Enhancing higher education: Integrating micro-credentials and digital badges into university curricula in Ukraine

Valentyna Bobrytska; Tetiana Reva; Hanna Krasylnikova; Svitlana Protska; Sergiy Krasylnikov; Iryna But

doi:10.6092/issn.1970-2221/20293

Authors

Valentyna Bobrytska Drahomanov Ukrainian State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1742-0103

Valentyna Bobrytska is Professor at the Mykhailo Drahomanov Ukrainian State University and a leading scholar in educational policy. Her research focuses on higher education reform, digitalisation, and health-saving technologies. She leads the Master’s program in Educational Policy and has authored over 300 publications, including articles in Web of Science and Scopus. She also mentors young researchers in her scientific school.
Tetiana Reva Bogomolets National Medical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3367-5931

Tetiana Reva is Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Bogomolets National Medical University. Her research focuses on competency-based approaches in pharmaceutical education. She has a Doctorate in Education and a Scopus Hirsch Index of 4, with 11 peer-reviewed publications indexed in Web of Science and Scopus. She delivers Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry and pharmaceutical education methods.
Hanna Krasylnikova Khmelnytsky National University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4846-722X

Hanna Krasylnykova is Professor at Khmelnytsky National University and expert in quality assurance and pedagogy in higher education. She leads the Master's program in Vocational Education and has authored over 250 publications, including articles in Web of Science and Scopus. Her work focuses on professional training, pedagogical diagnostics, and innovative teaching methods. She founded and heads the university’s Department of Quality Assurance.
Svitlana Protska Mykhailo Drahomanov Ukrainian State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9212-8700

Svitlana Protska is PhD in Education and teaches at the Mykhailo Drahomanov Ukrainian State University. Her research focuses on the use of digital and Google-based technologies in higher education, particularly in educational policy and leadership training. She lectures in “Educational Policy and Leadership” and “Expert Support for Quality Assurance in Education” for Master’s students.
Sergiy Krasylnikov Khmelnytsky National University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0221-0813

Sergij Krasylnykov, PhD in Engineering, teaches at Khmelnytskyi National University. His research explores digital competence in vocational teacher training for motor vehicle transport. He has authored over 70 publications, including monographs, a textbook, and teaching materials. He lectures on ICT, software applications, web design, and road transport.
Iryna But Bogomolets National Medical University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7277-1790

Iryna But, PhD in Education, is an administrative assistant at the Department of Drug Chemistry and Drug Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Bogomolets National Medical University. Her research focuses on innovative methods for teaching chemistry, particularly pharmaceutical chemistry, in both classroom and distance learning settings. She contributes to improving instructional approaches for pharmacy education.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6092/issn.1970-2221/20293

Keywords:

digital badges, micro-credentials, student employability, higher education

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of integrating digital badges and micro-credentials into university curricula on student engagement, motivation, and employability. Using a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative data (Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pre- and post-intervention assessments) and qualitative data (focus groups with students, course trainers, and employers) were analyzed. Findings reveal that micro-credentials significantly enhanced student engagement and motivation, as well as improved perceived employability. Course trainers noted the effectiveness of digital badges in providing structured feedback and fostering goal-oriented learning. Employers valued the skills demonstrated by micro-credentials but recommended incorporating emerging industry skills and soft skills for greater relevance. Challenges related to system navigation and technical integration highlight the need for clearer guidance and technological support. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impact of micro-credentials on career advancement and to assess their broader applicability across various sectors.

References

Black, S., & Allen, J. D. (2016). Part 1: Foster intrinsic motivation. The Reference Librarian, 58(1), 91–105. https://doi.org/10.1080/02763877.2016.1200515

Bećirović, S. (2023). Challenges and barriers for effective integration of technologies into teaching and learning. In Digital Pedagogy. SpringerBriefs in Education (pp. 123-133). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-0444-0_10

Carey, K. L., Stefaniak, J. E. (2018). An exploration of the utility of digital badging in higher education settings. Educational Technology Research and Development, 66, 1211–1229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9602-1

Cheng, Z., Richardson, J. C. & Newby, T. J. (2020). Using digital badges as goal-setting facilitators: a multiple case study. Journal of Computing in Higher Education, 32, 406–428. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12528-019-09240-z

Dyjur, P., & Lindstrom, G. (2017). Perceptions and uss of digital badges for professional learning development in higher education. TechTrends, 61, 386–392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-017-0168-2

Fantinelli, S., Cortini, M., Di Fiore, T., Iervese, S., & Galanti, T. (2024). Bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical application: A qualitative study in the Italian educational context. Education Sciences, 14(2), Article 198. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14020198

Fong, J., Janzow, P., & Peck, K. (2016). Demographic shifts in educational demand and the rise of alternative credentials. Education Review, 7(2), 24-31. https://shorturl.at/oWe9g

Ghasia, M. A., Machumu, H. J., & DeSmet, E. (2019). Micro-credentialing educational technology: A study of perceptions, challenges, and opportunities for recognition of digital badges in higher education. Journal of Learning for Development, 6(2), 151-165. http://hdl.handle.net/1854/LU-8622229

