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Tangible Benefits
Badges should serve a purpose larger than a decoration. There should be some other benefit for students such as the next level of material, a positive job evaluation, or expanded options in the learning environment.
Meta-data
Much of the power in badging lies within the meta-data attached to what can be referred to as the "back of the badge". Focusing on this meta-data can help badges maintain value in a world where badges may be abundant. In an open badging system like Mozilla Open Badges, the most important aspect is the meta-data that allows the recipient to display the evidence that supports the badge (Jade Forester). Through the meta-data it contains, a digital badge should also let the viewer easily ascertain who issued the badge and how long it is valid (Association of College & Research Libraries).
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Reliability and Credibility
The issuer must clearly define how the badge will be earned. In most cases, badges need to be tied to specific learning outcomes or standards, although badges could also be earned for an activity, such as attending a class. Also, the criteria for earning the badge must accurately measure the skills it claims to represent. (Digital Badges in Higher Education: An Overview - a White Paper from Penn State University).
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Portability
Digital badges should have "portability," meaning they can be openly displayed online or off, and are not proprietary. Internet sites, such as Mozilla's Open Badges, provide a framework to ensure badges can be carried and displayed across systems. (The OpenBadges illustration included in the presentation is retrieved from http://openbadges.org).
Summary: A Well-Designed Badging System
To be meaningful, a badging system needs quality, validity, and integrity. Before issuing badges, a complete system for earning them should be instituted using solid instructional design and assessment principles. Well-planned, distinct opportunities for earning badges should be presented to the learner. In some cases, the learner can be presented with the chance to move up a level with each badge, or to gather a certain number of badges, which would then lead to a higher-level "super" badge. (Brad Hinsen, UCD).
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