-credentials valuable for students? Perspective on verifiable digital credentials. Springer Nature Computer Science, 4(4), 366. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-023-01797-y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Loeng, S. (2020). Self‐directed learning: A core concept in adult education. Education Research International, 1, 1-2. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3816132 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Leopold, T., Di Battista, A., Jativa, X., Sharma, S., Li, R., & Grayling, S. (2025). Future of jobs report 2025. In World Economic Forum. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Lewis, M.J. & Lodge, J.M. (2016). Keep Calm and Credential on: Linking Learning, Life and Work Practices in a Complex World. In: Ifenthaler, D., Bellin-Mularski, N., Mah, DK. (eds) Foundation of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_3 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Lim, C.L., Keppell, M.J., Nair, P.K., Hassan, N., & Ayub, E. (2018). Developing a framework for university-wide implementation of micro-credentials and digital badges: a case study from Malaysian private university. [Paper presentation]. IEEE 4th International Conference on Computer and Communications https://doi.org/10.1109/CompComm.2018.8780706 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Lockley, A., Derryberry, A. & West, D. (2016). Drivers, Affordances and Challenges of Digital Badges. In: Ifenthaler, D., Bellin-Mularski, N., Mah, DK. (eds) Foundation of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Moraes, E. B., Kipper, L. M., Hackenhaar Kellermann, A. C., Austria, L., Leivas, P., Moraes, J. A. R., & Witczak, M. (2023). Integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with Education 4.0: advantages for improvements in learning. Interactive Technology and Smart Education, 20(2), 271-287. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITSE-11-2021-0201 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Malaysian Quality Agency. (2019). Guidelines on Micro-Credential. https://www2.mqa.gov.my/QAD/garispanduan/Guideline%20on%20Micro-credential%2010%20Mei.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Malaysian Quality Agency. (2020). Guideline to good practice: Micro-Credentials. https://www2.mqa.gov.my/qad/v2/garispanduan/2020/GGP%20Micro-credentials%20July%202020.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Oliver, B. (2019). Making micro-credentials work for learners, employers and providers. https://dteach.deakin.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2019/08/Making-micro-credentials-work-Oliver-Deakin-2019-full-report.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Olneck, M. R. (2015). Whom will digital badges empower? Sociological perspectives on digital badges. In D. Hickey, J. Jovanovic, S. Lonn, J. E. Willis, III (Eds.). Proceedings of the Open Badges in Education Workshop. http://ceur-ws.org. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Orman, R., Şi̇mşek, E., & Kozak Çakır, M. A. (2023). Micro-credentials and reflections on higher education. Higher Education Evaluation and Development, 17(2), 96-112. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Paas, F., Tuovinen, J. E., Tabbers, H., & Van Gerven, P. W. (2016). Cognitive load measurement as a means to advance cognitive load theory. Cognitive load theory (pp. 63-71). Routledge. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Perkins, J., & Pryor, M. (2021). Digital badges: Pinning down employer challenges. Journal of Teaching and Learning for Graduate Employability, 12(1), 24-38. https://doi.org/10.21153/jtlge2021vol12no1art1027 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Puteh, F., Kaliannan, M., & Alam, N.. (2015, February). Strategic professional development: Does it conform to adult learning perspective. In ICMLG2015-The 3rd International Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance: ICMLG2015 (p. 316). Academic Conferences and Publishing Limited [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Phelan, S. E., & Glackin, C. E. (2021). A cautionary note on microcredentialing in entrepreneurship education. Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy, 4(3), 261-281. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Rossiter, D. & Tynan, B. (2019). Designing & implementing micro-credentials: A guide for practitioners. Commonwealth Learning, Canada. http://oasis.col.org/bitstream/handle/11599/3279/2019_KS_MicroCredentials.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Rothwell, W.J. & Graber, J.M. (2010). Competency-Based Training Basics. New York: Association for Talent Development (ATD). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Siemens, G. (2004). Elearnspace. Connectivism: A learning theory for the digital age. Elearnspace. org, 14-16 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Skulmowski, A. & Xu, K. M. (2022). Understanding cognitive load in digital and online learning: A new perspective on extraneous cognitive load. Educational psychology review, 34(1), 171-196. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-021-09624-7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Sweller, J., van Merrienboer, J.J.G., & Paas, F.G.W.C. (1998). Cognitive architecture and instructional design. Educational Psychology Review, 10, 251–296. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022193728205 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Tierney, A. M., & Westacott, R. E. (2021). Exploring the Potential of Micro-credentials and Digital Badging: Collaborative Cluster Final Report. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education. https://www.enhancementthemes.ac.uk/docs/ethemes/resilient-learning-communities/exploring-the-potential-of-micro-credentials-and-digital-badging-collaborative-cluster-final-report.pdf?sfvrsn=4eccd881_16 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Vinayan, G. & Harikirishanan, D. (2021). Empowering Heutagogy for 21st Century Learning. Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis Journal, 2(2), 47-52. https://doi.org/10.54480/slrm.v2i2.17 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Varadarajan, S., Koh, J. H. L. & Daniel, B. K. (2023). Correction: A systematic review of the opportunities and challenges of micro-credentials for multiple stakeholders: learners, employers, higher education institutions and government. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 20(1), 24. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-023-00381-x [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Vygotsky, L.S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Wills, C. & Xie, Y. (2016). Toward a Comprehensive Theoretical Framework for Designing Digital Badges. In D., Ifenthaler, Bellin-Mularski N., Mah DK. (eds) Foundation of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials (pp.261-272). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_14 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Willis, J.E., Flintoff, K. & McGraw, B. (2016). A philosophy of open digital badges. In D., Ifenthaler, Bellin-Mularski N., Mah DK. (eds) Foundation of digital badges and micro-credentials: demonstrating and recognizing knowledge and competencies (pp. 23-40) Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_2 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Wheelahan, L., & Moodie, G. (2021). Analysing Micro-Credentials in Higher Education: A Bernsteinian Analysis. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 53(2), 212-228 https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2021.1887358 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. World Economic forum (January 2025) The Future of Jobs Report 2025: Insight report. https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Yanek, J. J. (2020). Digital badges: a study of K-12 educators’ degree of exposure to 21st century skills developed through micro-credentials (Doctoral dissertation, Delaware Valley University). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Young, D., West, R. & Nylin, T. (2019). Value of Open Microcredentials to Earners and Issuers: A Case Study of National Instruments Open Badges. International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 20(5), 104–121. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v20i5.4345 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

Metrics

Views & Downloads

Similar Articles