How to Use Digital Badges in an Online Course

Betty Bugle

Updated on:

In today’s world, we do plenty of things online. These days anyone can browse information and shop using the Internet. Students can pay for paper and essay writing services to keep their grades high, and professionals can work without leaving the comfort of their own homes. And then, there are also online courses that enable us to earn degrees, learn a skill, get certified, or re-qualify in almost any field right from home.

Now, there are thousands of online courses of all shapes and kinds. Though they are all different, there are always some common traits they share. And, one of such common elements is the use of digital badges.

What are digital badges? Why are they important? And how are they used in online courses? Read on to find the answers!

What Is a Digital Badge?

Before we move on to discover the possible uses of digital badges in an online course, let’s get clear on the definition first.

In a nutshell, a digital badge is a verified virtual credential that lets users showcase their qualifications, skills, and other accomplishments online. Such badges typically contain verified metadata that describes the specific qualification a user has acquired and the process they have gone through to earn it.

The main reason why digital badges are so important in today’s world is that they allow people to display, access, and verify their accomplishments virtually. It is crucial in the world when so many people are communicating, hiring, and working online.

However, if we speak about using digital badges in online courses, in particular, there is one more reason why they are important. The thing is that learning online requires exceptional self-discipline and dedication. Often, either due to the lack of motivation or too high complexity of the course, students may lose the impulse to continue their studies. Of course, in this case, they can get essay help to handle their homework and somehow complete the course. But, they can achieve much more if you find a way to keep them engaged and motivated. And that’s where digital badges can come in handy.

Top 3 Ways to Use Digital Badges in Online Courses

Unlike some other types of digital credentials, digital badges are still rather new. They have been around for not as long as online certificates and similar things. Yet, they can be very handy in online courses, especially when used right.

So, how exactly can digital badges be used? Here are some of the most common ways:

1. Rewarding Learners for Overcoming Challenges

One of the most common and best ways to incorporate digital badges into an online course is to let learners earn them for overcoming challenges they face at different stages of progress. 

What makes this option so good? Well, we all know that learning can be tough. Going through an online course, students will inevitably face a whole range of challenges, and, at some points, it can get too hard to maintain motivation. That’s when digital badges can help.

By awarding digital badges to students every time they overcome a new challenge, you can keep them motivated to continue learning. Students will know that they will be rewarded for doing good on a course and will strive to put 100% of their effort into it.

2. Marking Completed Learning Modules

Do you know how players receive certain awards when progressing through different levels in video games? Now, what if you could use the same trick in your online course? Well, this is possible with digital badges.

By providing learners with digital badges after they move through every course module, you can make it easier for them to track their own performances. At the same time, this trick enables course creators to add a bit of gamification to their courses. And if you are wondering why it’s good, it is worth noting that gamified learning is known to be more engaging and fun for learners.

As a result, using badges this way can help you keep your students motivated, more engaged in the learning process and provide them with better learning experiences.

3. Badges for Completing Actions

Finally, one more possible way to use digital badges in an online course is to award them to students for completing certain actions. For example, this can mean giving badges for completing an optional task, submitting a specific task before the deadline, getting high grades, etc.

Want to make this even more exciting? Then consider implementing an additional grading system that will award learners with points for every badge they receive. Then, at the end of the course, offer your students to exchange their points for special awards. Or, for example, make it possible to exchange points for special class privileges such as extending a deadline, etc.

What benefits can you get from this way of using digital badges? Once again, it makes the learning process fun and makes it feel like a game. At the same time, incorporating such a “badge-point” system will help you add a sense of competition between your students. As a result, they will be more motivated to do their best during the course.

To Sum Up

These are some of the best ways you can use digital badges in an online course to deliver exceptional experiences and help your students stay motivated. Of course, there can be many other ways to use them. But, if you want to get started, stick to one of the methods described above, and you will not be mistaken!

 

https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/in-every-generation-review/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Betty Bugle

Leave a Comment