Towards a Micro-credential-based Engineering Curriculum for the Age of Artificial Intelligence
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46842/ipn.cien.v30n1a13Keywords:
engineering education, artificial intelligence, competency-based curriculum, microcredentials, lifelong learningAbstract
Engineering higher education is currently experiencing an unprecedented transformation driven by the rapid evolution of digital technologies, the widespread availability of information, and the growing incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) systems into nearly every domain of knowledge. Traditional curricula, organized into fixed-duration courses and rigid learning sequences, face increasing difficulties adapting to the pace at which industry and society require new competencies. This paper critically analyzes the current structure of engineering programs and proposes a new educational paradigm based on competency certification nodes. The proposed model replaces traditional course-based structures with a network of theoretical, practical, and project certifications that students may complete at their own pace. Furthermore, micro-credentialing is proposed as the natural implementation mechanism for this framework, enabling the accumulation of verifiable competencies and supporting lifelong learning. The role of artificial intelligence as a tool for self-directed learning is discussed, and the implications of this proposal for engineering education in the twenty-first century are analyzed.
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