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Online learning and alternative credentials such as digital badges are increasingly in the spotlight, as higher education administrators and learners seek a path forward during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mary Ettling, director of Online and Education Outreach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, joined a global panel to discuss the University’s innovative education and workforce training efforts on Tuesday, July 21 during a Blackboard webinar, titled “Continuing Education: Emerging Trends and Accelerating Demand.” 

“Blackboard is a global leader in education,” said Ettling, “and we are excited by the opportunity to join other continuing education innovators in sharing our efforts to better serve adult learners during these unprecedented times. 

“Now, more than ever, it is critical for higher education to provide flexible pathways for students as they transition to online learning, while supporting efforts to deliver exemplary services for the entire campus community, whether in-person or virtually.” 

SIUE’s online degree completion programs were designed for students with associate’s degrees. Students from any state may participate and receive transfer evaluations for bachelor’s programs in applied communication studies–public relations track, business administration, criminal justice studies or integrative studies–emphasis on leadership in organizations. 

During the panel, Ettling emphasized the need for increased innovation and partnerships with state and local workforce agencies, employers and industry organizations, as institutions strive to meet new educational challenges in light of the pandemic. 

“Even prior to the pandemic, SIUE was strategic in serving adult learners seeking a quality avenue to a baccalaureate degree through our new online degree completion program and industry-aligned credentials,” Ettling offered. “These programs allow SIUE to serve students who have some college but no degree, through a flexible, online format that helps learners achieve their education and professional development goals.” 

In addition to online degree completion, Ettling emphasized the importance of alternative credentials, such as digital badges, in closing the perceived gap between the skills sought by employers and those possessed by candidates entering the workforce. 

“Digital badges and related alternative or micro- credentials demonstrate great promise as a strategy for closing the skills gap, and supporting the alignment of industry skills with traditional and nontraditional higher education programs,” she continued. “We look forward to continuing our work with local workforce agencies and employers on the launch of an innovative series of digital badges, leading to industry-aligned credentials in high-demand jobs such as quality assurance, and chemical and food science technicians.” 

For more information about SIUE’s online degree completion programs or to apply for a program of study, visit siue.edu/academics/bachelors-degree-completion/index.shtml. 

Photo:
Mary Ettling, director of Online and Education Outreach at SIUE.