Chapter 4. Six Roadblocks to Designing Digital Badges

Authors

  • Chris Gamrat
  • Brett Bixler

Abstract

Chapter 4 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 3), "Micro-credentials and Digital Badges," edited by Emily Rimland and Victoria Raish

Chapter 4 of Library Technology Reports (vol. 55, no. 3), “Micro-credentials and Digital Badges,” offers a reflection on factors that may influence the speed of adoption of digital badges. The concept of digital badges or micro-credentials has existed for the better part of a decade. However, their adoption has remained largely in the realm of pilot projects. We suggest that slow badge adoption is due to both internal and external challenges. In this chapter, we present six large obstacles that prevent digital badges from catching on: variation in badge design, assessment transparency, complexities in badge design, badge examination, badge value proposition, and buy-in for badges. We conclude the chapter with a reflection on how to avoid these obstacles where possible.

Author Biographies

Chris Gamrat

Chris Gamrat (PhD, Instructional Systems) is an Instructional Designer for the College of Information Sciences and Technology at Penn State University. He develops and supports the college’s Master of Professional Studies degree programs. Gamrat completed his Ph.D. in 2018 in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State. He is currently focusing his research on personalized learning.

Brett Bixler

Brett Bixler (PhD, Instructional Systems) is an Instructional Designer in the e-Learning Design Innovation Group (eLDIG), part of Penn State’s Smeal College of Business. Bixler believes that engaging, motivating activities are at the heart of stellar learning experiences. In his current position, he works with the latest education technologies and learning theories to design engaging courses. Bixler is actively investigating the use of badging, educational games, and gamification for educational purposes, and works with various committees throughout the university to provide teaching and learning opportunities to Penn State students, faculty, and staff.

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Published

2019-03-29

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 3 (2019): April

Section

Chapters