How ASU is advancing ecosystems of trust

Creating and designing digital credentials has never been more important — during the first six months of 2022, an average of 1.7 million digital credentials were issued by 1,700+ organizations this is a 41.67% increase from the same time period during the previous year. 

And the interest is growing.

As the digital credential ecosystem expands, new partnerships emerge and innovative products and services arrive on the scene, there’s no doubt that it’s an important time to be part of this field. The TLN Unconference has been steadfast in advancing the digital credential ecosystem space since 2020. And for the upcoming 2023 event — taking place on Thursday, May 18 — the team aims to navigate and explore the future of digital credentialing.

“We’re creating the future of digital credentials, now,” said Trusted Learner Network managing director Kate Giovacchini. “We’re dedicated to meeting and exceeding the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape for lifelong learners to work, learn and thrive. I cannot wait to welcome Unconference registrants to Phoenix to roll up our sleeves and chart the horizon together.”

About the upcoming TLN Unconference

What’s unique about the TLN Unconference is that its content is driven by its attendees – the living agenda allows for fluidity in the schedule and subject matter to change. With a theme of “Charting the Horizon,” participants will enjoy an abundance of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organic, long-form discussions, networking sessions and more. Open Space sessions follow the Open Space Technology framework, in which attendees present topics for discussion. Some timely topics that registrants are looking forward to talking about include:

  • Connecting the skills ecosystem with trust and establishing LERs for all.
  • Credentialing and the future workforce.
  • Decentralized credentialing and user autonomy of data
  • Developing pathways for micro-credentials and digital badging
  • Identifying key stakeholders: how do we serve their needs and how are they represented in decision making 

Kerri LemoieGillian WalshDr. Kelly PageMeena Naik

Featured left to right: TLN Unconference workshop presenters Dr. Kerri Lemoie, Gillian Walsh, Dr. Kelly Page and Meena Naik.

Additionally, industry experts will join the Unconference to host workshops that allow participants to better understand best practices and how to think creatively about the future of digital credentialing. Dr. Kelly Page (LWYL Studio) and Meena Naik (JFFLabs) will host a workshop on how our personal stories influence how we co-design and innovate our digital credential and record ecosystem. Dr. Kerri Lemoie and Gillian Walsh, both colleagues from MIT’s Digital Credentials Consortium, will present a workshop on finding language to empower your community with verifiable LERS (Learning and Employment Records).

Other programming highlights include remarks from ASU Chief Information Officer Lev Gonick and Chief Information Security and Digital Trust Officer Donna Kidwell; Kidwell will also host a student panel to gain perspective from today’s learners.

All this knowledge sharing and learning will take place at ASU’s Thunderbird Forum at the Downtown Phoenix Campus. “As the world’s most technologically advanced management and leadership building, we couldn’t have picked a better location for the fourth annual Unconference,” said Giovacchini. Some highlights of the building include 31 million pixels of LED content, 1,600 square feet of displays, a VR language lab, and a global decision theater. (Take a virtual tour.)

Be part of this community to advance the most advanced digital credential ecosystem 

During the TLN Unconference, attendees will gain key insights for navigating the exciting uncertainty of what is ahead in the world of digital credentialing. Participants can also expect to engage with like-minded colleagues and connect with new collaborators while advancing their ideas and challenges and learning new tools and techniques.

Registration is open now for the fourth annual TLN Unconference – visit the event web page to learn more and save your spot.