In the framework of the Erasmus+ “Micro-credentials for higher education systems of Armenia and Georgia” /Micro-GEAR/ project a study visit was organized at the European University of Rome (UER), Italy on June 4-5-6, 2024. Micro-GEAR is supporting structural reforms in the higher education sector of the South Caucasus region, primarily focusing on Georgia and Armenia, with the aim of introducing and facilitating the broad increase of micro-credentials as a tool for improving relevance, quality and flexibility of higher education. The study visit was organized to facilitate the definition of the Status-Quo and Roadmap on Micro-credentials for South Caucasus. The representatives of the National Information Center for Academic Recognition and Mobility participated in this event together with partners from Georgia and EU partners. The experts from Armenian and Georgian partner institutions had an opportunity to share experience and knowledge, to get acquainted with the European good practices on micro-credentials, to learn how micro-credentials are integrated into the current Italian education system and refine the methodology for their implementation in their national context.
During the study visit the Director of CIMEA – NARIC Italia presented current situation on micro-credentials in Italy focusing on a concrete use case – Certificate of Specialization Course for Credential Evaluator (9 CFU credits) awarded by the European University of Rome and the micro-credential certified by CIMEA and APICE in the higher education sector, i.e. the Professional Certificate on Credential Evaluation.
The participants of the study visit had the opportunity to use the tool Micro-Evaluator for recognizing the above-mentioned micro-credential. Besides, the representatives of UER shared their experience how micro-credentials are integrated into the current academic process of UER in compliance with the QA standards. UER presented also a system of digital badges implemented at the university.
The study visit was summarized by the management board meeting and consortium meeting during which the partners discussed various project-related matters and planned future actions.
