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    Digital Badges at RBHS

    FAQs

     

    What is a badge?

    Rutgers University has been embarking on an exciting new initiative utilizing digital badging or microcredentialing.  A digital badge refers to a visual representation of learned skills and knowledge.  It can be earned by attending a credit or non-credit bearing course, accomplishing a particular course requirement (co-curricular), developing a competency, or acquiring knowledge necessary for professional development. Badges may be sponsored by more than one school as well as by an industry/education partnership.

     

    What is the advantage of a badge?

    Badges are electronic and compatible across several digital platforms.  Learners may add a badge to their email signature, ePortfolio, LinkedIn page, or other social media platform.

    The digital badge contains metadata indicating the badge sponsor as well as how the competency was assessed. In most cases the learner must show evidence of learning or mastery of a specific skill (competency badges), although some badges may be awarded for participation in an event or for attending a conference (achievement badges). Artifacts representing the student’s accomplishment can also be stored electronically and be displayed for future use such as during a job interview.

     

    What is a stacked credential?

    Higher education has embraced badges as an “alternative credential” that can be stacked to form a microcredential.  These badges are centered around one concentration area with topics “leveled” from fundamental through advanced practice.  Microcredentials can also be stacked to form credit or non-credit bearing certificates.

     

    What types of badges are offered at Rutgers and RBHS? 

    Badges offered at Rutgers may include:

    • Standalone badges: one-off badges earned through noncredit learning experiences. An example might be attending a series of lectures reviewing professional content in preparation to take a licensure exam.
    • Academic badges: badges linked to credit-bearing courses. Most academic badges are competency-based in which the student learns a demonstrable skill that has been measured or assessed, but achievement badges (awarded for participation) may also fall under this category.
    • Professional badges: designed for graduates of any professional program who want to expand on their skillset beyond the entry level, maintain current credentials, and/or learn about new discoveries in their field of expertise.
    • Student Life badges: earned through athletic competition or participation in events sponsored by student affairs such as a Bias Prevention Badge, Leadership Training Badge, Peer Educators Badge or programs designed to help students prepare for job interviewing.

     

    How do I create a badge at RBHS?

    If you would like to create a badge or have one in development, please follow the steps listed below:

    Step 1. Determine the purpose for your badge and if it is the correct credential for your audience. Consider the type of badge you would like to create, what support is provided by your department or unit, and the necessary school/center/institute-level approvers.

    Step 2. Complete the Digital and Microcredential Badging Proposal Form. If you need assistance, please contact the RBHS Badging Coordinator, Barbara DeMarco, PhD, for a consultation. She can provide assistance with badge development and design so that it meets the university’s visual identity standards.

     Step 3. Your proposal will be submit through your school/center/institute’s approval process and then to the RBHS Badging Coordinator, Barbara DeMarco PhD. You will be notified of the final approval by Barbara DeMarco.

    Where can I find more information about badging at Rutgers?

    Microcredentialing and Digital Badging at Rutgers

    https://academicaffairs.rutgers.edu/microcredentialing-and-digital-badging

     

    Digital Badge Templates

    https://communications.rutgers.edu/services-resources/digital-badges

     

    Examples of Badges already offered at Rutgers

    https://www.credly.com/organizations/rutgers/badges

     

    Sample Badge