Digital badges are a relatively new innovation for recognizing learning, achievement and skills via portable, transparent, digital image files which are machine readable, easy to search and verify, and indexed by Google. As with any innovation, you have early adopters as well as laggards at the end of the innovation adoption curve. Thus, some employers may not only understand what digital badges are and their usefulness, they may also be issuing them to their own employees through their organizational development platforms and programs.
Naturally, some employers may still not know what digital badges are, how they should be viewed, or how to "use" them. By all indications, digital badging is not only growing in adoption globally, but is permeating primary, secondary and higher education as well as alternative education, professional associations and corporate learning platforms. Institutions will best serve their students and employer stakeholders by ensuring both parties understand how to properly make use of digital badges.
The term "Badge" is used often but there are distinctions. CareerPrepped Skill Badges are "Open Badges." Distinctions are below provided by Credential Engine.
Badge - A recognition designed to be displayed as a marker of accomplishment, activity, achievement, skill, interest, association, or identity.
Digital Badge - A badge offered in digital form.
Open Badge - An Open Badge is a visual symbol containing verifiable claims in accordance with the Open Badges specification and delivered digitally.
Watch this video to learn more about Open Badges
Download our White Paper on Open Badges for Empowerment to learn more.