Level Up
Go ahead. Show them what you've got.
Michigan Tech has piloted offereing a limited number of microcredentials in the form of digital badges. These are portable and shareable and designed for learners to demonstrate specific skills. Badges are awarded for completing competency-based courses which are assessed, rigorous and taught by Michigan Tech faculty.
Essentials of Free and Open Source Software (Online)
Description
Introduction to command line Linux and Git revision control system, and various aspects of file and data management/processing. Other topics covered include data visualization using gnuplot, LaTeX document preparation system, minimal systems administration, and (semi) automation of computational (or visualization) workflows using functions and scripts.
After successful completion of this badge, learners will be able to:
- Use the command line to perform essential functions such as navigation, folder and file management, permissions and ownerships
- Use Git for version control
- Use gnuplot to manipulate and visualize data
- Perform basic document preparation in LaTeX
- Create and use simple functions and scripts to perform repetitive tasks
- Utilize basic system administration tools to evaluate system and process status
Total hours of effort required by badge earners: 25 hours (10 modules estimated at approximately 2.5 hours each).
Ethnographic Methods in International Research (Remote)
Description
Graduate-level field school training in ethnographic, community-based research on climate change, water resources, and agriculture in El Salvador.
To earn this badge, learners will:
- Understand and follow federal research ethics laws as well as similar laws in other
countries
Collaborate with international colleagues and students through intercultural dialogue and teamwork - Develop a detailed research plan that includes ethnographic tools, protocol, and strategies that can be used for the El Salvador project or transferred to other projects
- Practice interviewing key informants in El Salvador
- Analyze qualitative data to identify patterns and themes as well as generate future research questions and plans
- Apply sociological knowledge to the process of research design and communication among scientists and community partners
Total hours of effort required by badge earners: 30-40 hours over 2 weeks, starting 21 June 2021.
Natural Resource Professionalism (In-Person)
Description
Recipients of this badge will have demonstrated familiarity with professional expectations and conduct in the field of natural resource management.
Upon successful completion of this badge program, learners will be able to:
- Summarize the key expectations of professionalism in natural resources
- Describe some of the most common departures from professional conduct
- Clearly and articulately communicate the role of professional conduct and behavior in the classroom, field, and workplace
Total hours of effort required by badge earners: 20 hours (8 hours orientation, 12 hours assignments and small group discussions)