Digital badging is an emerging education trend that offers a fluid, informal and flexible way for people to learn in different contexts and be recognised for the knowledge and skills they've acquired. As the name suggests, it is a contemporary, online version of a Scout or Girl Guide badge earned for a specific skill. A digital badge is customised, open source and available to everyone.
A "badge" is a way of displaying and verifying an achievement, ability, skill or interest that can be achieved in a variety of learning environments. It could be a formal academic award or the demonstration of abilities and "soft skills" such as leadership, communication, collaboration and organisational skills.
Badges are small digital images of pictures, symbols or words that signify achievement. The image is hyperlinked to information about who issued the badge, when, and the criteria of achievement. The receiver can display their badges on their personal websites, blogs, or digital CVs, and the hyperlink allows anyone to check the credentials of the badge.
What impact might badging have on traditional learning methods and institutions? We have identified three areas where badges challenges the status quo and offer innovative teaching and learning opportunities.
Badging for formal and non-formal achievement
Skills, knowledge and competencies can be acquired across many different contexts: in formal classrooms, on the sports field, through cultural events, in the workplace, through hobbies and clubs. Badging is a way to acknowledge learning that is authentic, networked and made of many parts. It connects formal and non-formal achievements, enabling a learner to showcase individual strengths and interests across a range of areas.
Badges can be used to evidence: achievement in a formal assessment, an endorsement from a peer, or recognition of soft skills. These can provide a more detailed and personalised learner profile.