Gibson, D., Ostashewski, N., Flintoff, K., Grant, S., & Knight, E. (2015). Digital badges in education. Education and Information Technologies, 20(2), 403-410. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-013-9291-7

Cranmer, G. (2017). One-group pretest–posttest design. In The SAGE Encyclopedia of Communication Research Methods (Vol. 4, pp. 1125-1126). SAGE Publications, Inc, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781483381411

Gresham, J., & Ambasz, D. (2019). Ukraine - Resume Flagship Report: Overview (English). World Bank Group. http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/360951568662377063/Overview

Howard, J. L., Bureau, J. S., Guay, F., Chong, J. X. Y., & Ryan, R. M. (2021). Student motivation and associated outcomes: A meta-analysis from self-determination theory. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 16(6), 1300-1323. https://doi.org/10.1177/1745691620966789

Jaramillo-Mediavilla, L., Basantes-Andrade, A., Cabezas-González, M., & Casillas-Martín, S. (2024). Impact of gamification on motivation and academic performance: A systematic review. Education Sciences, 14(6), Article 639. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14060639

Kaminskyi, O. Y., Yereshko, Y. O., & Kyrychenko, S. O. (2018). Digital transformation of university education in Ukraine: trajectories of development in the conditions of new technological and economic order. Information Technologies and Learning Tools, 64(2), 128-137. https://doi.org/10.33407/itlt.v64i2.2083

Lockley, A., Derryberry, A., & West, D. (2016). Drivers, affordances and challenges of digital badges. In D. Ifenthaler, N. Bellin-Mularski, & D. K. Mah (eds), Foundation of digital badges and micro-credentials (pp. 55-70). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_4

Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (2021). Konceptualno-referetyvna ramka tsyfrovykh kompetentnosti pedahohichnykh i naukovo-pedahohichnykh pratsivnykiv/Conceptual and Reference Framework for the Digital Competence of Educational and Instructional University Personnel. Osvita.Diia. https://osvita.diia.gov.ua/uploads/0/2900-2629_frame_pedagogical.pdf

Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine (2023). Konceptualno-referetyvna ramka tsyfrovykh kompetentnostey pratsivnykiv okhorony zdorovya ta zabezpechennia rozvytku informtsiynoi kultury, tsyfrovoyi hramotnosti (tsyfrovoi osvidechenosti), kiberbezpeky I kiberhihieny pratsivnykiv sfery okhorony zdorovia / Conceptual and abstract framework for digital competencies of healthcare workers and ensuring the development of information culture, digital literacy (digital awareness), cybersecurity and cyberhygiene of healthcare employees. Ministry of Healthcare of Ukraine. https://shorturl.at/HP2fg

Nozhovnik, O., Harbuza, T., Teslenko, N., Okhrimenko, O., Zalizniuk, V., & Durdas, A. (2023). Chatbot gamified and automated management of L2 learning process using smart sender platform. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 9(3), 603-618. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.9.3.603

Olefirenko, T. O., Bobrytska, V. I., Batechko, N. G., Reva, T. D., & Chkhalo, O. (2021). Involving university stakeholders in upgrading the fostering of students’ readiness to embark on a career. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 20(4), 170-189. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.4.10

Oliver, B. (2019). Making micro-credentials work for learners, employers, and providers. Deakin University. https://shorturl.at/E5DmU

Pirkkalainen, H., Sood, I., Padron Napoles, C., Kukkonen, A., & Camilleri, A. (2022). How might micro-credentials influence institutions and empower learners in higher education? Educational Research, 65(1), 40–63. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131881.2022.2157302

Schoenenberger, H. (2024). The impact of digital badges on student learning and engagement. In H. Schoenenberger (eds), Connected learning: Origins, opportunities, and perspectives of contemporary educational design (pp. 79-103). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-37813-3_3

Tamoliune, G., Greenspon, R., Tereseviciene, M., Volungeviciene, A., Trepule, E., & Dauksiene, E. (2023). Exploring the potential of micro-credentials: A systematic literature review. Frontiers in Education, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.1006811

Timotheou, S., Miliou, O., Dimitriadis, Y., Sobrino, S. V., Giannoutsou, N., Cachia, R., Monés, A. M., & Ioannou, A. (2023). Impacts of digital technologies on education and factors influencing schools’ digital capacity and transformation: A literature review. Education and Information Technologies, 28, 6695–6726. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-022-11431-8

Zimanyi, Z., & Schüler, J. (2021). The dark side of the moon. In C. Peifer, & S. Engeser (eds). Advances in flow research (pp. 171-190). Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-53468-4_7

Enhancing higher education: Integrating micro-credentials and digital badges into university curricula in Ukraine

Authors

DOI:

Keywords:

Abstract

References

Downloads

Published

How to Cite

Issue

Section

License

Language

Make a Submission

Keywords

Current Issue