Digital Credentials Explained #28: Industry News and Latest Updates
Welcome to the September edition of our newsletter! As we wrap up summer and head into fall, the world of digital credentials is as dynamic as ever. This month, we’re excited to bring you the latest stories and developments from education, technology, and beyond.
Dive into these handpicked articles, designed to keep you informed and inspired as we move toward a future where credentials, identity verification, and employment are revolutionized by technology. Let’s explore how the global digital ecosystem is shaping up and how it impacts all of us.
10 Schools Found Their Footing by Creating Quality Alternative Credentials
Senior leadership in higher education is increasingly recognizing alternative credentials as key to boosting enrollment, with accreditors taking notice. Despite challenges like costs and lack of transparent data, institutions are finding success by modeling programs from leading schools that offer micro-credentials and digital badges.
For instance, Kansas State University has set a goal to enroll thousands in such programs by 2030, leveraging a digital credentialing system that aligns with existing technologies. The University of Maine System is focusing on system-wide collaboration and innovative development of micro-credentials, aiming for every student to earn at least one, backed by a strong quality assurance framework. Similarly, Schoolcraft College is addressing local workforce needs in Michigan by partnering with industries to offer tailored credential programs. These examples demonstrate how institutions can overcome barriers to implement effective alternative credential programs.
Beyond the Form Factor: The Story of Digital Wallets Is Still Unwritten
The digital wallet has come a long way since its beginnings in 2003, with platforms like Alipay paving the way for major players such as Google Wallet. While initially designed for financial transactions, digital wallets have evolved to store much more than money—now offering secure storage for non-financial credentials like IDs, loyalty cards, and verified credentials.
Sertifier is taking this evolution a step further with Verified, which allows users to securely store, share, and showcase their digital credentials such as certificates, badges, and professional achievements. With the ability to authenticate skills and qualifications in a safe, tamper-proof way, the Verified Wallet provides both individuals and organizations with a streamlined solution for credential management. Whether for job applications, higher education, or personal branding, the Verified Wallet creates new opportunities for verified credential portability.
Despite ongoing challenges like internet connectivity and adoption hurdles, digital wallets are becoming a cornerstone of everyday life, particularly for Generation Z. A recent panel discussion underscored their growing role in transforming payment systems, identity verification, and credential management.
Hawaii Becomes the 7th State Offering mDL in Apple Wallet
Hawaii has officially launched mobile driver's licenses (mDL) that can be added to Apple Wallet on iPhones and Apple Watches, becoming the seventh U.S. state to support this feature. Starting August 28, 2024, REAL ID-compliant driver's licenses and state IDs will be accessible digitally and accepted at TSA checkpoints at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, Apple Stores across the U.S., and in select apps for identity or age verification.
This move is part of a broader, albeit uneven, national trend toward implementing mDLs, with 14 states now running active programs. The transition to digital IDs is supported by various federal initiatives, though nationwide adoption continues to develop gradually.
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Malaysian Government Taps Worldcoin To Improve Digital Identity Solutions
World has partnered with the Malaysian Government to integrate its iris scanning technology into Malaysia's digital infrastructure, aiming to enhance digital credentials. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aligns with Malaysia’s National Blockchain Roadmap which focuses on adopting blockchain beyond cryptocurrency to optimize government transparency, supply chain, healthcare, and more.
The partnership will explore developing national digital identity solutions, leveraging Worldcoin’s technology for advanced identity verification.
Case Western Reserve Researchers Collaborate with Walmart to Explore Whether AI Can Aid the Hiring Process
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University , supported by a $250,000 Walmart grant, are exploring if AI can eliminate bias in hiring by enhancing Learning and Employment Records (LERs)—digital resumes that verify a person's skills, education, and work history.
The project aims to simplify LER systems, making them more user-friendly and trustworthy. Challenges like privacy, fairness, and data security are being addressed through a proposed decentralized, privacy-preserving data architecture. This innovation could transform hiring processes, making job markets more equitable by accurately matching skills with job requirements.
Before Next Time...
As we continue to watch the landscape of digital credentials evolve, one thing is clear—these innovations will shape the future of how we learn, work, and interact. We hope this newsletter keeps you informed about the exciting developments taking place across industries. At Sertifier, we’re committed to empowering individuals and institutions with the tools to succeed in this digital-first world.
Thank you for being a valued member of the Sertifier community. Stay tuned for more updates, news, and insights as we continue to lead the way in credentialing innovation.
Meanwhile:
Best,
The Sertifier Team