KSP684 - Classroom 5 - Message from Superintendent Miller

Using badging systems - they shouldn’t replace grades on assignments.

Examples of badging systems:

• Scouts - proficiency, technical skills, experiences, etc.
• Military - bars, stripes, etc.

Need to be able to provide/connect evidence of success if you are using a badge system.  Badge with no backup is meaningless.  If the badge is being used for resume or profile there needs to be proof of achievement.

Badge Sites:

• Mozilla Backpack
• Credly
• Badge OS
• ClassBadge

MNSU approved colors were used for our badges for this class.

Schoology has badge abilities.  D2L has this capability, but not active right now.

Why badge: Distinctive mark or token that signals achievement or allegiance.  Part of a group that like-minded people.

Apps award badges - they can have very little meaning but still be very rewarding and provide motivation.

Carl Kopp - disagrees that badges are a type of gamification.  

Badges are “gamification lite” - a place to start. Can create a lesson “Plan” that students can work on in their own time to earn badges.  There is no disadvantage to this.

Digital v. Open Badges - most are digital but can be physical (stickers, buttons, etc.).  Open badges = can be shared over multiple platforms and can be linked to proof or evidence of achievement.  Can be added to social media sites.  Digital badges aren’t shareable except for using the image or screenshot.

Implementing badges - use online platform or physical item.

Need to decide what the criteria is - leveling system?

• Need to map it out.
• Define goals or objectives.
• How many badges do they need to earn to become “experts”
• Option: badges for challenging or above and beyond tasks (perfect scores, boss level)

What does the literature say about badging?

• Most students are satisfied
• 20-30% of students will not engage in badging strategy.  
• Gamification doesn’t speak to them.
• Plan for differentiation and options.
• Helps students personalize their learning
• More options - extensions
• Brigham Young Ed Tech class
• Badging is still a manual process - not automated - need to assess student work, attach evidence to badging system, “send” badge to student
• Badging platforms are clunky

How many sections of the course are there?  Does there need to be consistency in the system? How do you ensure this? How do you know each instructor is judging the same way?  Rubrics?  Calibrated rubrics?