Credentials Unscripted

Hosted by Parchment

Technology Education

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Latest episode

Nov 2025

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About the show

In this thought leadership podcast by Parchment, we explore credential innovation, learner pathways, and the ways individuals navigate their educational and professional journeys. We'll be talking with leading experts to uncover how institutions and organizations are helping learners turn their credential into an opportunity.

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49 recent

November 4, 2025Episode 4820 min

How to Think About Credential Innovation

The credentialing ecosystem is evolving, with newer credentials like microcredentials and badges taking center stage. But, change is not synonymous with positive growth. As we transform the credentialing landscape, what should our rubric for success be? In this episode, we speak with Simone Ravaioli, Director of Academic Innovation at Instructure. His work focuses on strategic initiatives that advance learner-centric recognition systems and global credential portability. We sat down to discuss the next generation of credentials, how we maximize value for learners, and where he sees opportunities for impactful change.

October 21, 2025Episode 4726 min

Measuring Credential Value & Why It Matters

A decade ago, the "college for all" movement was in full gear. Since then, a sizable shift has taken place with a move towards other forms of credentials. Is that a good thing? How should we think about this shift? In this episode, we are joined by Matt Sigelman, President of The Burning Glass Institute, to discuss credential value, how to measure it and why it matters for learners, institutions and the workforce.

October 7, 2025Episode 4624 min

The State of Higher Education in America

What are American sentiments about higher education? How have feelings shifted over time? And, more importantly, what can be done? In this episode, we are joined by Courtney Brown, Vice President of Impact & Planning at the Lumina Foundation, to discuss Gallup's survey on American higher education, the challenge of ROI and the perceptions of politicization on college campuses.

September 23, 2025Episode 4524 min

Do Employers Want LERs & Badges?

Within the credentialing ecosystem, we talk about digital badges and LERs (Learning and Employment Records) with such frequency, that we often forget to ask ourselves core questions. What do employers actually want? Do they care about LERs and badges? In this episode, we are joined by Ian Davidsion, Chief Growth Officer at SmartResume. He shares what employers actually want, how to talk to employers about credentials, and why AI has accelerated the need for better communicating verifiable skills.

September 9, 2025Episode 4433 min

AI: The Future of Work & Education

How is AI going to shape the future of work and education? What skills will be needed? What evolution will take place? In this episode, we are joined by AI ethicist and strategist, Rebecca Bultsma. We discuss how to think and talk about AI, as well as the need to "become more human".

August 26, 2025Episode 4327 min

The Short-Term Credential Landscape & AI's Impact

Paul Fain, Journalist and Founder of Workshift.org, joins us to discuss the short-term credentialing landscape, how we measure ROI, and the potential impacts of AI on learners and the higher education ecosystem.

August 12, 2025Episode 4233 min

Achieving Excellence in Student Transfer

80% of community college students intend to transfer to earn their Bachelor's degree. Only 16% accomplish that goal. Why? To discuss the challenges of transfer and share how institutions can become more transfer friendly, we are joined by Tania LaViolet, Director of Research & Innovation at The Aspen Institute. She shares strategies from The Transfer Playbook 2.0 and discusses how we can assist learners in navigating their transfer pathway. To access The Transfer Playbook 2.0 in its entirety, click here - https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/playbooks/transfer-playbook-20-practical-guide-achieving-excellence-transfer-and-bachelors

July 29, 2025Episode 4127 min

Incremental Credentialing & Degree Along the Way

Listen to learn how Purdue University Global is crafting new pathways for learners through incremental credentialing and "degree along the way". We are joined by Jacob Askeroth, who shares how they implemented microcredentials into their degree programs and how they are awarding Associate's Degrees on the way to a Bachelor's. You can read more about Purdue University Global's exciting initiatives by clicking here - https://evolllution.com/incremental-credentialing-and-degree-along-the-way

July 15, 2025Episode 4034 min

Short-Term Pell & Credential Policy

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Van Davis, Executive Director at WCET & Vice President of Digital Learning at WICHE, to discuss recent policy discussions and legislation related to Short-Term Pell. Dr. Davis shares the latest in federal policy, the potential impact of legislation, and the evolving short-term credential landscape. As we discuss in the episode, WICHE developed a phenomenal report on "State Approaches to Short-Term Postsecondary Credentials, which you can read here - https://www.wiche.edu/resources/state-approaches-to-short-term-postsecondary-credentials-challenges-opportunities-and-policy-gaps/

July 1, 2025Episode 3941 min

The State of Career Tech Ed: Credentials of Value

The landscape of Career Technical Education (CTE) is rapidly evolving. What are states doing to maximize opportunities for learners? How are states grappling with the proliferation of credentials? To understand the current status of CTE in the United States, Emily Passias, Deputy Executive Director at Advance CTE, joins us to share their latest report on state policy, credentials of value and recommendations on state strategy. To read Advance CTE's full report, "The State of Career Technical Education: Credentials of Value", click the following link - https://careertech.org/resource-center/series/the-state-of-cte/