Higher education is evolving rapidly, and micro-credentials are at the forefront of this transformation. Designed to provide flexible, skills-focused, and stackable learning, micro-credentials allow universities to engage a wider audience, align with industry needs, and support lifelong learning.

For university leaders—deans, pro-vice chancellors, heads of learning, programme directors, and course developers—the question is no longer if micro-credentials should be introduced, but how to do so effectively.

As universities expand their digital offerings, end-to-end online degree programme development has become a critical priority. Whether launching a single online programme or rolling out multiple new programmes, institutions must balance strategic planning, pedagogical excellence, learner engagement, and scalability.

At Learning Design Solutions (LDS), we specialise in helping universities create high-quality, market-driven, and globally accessible online degree programmes. Our expertise spans from strategic planning and programme visioning to full-scale course development, media production, and learning experience design.

In the evolving landscape of higher education, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) have emerged as a pivotal tool for universities aiming to extend their reach and showcase their academic excellence. However, developing a successful MOOC requires meticulous planning and a deep understanding of both the chosen platform and the institution's unique identity. At Learning Design Solutions (LDS), we partner with universities to navigate this complex process, ensuring that each MOOC is both pedagogically sound and reflective of the institution's brand.

Developing an effective online course or degree programme is a significant investment, requiring careful planning and strategic decision-making. Before committing resources to a full-scale rollout, universities and educational institutions can benefit from piloting their course designs—a critical step that allows for real-world testing, refinement, and validation of digital learning strategies.

The professional education landscape is evolving rapidly, and chartered institutions must adapt to stay ahead. Transitioning professional qualifications, CPD programmes, and training courses to online learning is no longer optional—it’s essential. A digital-first approach ensures greater accessibility, engagement, and scalability, but without the right strategy, institutions risk diminishing the effectiveness of their teaching.

At Learning Design Solutions, we specialise in guiding chartered bodies through this transformation, ensuring that online learning maintains the rigour, interactivity, and high-quality standards expected from professional education.

By experimenting with creating both human (me) and AI (Synthesia) presented video for the Learning Design Solutions demo course, I’ve found that both have definite pros and cons, and ultimately both can be the most appropriate approach depending on the context - aren’t we lucky to have the choice! Here I lay out my experience and what I’ve learned about when to use either (or both).