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An exploration of the utility of digital badging in higher education settings

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Abstract

The use of digital badges is a trend in today’s education and professional settings. We conducted an exploration to see how badges are being used in higher education. Digital badges and more specifically, open badges, are used in a multitude of learning contexts and serve many purposes. This study conducted interviews with individuals leading digital badge initiatives in higher education institutions. Our findings suggest that badges awarded for participation are valued less meaningful than skill-based badges. For skill-based badges, evidence of mastery must be associated with the badge along with the evaluation criteria. Badge purpose, transferability, and learning objectives were noted as the top priorities when implementing badge offerings in higher education contexts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Old Dominion University, 228 Education Building, Norfolk, VA, 23529, USA

    Kimberly L. Carey

  2. University of Georgia, 850 College Station Rd, Athens, GA, 30602, USA

    Jill E. Stefaniak

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  1. Kimberly L. Carey
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  2. Jill E. Stefaniak
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Correspondence to Jill E. Stefaniak.

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Carey, K.L., Stefaniak, J.E. An exploration of the utility of digital badging in higher education settings. Education Tech Research Dev 66, 1211–1229 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-018-9602-1

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