Renee Kelly is the Assistant Vice President for Innovation and Economic Development at the University of Maine’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, which includes the Foster Center for Innovation (External Link). The center is a hub for innovative programs at UMaine and is “leading resource for innovation and commercialization,”in the state, according to their website. Kelly was recently named by MaineBiz as a 2022 Woman to Watch! Read the full profile on the MaineBiz website (External Link).
Can you tell us about the Innovation micro-credential you helped to develop?
The Innovation micro-credential requires learners to complete training in creating, communicating, and evaluating innovation strategies in order to develop an innovative mindset. This is what is called “a systematic approach to the innovation process.”
This micro-credential was created to expand on the innovation curriculum and provide options to those who cannot fit the courses into their schedules. It also provides an
additional benefit to those who study innovation at the University of Maine.
“The Innovation Micro-Credential is a way for students to document that they have practiced these [innovation] skills. They’ve learned them and if they get to Level 2 and 3, they have really started to apply those skills in the real world,” says Kelly.
How do learners earn the Innovation Micro-Credential?
Learners can earn the micro-credential in various ways. This includes taking innovation courses, or approved workshops. To finish the pathway, learners apply their learning by completing an approved innovation project, internship, or an advanced Innovation Engineering course. Learners reflect on their learning and earn an Education Design Lab skills-based badge in the process of earning the micro-credential.
More detailed information can be found on the Innovation Center’s website (External Link).
Further information on our work with the Education Design Lab can be found on our website.
Who has earned Innovation digital badges? Who can earn this micro-credential?
To date, UMS students, K-12 educators, and business people, as well as high school students who participated in the Tyler Technologies Maine App challenge (External Link) have earned Innovation badges.
“What I think is really powerful about the Micro-Credential Initiative [badges] is that they can be used to document learning that happens inside and outside the classroom so that employers can see the specific skills learners have acquired..” -Renee Kelly
Do you have any final words about the UMS Micro-Credential Initiative?
“I think this is the wave of the future.”
To learn more about the Foster Center for Innovation, the Innovation micro-credential, or to contact Renee Kelly, visit the Foster Center for Innovation website (External Link).
More information is available on Badgr’s public page for the Innovation pathway (External Link) and the UMS Micro-Credential Website.
UMS Micro-Credential Initiative – September 2022 Newsletter
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