Content-type: text/html Downes.ca ~ Stephen's Web ~ Researcher Martin Kurzweil on Why More Data is Needed to Prevent Fraud and Confusion in the Non-Degree Credential Landscape

Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

A common problem with privatized public services is the need for stringent oversight. Private companies are dedicated to making a profit, which means that the public interest might take second place. We see that problem evident in the world of non-degree certifications. "There's really no centralized resource for finding out about them," says Martin Kurzweil, "and a lot of providers don't participate. It's difficult to get quality information, so people find information directly from providers, creating a situation that leaves learners vulnerable to fraud and abuse." We might perhaps see some short-term solutions, such as the Credential Engine Registry, but this just pushes the problem back a level. Over time, what we need to anticipate and plan for is the erosion of the value of certifications generally (with perhaps the exception of major brands like MIT and Google).

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
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Last Updated: Dec 01, 2024 11:47 a.m.

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