Embedded Files
Digital badges are digital representations of achievements, skills, or competencies earned by an individual. They are becoming increasingly popular as a means of recognising and validating informal learning experiences. While there are several benefits of digital badges, there are also some weaknesses associated with them.
Digital badges can be described as an image file that contains information that provides evidence about the skill, experience, and knowledge a person has acquired after complete a course or some activities online (Fanfarelli, 2019).
Blockchain technology demonstrate the quality of security and transparency that guarantees that data cannot be altered as well as keep its records intact.
Open Badges represent skills, achievements, and accomplishments that occur in any context, whether that be formal, informal or non-formal, in and out of school learning, job training, online-learning, or self-learning.
Kerri Lemoie (BadgeChain)
Source: Fanfarelli, J. R. and McDaniel, R. (2019) Designing Effective Digital Badges: Applications for Learning.
The risk of Badges not taking off in the future
The risk of Badges not taking off in the future
Here I discuss the risk that digital badging won't take off due to a lack of coordination and support from government and institutions working together.
Open Badges - Mozilla Foundation
Open Badges - Mozilla Foundation
Systems such as the open badges infrastructure developed by the Mozilla foundation address the issues of identity, verification, validation and the ongoing management of badges. Badges created and issued using infrastructure such as this include metadata which is hard-coded (‘baked’) into the badge image file itself. This links back to the issuer, criteria and verifying evidence.
Open Badges is the world's leading format for digital badges. Open Badges is not a specific product or platform, but a type of digital badge that is verifiable, portable, and packed with information about skills and achievements.
BlockChain Solution - BadgeChain
BlockChain Solution - BadgeChain
BadgeChain shifts the Open Badges work to blockchain technology. With this new direction for Open Badges, this will address concerns including delivery and storage solutions. Blockchain technology offers us an opportunity to pursue implementations of badges as personal currency—currency that can represent not only skills but also trust, relationships, and reputation. The BadgeChain initiative is a vital next step in the development of the Open Badges Specification and its related ecosystem development.
Continuous Learning is seen as the key to remain competitive and effective at work. Very often, this also takes place outside the walls of a classroom.
Meta Data
Meta Data
Janzow (2014) suggests a meta data template with the following components:
achievement name
achievement description
issuer background information
issuing criteria
evidence of recipient’s qualifications
links to external standards about the achievement
badge dates (e.g., issuance, expiration)
keyword tags
Source: Janzow, P. (2014). Connecting learning to jobs through digital badges. Catalyst, 42(2), 9–11.
An example of how a Badged Course looks at the Open University, UK
An example of how a Badged Course looks at the Open University, UK
Badges demonstrate interest in a subject, evidence of professional development or a commitment to studies. Badged courses are highly engaging and cover a range of core subjects and professional competencies essential for the modern workplace.
A free Open University digital badge is awarded for completing all sections of a course and passing the assessments. Your badge and Statement of participation are downloadable from your OpenLearn Profile and can be shared on social media and displayed in LinkedIn or other eportfolio platforms.
Source: https://www.open.ac.uk/about/open-educational-resources/openlearn/delivering-free-digital-badges
Digital Badges on LinkedIn
Digital Badges on LinkedIn
Social sites like LinkedIn see the potential of badges and allow you to showcase your achievements by providing the option of adding digital credentials to your profile.
The image shows how badges can be displayed on LinkedIn.
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