2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Micro-Credentials for Research and Service Learning to Enhance the Engineering Student Experience

Presented at Cooperative and Experiential Education Division (CEED) Technical Session 4

Many students are looking for flexible ways to achieve their educational goals and sometimes to expand their skills and knowledge beyond the traditional classroom. A large number of students pursue undergraduate research, service-learning, and even study abroad experiences, receiving academic credit documented on a transcript. Students value these experiences even though their credit hours during these semesters are higher than their peers. University leadership sees value in micro-credential programs in terms of revenue and professional development opportunities for students, staff, faculty, and alumni. Micro-credentials and digital badges have gained popularity in recent years as ways for higher education institutions to provide competencies, knowledge, and skills quickly and effectively, especially when the needs of the workforce change faster than the curriculum. This paper describes the challenges encountered in the educational framework, support, and student deliverables for implementing and designing digital badges within the College of Engineering. The badges allow students to take ownership of their learning at various levels and badge descriptions are more descriptive than generic transcript descriptions.

Authors

Dr. Robert J. Rabb P.E. Pennsylvania State University [biography]

Robert Rabb is the associate dean for education in the College of Engineering at Penn State. He previously served as a professor and the Mechanical Engineering Department Chair at The Citadel. He previously taught mechanical engineering at the United States Military Academy at West Point. He received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the United Military Academy and his M.S. and PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. His research and teaching interests are in mechatronics, regenerative power, and multidisciplinary engineering.
Mrs. Erin A. Hostetler Pennsylvania State University [biography]

Erin Hostetler is the Director for Student Research and Graduate Equity. Erin specializes in administering Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) programs, with a focus on increasing access to research and ensuring a standard and equitable experienc
Dr. Patrick Joseph Tunno Pennsylvania State University [biography]

Dr. Patrick Tunno is the inaugural Director of Penn State’s Center for Global Engineering Engagement and an Associate Teaching Professor. He has overseen and continues to lead the development and expansion of diverse international initiatives. Under his leadership, the college has established an award-winning Global Engineering Fellows Program, launched Penn State’s first 3+1+1 program for international students to pursue a one-year master’s degree, and initiated new interdisciplinary faculty-led study abroad programs. Additionally, he has worked for the Federal government, served on foreign language faculty, and led multiple study abroad programs. Tunno earned an M.B.A. at SDA Bocconi University (Milan, Italy) and a Ph.D. from Penn State, with his research focused on the development of global competencies through study abroad programs.
Dr. Christine B. Masters Pennsylvania State University [biography]

Christine Masters is the Assistant Dean for Academic Support and Global Programs and a Teaching Professor in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department at the Pennsylvania State University. In between raising 4 great kids with her husband of 35 years, she taught large enrollment statics and strength of materials courses for 12 years and has been leading the efforts focused on support, global engagement, and academic integrity as Assistant Dean since 2014.

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