Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential & Skills Innovation: Unlocking Pathways to Opportunity
This is a recap of a session from the 2024 ASU+GSV Summit. Watch the full session below.
In today's ever-evolving workforce, talent is abundant, but each individual’s specific pathway to opportunity is not always clear. That's why it's critical to accelerate efforts in digital credentialing practices to ensure that every student is equipped with the skills, credentials, and insights to understand how their talents align with the job market. To thrive and receive the support they need, learners must be shown how their skills in context can provide a clear line-of-sight to pathways of opportunity.
The WGU Achievement Wallet, a collaboration between Western Governors University (WGU) and Credential Engine, is a powerful platform designed to empower learners in this new era of alternative credentialing. WGU leaders Darin Hobbs, vice president, learning and employment records, and Kymberly Lavigne-Hinkley, director, learning and employment records teamed with Jeanne Kitchens, chief technology services officer of Credential Engine to present a live demonstration of the Achievement Wallet at the ASU+GSV Summit, sharing their experiences in designing, developing, and deploying this innovative tool.
WGU leaders Darin Hobbs, vice president, learning and employment records, and Kymberly Lavigne-Hinkley, director, learning and employment records presented a live demonstration of the Achievement Wallet at the ASU+GSV Summit.
Weaving the Tapestry of Skills and Credentials
The key to the Achievement Wallet's success lies in its ability to leverage open and available data sources, allowing individuals to create and understand the tapestry of their unique skills and talent brand. As Darin Hobbs explained, "We're not quilting, we're weaving. We're allowing individuals to create and understand the tapestry of their lives, so they can see clearly how their unique skills and talent brand fits into the context of employment and education opportunities."
The platform's design focuses on providing learners with a comprehensive view of their skills, credentials and career pathways. By integrating data from various sources, including the Credential Registry, the Achievement Wallet empowers individuals to explore their options, identify skills gaps, and access relevant learning resources to bridge those gaps.
Leveraging Linked Open Data for Holistic Insights
A key component of the Achievement Wallet's success is its integration with Credential Engine's Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL) and the Credential Registry. As Jeanne Kitchens explained, "The value of credentials is only there if there's adjacent data to that – what are the skills for that credential, what are the jobs for which that credential needs to prepare? All that kind of data is covered with the CTDL and with the Credential Registry."
By tapping into this linked open data ecosystem, the Achievement Wallet can provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of their skills, credentials, and career pathways, enabling them to make informed decisions about their educational and professional pursuits.
Learner-Centric Approach and Feedback-Driven Enhancements
The WGU Achievement Wallet was developed with a strong focus on the learner experience. Kymberly Lavigne-Hinkley shared the results of two beta tests conducted with over 3,500 WGU students, which revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback:
- 88% of learners found value in having their career and education information in one place
- 78% agreed that seeing the gaps between existing and missing skills clarified how they qualify for a job
- 75% expected the Achievement Wallet to enable them to advance in their careers
The feedback from these beta tests directly informed the enhancements and improvements made to the platform, ensuring that the Achievement Wallet continues to meet the evolving needs of learners.
Unlocking Pathways to Opportunity
The WGU Achievement Wallet represents a significant step forward in empowering learners to navigate the changing workforce. By providing a comprehensive platform that leverages linked open data, the Achievement Wallet enables individuals to understand their skills, credentials, and career options, ultimately unlocking pathways to greater opportunity.
"Our mission at WGU is to change lives for the better by creating pathways to opportunity,” Darin Hobbs emphasized. “That's what we're trying to do with the Achievement Wallet – to give our students and everyone else the tools they need to see clearly how their unique skills and talents fit into the context of employment and education opportunities."
The WGU Achievement Wallet is a shining example of how skill-based practices, credential transparency, and career exploration can be brought to life, transforming the way individuals approach their educational and professional journeys.
