Digital Badge Service (BadgEd) Evaluation
Earlier this year, all users of our digital badge service BadgEd were invited to take part in an evaluation of the service. This included Champions who support digital badges in Schools, Issuers who award digital badges to their learners, members of the Governance Group who give feedback and approval for new digital badges, and Earners who have been awarded digital badges.
Motivation and Value
Champions and Issuers work together on requests for digital badges. As part of this they are asked what their motivation is for creating digital badges and what value those digital badges would offer the University and individual Earners.
Of those that responded, all Champions and Issuers either Strongly Agreed or Agreed that their digital badges had been of value to Earners and to the University, and had delivered on their stated motivation:
“…(educators) request a digital badge for their programmes, which highlights they value this recognition” [Champion]
“All motivations behind badge requests have been achieved. We couldn’t be happier!” [Champion]
Respondents were positive about the value of the Service to help them in their work:
“It is great that the University offers a way to provide recognition” [Champion]
“The badges are a great advertisement of our offering as they might entice others who see them on participants’ profiles into taking a programme with us as well” [Champion]
Impact on Assessment
Some colleagues reported that being involved in BadgEd provided the opportunity to think more assessment, including different assessment methods. We are gratified to think that BadgEd may have helped in some way and may go on to have an impact on assessment practices beyond digital badges:
“… I definitely feel that the badges have led to those interested to consider alternative methods of assessment … should have a positive impact further than just the badges” [Champion]
“The way in which we assess has been enhanced through the badges programme” [Champion]
Impact on Earners
Earning digital badges will not be the most important thing to learners, which is as it should be. Also, different learners will view badges differently; for some they will be a source of validation that they do not find elsewhere and make a real difference either in how they see themselves or present themselves to others; for others it is a ‘nice to have’:
“Earners do seem to like the prestige of having a digital badge that is associated with the University of Edinburgh” [Champion]
“This type of evidence, allows me to present evidence to support my CV” [Earner]
“The skills themselves are most important, but the badge is nice recognition!” [Earner]
Working together
Champions, Issuers and members of the Governance Group suggest that we have formed a friendly and supportive team, providing effective training and resources, and guiding them through the process. Every digital badge will be different but there is still a lot we can learn from each other; BadgEd is very much a team effort!
“The strong support from a small team fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone works together… and feel part of a unified effort” [Champion]
“Communication from the Champion has been excellent throughout” [Issuer]
“Once the criteria is in place, it is a simple process to issue a badge” [Issuer]
“The training received when I joined the governance group was very comprehensive and I’ve always felt supported” [Governance Group Member]
How you fit in!
If this is of interest, we would be delighted if you get in touch to find out more and perhaps join us.
Those who are already involved suggest that we have formed a friendly and supportive team, and provide effective training and resources.
There is lots of information on our website to get you started and, if you have a Champion local to you, then they would be your first point of contact. If you have no Champion and would be interested in taking that role for your School etc., please get in touch via IS Helpline.
Further information
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