- Microtraining and personalized training are two of the new forms of learning that are increasingly appearing in the offer of training programmes at universities
- The need to continue to grow throughout life in a world of technological and workplace changes forces people to look for new ways to update their skills and knowledge that are compatible with their day-to-day life
The concept of Long Life Learning emerged some time ago in response to the growing need to continue learning throughout life in a constantly changing world. Technological advances and transformations in the workplace force people to adapt and constantly update their skills and knowledge, if they do not want to be left behind.
This is how new ways of learning appear, not only to respond to emerging needs, but also to make learning more accessible, flexible and personalized. Concepts such as online learning, microtraining, adaptive learning or experiential learning have already become part of the future plans of universities, especially considering the context of demographic decline that will become apparent in a few years.
The UVic-UCC offers learning outside the traditional classroom, which can be followed at any time and from any place
Through its Postgraduate School, the University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC) has already set the stage in this process of adapting to the new way that people search for, consume and apply knowledge in a digital world. It offers learning that is not limited to traditional classroom environments but can take place at any time and in any place, so that it is can meet personal and professional needs as well as possible. Microcredential training and tailor-made training are two examples.
Microcredential training to respond to the new demands of the labour market
It is indisputable that professional requirements change at a dizzying pace and the need to have up-to-date knowledge is clearer than ever. Consequently, this year the Postgraduate School has launched its own offering of microcredential training. These are certificates that validate the learning gained in short-term training experiences, structured around one or three ECTS credits. These are being proposed as an indispensable tool in the current educational landscape because they are becoming a dynamic alternative to traditional degrees.
These microtraining courses certify the acquisition of specific skills and enable students and professionals to update their curriculum vitae quickly and efficiently, without spending a lot of time or making large financial investments in extensive programmes. It is a type of training that is increasingly in demand and represents a revolution in higher education.
Microtraining courses certify the acquisition of specific skills and enable people to bring themselves up to date in a fast and efficient way
Four courses in the business world, with a view to expanding them to all the University’s main areas
During this academic year, the UVic Campus has launched four microcredentials, each worth one ECTS credit. These courses, with a teaching load of 25 hours, have primarily been offered within the scope of companies, but the University plans in the near future to expand the offering into its other main areas. The microtraining courses are: Innovation and Intrapreneurship; Transform your Business with AI; Soft Skills for the Digital Environment; and Business Finance for Financial Profiles. All of them are aimed at active professionals in the business sector who want to update their skills, but also want the guarantee of quality that the university offers them.
With a coherent structure and focused on practical learning, the microtraining courses include teaching materials, personal work, self-assessment tests, teacher support through forums and e-mail, assessment surveys and access to the virtual classroom. The goal is for students to have the necessary tools to thrive at work and grow personally.
The main virtue of these training courses is that everyone can follow them when they want and at the pace they want, thanks to their completely virtual and asynchronous format. This allows maximum flexibility to adapt to day-to-day life.
Tailor-made training, a new field to enter
Tailor-made training offers a unique opportunity for companies and institutions to improve their staff’s skills and knowledge in a specific, tailored way, through close collaboration with the university to guarantee quality, long-lasting training. Companies such as Benito Urban, the Consorci Hospitalari de Vic, Catalonia Food Retail, Innovi and Mespack have trusted the UVic Campus to train employees and managers in specific aspects that are strategic to them and that will allow them to advance towards innovation. UVe Solutions, Grup Gamma and Avinent, among others, have achieved the same on the UManresa Campus, which has also started working with companies in the food sector. On this campus, a dozen tailor-made training courses were taught last year. They trained 168 people in management development programmes, team management and leadership development, and training and skills improvement, which is about customer service, communication and self-knowledge.
The aim is to adapt the academic programmes to the specific objectives requested by the company
In addition, Elisava is building a consistent offer in the field of management, in which it is committed to a much broader perspective, from the perspective of innovation and disruption driven by creativity. The Faculty has a series of executive master’s degrees that work with creativity and the tools of what is known as business design to address business challenges from “imagination”, rather than from “administration”. These are programmes that address the design of futures, innovative business models, the connection with new social perspectives, inclusion and sustainability, or creative leadership, among others.
Adapting its academic programmes to include specific aspects requested by a company is the objective that the University must meet in these training courses. The experience gained over the years of developing teaching methodologies makes it possible to offer adapted training, which can range from typical lectures to practical workshops, case studies or simulation, which are particularly effective for the development and training of practical, immersive skills in environments that are close to reality.
In addition, the University makes available to companies all the teaching and research experience of its teaching and research staff, which guarantees quality training, while maintaining close collaboration with company professionals and industry experts. Finally, these tailor-made training courses result in obtaining certificates and academic recognition, which is validated and recognized by any company or institution as part of their own professional development.
“Connecting education and the labour market”
The new learning methodologies will be fundamental for the educational future, due to their ability to be personalized through artificial intelligence, by offering adaptability to individual needs and rhythms. The flexibility of resources such as microlearning and online platforms facilitates access to education at any time and reduces inequality by enabling learning through the deployment of connectivity globally. Currently, training in microcredentials, learning units that validate in-demand skills, that connect education and the labour market, is particularly relevant. The use of gamification is also gaining momentum, as this experience increases student engagement, and in the coming years virtual reality will offer immersive experiences. We are moving towards a world where global collaboration with other educational institutions through online platforms will prepare students for a globalized world.
Eduard Prats, director of the UVic Campus Postgraduate School
“Modular learning, key for universities”
Microcredentials and microtraining meet the need for flexibility and adaptability in a rapidly evolving world of work. Their cumulative value makes it easy for each person to tailor their training, as individualized pathways can be created for each person, considering their previous training and experiences.
This trend towards more modular, specific learning is particularly relevant for universities, if we want to maintain our relevance and competitiveness.
UManresa’s strategy is based on close collaboration with entities and companies, and on the incorporation of simulation, which allows realistic environments to be recreated for the training and assessment of specific professional skills.
Carlota Riera, Director of Corporate Development of the Bages University Foundation