Digital Badges | Digitary Answers the Web’s Most Searched Questions
In today’s fast-paced world, continuous learning has become more important than ever before. Not only are technological advancements happening at an accelerated pace, but they’re also anticipated to reshape millions of jobs over the next decade, according to the European Commission. Because of this, individuals need to keep themselves updated with the latest skills and knowledge to stay competitive in the job market.
But, how can educational institutions and university registrars motivate students to pursue continuous learning when learners don’t see the immediate value in doing so? Read on to find out how organisations across the educational realm are using digital credentials to support and motivate students along their lifelong learning journeys.
As education landscapes quickly evolve, digital badges have emerged as valuable and verifiable symbols of achievement. However, the accelerated growth of digital badges has been understandably coupled with some uncertainty from education institutions.
To unravel these mysteries, we’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about digital badges and exploring how Digitary by Parchment empowers education providers to maximise their potential moving forward.
Getting to know digital badges
A digital badge is a type of digital credential that’s essentially an online representation of achievements or skills earned by a learner — often used in both educational and professional contexts today. They work by encapsulating metadata, such as issuer, criteria and evidence, to serve as digital proof of an individual’s competencies.
What is an Open Badge?
Open Badges are not only a type of digital badge, but also the world’s leading format for them. They’re designed with verifiability and portability in mind, encompassing specific details about an accomplishment and the actions taken by a learner to earn the badge.
Why are digital badges on the rise?
A recent report from 1EdTech and Credential Engine reveals that, as of today, there are 521,070 total badges worldwide that individuals can earn, and over 74,780,775 badges have already been issued — representing a 172% increase in total badges available and a 211% increase in issued badges from 2018. Some of the main factors contributing to the growth of digital badges include:
- Increasing shift toward online learning.
- Amplifying gamification in the education sector.
- Rising digital transformation in institutions and organizations.
- Growing emphasis on professional skills and development.
- Introduction of blockchain technology with digital badges.
Are digital badges secure?
Institutions can rest assured that digital badges utilise secure cryptographic methods to protect sensitive information and prevent tampering in online environments. This ensures the authenticity of a badge and the learning achievements it’s designed to represent.
How do digital badges align with traditional accreditation and assessment processes?
Traditional degrees and certifications remain incredibly valuable to learners. Digital badges aren’t meant to replace, but instead complement conventional credentials; all while offering a clearer overview of an individual’s specific skills and achievements within the existing assessment frameworks.
How are digital badges leveraged in educational and professional settings?
Because digital badges are flexible, portable and verifiable, learners can leverage them in virtually limitless ways. This might include sharing accomplishments on social pages for friends, family and professionals to see or using badges to elevate a resume and highlight specific competencies earned throughout their learning journey.
By introducing these credentials, education institutions ultimately enjoy increased marketability of their programs and a more granular view of student achievements. This helps schools attract a wider audience of learners and supports curriculum refinement.
Are digital badges worth it?
The short answer is, yes. Digital badges are increasingly valuable for educational institutions, providing the following benefits as a result:
- Enhanced program visibility and quality.
- Improved student attraction and retention.
- More precise achievement assessment.
- Better alignment with employer and professional needs.
- Boosted student engagement, satisfaction and success levels.
- A strengthened competitive advantage in the sector.
Get started with digital badges
According to a report from UPCEA and Pearson, alternative credentials are now offered by a staggering 94% of education institutions — with one in five offering digital badges. As digital credentials become increasingly indispensable in educational and professional realms, institutions can lean on the support of a reliable partner, like Digitary by Parchment, to introduce digital badging systems successfully.
Digitary is a leading digital credential platform that equips education institutions with the necessary tools to introduce digital badges effectively. Our solutions empower seamless implementation while enhancing credential security through blockchain technology, so your school can navigate the evolving digital badging landscape with confidence.
If your institution is ready to take its next steps in digital credentialing, submit an enquiry to discover how Digitary can support your objectives.
