Getting Started with Digital Badging and Micro-credentialing

Speaker

Dr. Gina Solano
Assistant Professor
SUNY Oneonta

Brief Description

If you have wondered what the “buzz” is all about with digital badging and micro-credentialing, join this session to learn more about them and how to get started using digital badges in your courses. We will also discuss the differences between them and discover several ideas for designing micro-credentials in your department.

Full Abstract

Micro-credentials have gained momentum over the last decade. With so many jobs requiring technical skills and due to the nature of technology growing so quickly, there has become a need to provide mini-courses that will deliver just-in-time training without the obligations and time commitment of earning a full degree. Many working adults, as well as those re-entering the job market, require training to demonstrate competency, demonstrate their skills, or learn new ones through micro-credential courses. In the realm of higher education, many universities are already supplementing their existing degrees by offering additional micro-credential courses that current students, alumni, and the public can complete and earn a micro-credential that is verified by the university. Most micro-credentials also issue digital badges that can be displayed in a digital portfolio and used for a variety of professional uses. There is a multitude of ways to structure a micro-credential, but a good way to get started with them is by learning about digital badges. In this session, you will learn what digital badges are and strategies for integrating them into your teaching. Digital badging is an informal method of micro-credentialing that is still valuable to students and helps them to build their professional portfolios. If you have wondered what the “buzz” is all about with digital badging and micro-credentialing, join this session to learn more about them and how to get started. Plan for Session

Session Objectives

• Discuss the similarities and differences between digital badges and micro-credentials and why they are popular.
• Discover how to integrate digital badges into a course.
• Design a digital badge.
• Brainstorm what a micro-credential could be in a particular higher education program and why it would be valuable.

Biography

Dr. Gina Solano is an Assistant Professor of Educational Technology in the Department of Secondary Education and Educational Technology. She teaches a variety of courses in educational technology, research, and teaching methods on such topics as technology trends, STEAM, multimedia, online learning, instructional course design, and more. Her research involves the use of technology for service learning, social justice, and improving teaching and learning. Dr. Solano is avidly involved in providing professional development for K-16 educators by participating in conferences and workshops for improving technology adoption practices. When not at work, she loves to travel, craft, and cook with her family. She considers herself a teacher, techie, and traveler!

Session Notes

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