View examples of how countries are implementing this aspect
The use of ICT in validation might be a game changer for possible approaches to identifying, documenting, assessing and certifying competences. The spread of ICT systems allows for easier establishment of database repositories of learners and their knowledge and competences achieved. Centralised registries can collect information from an individual in all their learning experiences and learning achieved. This information might be more transferable through inter-operability options that allow ICT systems to speak to each other.
Digital formats for certificates can hold a large amount of information, which can be more detailed and exhaustive, making the certificate more transparent and providing more information to the reader of the certificate. Use of artificial intelligence might provide an opportunity to match an individual’s skills profile better with learning, work or volunteer opportunities.
Box 26 shows the minimum requirements based on the EQF Recommendation, as the main elements that should appear in any qualification/certificate. These have been the bases for developing Europass digital credentials and its learning model, which includes 487 properties to describe the certificate in terms of issuer, owner, achievements, activities and entitlements .
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Source: Cedefop, based on EQF Recommendation.
Digital certification can be checked much more quickly for authenticity and its information can be compared across sectors more easily; this makes recognition faster and easier. Blockchain technology also can increase the security and make it harder for people to falsify certificates.
ICT also provides opportunities for new ways of identifying, documenting and assessing skills. Self-assessment tools and use of bots that assist individuals in identifying their interest, skills and prospects are now common in many validation processes as a first step. Skills passports or e-portfolios might be used to collect information on learning achieved in different contexts, enabling a full repository of individual trajectories. New forms of assessment, such as 365 evaluation techniques and peer evaluation, might open up interesting ways to document and assess skills. New technology also allows for demonstration of skills using virtual reality and computing adaptive tests allow for more efficient test delivery in a shorter time.
However, ICT promises need to be paired with elements of quality assurance (see 4.5) and control. Personal data protection needs to be assured and individual ownership, with choices on what information to share, is necessary. All these elements connected to ICT need to be considered against cost and objectives of the validation process, but a strategic approach to validation, considering them from a starting point and in relation to other services, will increase efficiency gains and reduce cost.
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