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A New Report Card
Tricia Boyson
Texas A & M University, Corpus Christi
EDFN 5301
Dr. Jacqueline Hamilton, Ed.D.
October 20, 2021
A New Report Card
Badgr, Credly, Accredible, are prominent names in the digital credentialing arena; they work with educators, businesses, and organizations to provide digital credentials. Digital credentials are well known throughout the educator community, and sometimes, digital credentials are referred to as badges. Digital credentials are representative of meeting set standards, which delineate a learner’s completion of specifically outlined courses with required actions or creations. In a previous course, I recently earned a few of these digital credentials, so I thought I would further investigate digital credentialing standards.
If you are like me, an educator, you may actually have a few badges in your “backpack” or “wallet.” For example, if you completed a Google Suites Educator Level One or Level Two Certification, your badge was issued through Accredible, and similarly, if you completed Adobe Educator Level One or Level two, your badge was issued through Credly. Google badges are touted as proofs of accomplishments, specifically, one must “demonstrate your mastery of Google tools in your classroom with the Educator Level 1 Certification.”(Google for Educators) Similarly, Adobe’s “course helps educators learn what creativity is, why it is important, and how to develop creativity in their students across subjects and grade levels, from young children through college students and adult learners.” (Adobe Education Exchange) Upon completion of the set standards, the badges serve as tangible rewards, validating and recognizing achievements; badges can be posted online or placed in portfolios, which serve as a record of learning.
Additionally, digital credentialing standards are found throughout other work environments, for example Starbucks, the University of North Texas, Walmart, and IBM. IBM “has issued its three millionth badge and hosts about 2,500 activities where badges are issued,” which may be earned upon the completion of set requirements. (Leaser, 2020) For example, IBM states that, “To earn the badge, you need to pass the associated badge quiz and complete an IEG scripting exercise.” (IBM) Currently, digital credentialing standards are varied; specifically, required courses, actions, or creations are stated within the organization.
Badging standards are generally found at the institution or company level. However, the credentialing company for example Accredible, Credly, or Badgr steps in to assist with administration and analytics, which in turn helps with applied research. At this time, the institutions, which offer the training, set the standards. However, that may change in the future, as there is a current consortium in place to further standardize digital credentialing. “The Digital Credentials Consortium was founded by leading universities with expertise in the design of verifiable digital credentials. Together, we are designing an infrastructure for digital credentials of academic achievement.” (MIT, 2021)
Adobe. Retrieved from
https://edex.adobe.com/professional-learning/self-paced-course/creativity-for-all-L1
Google. Retrieved from
https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/teacher-center/certifications/?modal_active=none
https://ibm.ent.box.com/notes/820867994158?s=2mxj9oo875dnvyznz5z3mnae6ddis7xw&mhsrc=ibmsearch_a&mhq=IEG%20badge
Leaser, D. (2020). IBM awards its three millionth digital badge (and disrupts the labor market in five big ways). Retrieved from
MIT Open Learning. (2021), Digital credentials consortium.
Retrieved from https://digitalcredentials.mit.edu/
