LER

LER stands for Learning and Employment Records. A variety of contributors have developed an LER Ecosystem Map and links to various reports about these digital records. This presentation (from 22:37) at the ePIC conference is a technical overview of how things can/will change as we move to the Open Badges 3.0 specification and align with Verifiable Credentials.

One way to think of LERs is as e-portfolios full of digital credentials which evidence a range of achievements. These credentials may include 'hard' skills such as being able to program in a particular language, or 'soft' (increasingly called 'durable') skills such as teamwork. They may stand individually, or part of a pathway. They may be issued by an authority, or they could be self-issued. Equally, they could be endorsed by a third party.

Open Recognition is a key part of Learning and Employment Records (LERs) as a way to help people see the real value of the skills and achievements these records contain. It means that LERs don't just focus on formal education and job experiences but also include skills and learning gained from less traditional sources, such as volunteering or self-taught projects. This makes a person's LER a more complete picture of what they can do.

In relation to employment, the benefit of Open Recognition is that it means easier access to job opportunities, even if individuals do not have qualifications which have traditionally been required. Open Recognition allows us to recognise the value of all types of learning and experiences, which can help people who have skills but might not have obtained their skills and experience via the traditional educational route. This approach makes the job market more flexible and inclusive, allowing employers to see a broader range of candidates' abilities and making it easier for people to find work that suits their skills.