When I first considered joining Purdue University’s Learning Design and Technology (LDT) program, the concept of digital badges caught my attention immediately. During a conversation with Zach from admissions, he introduced me to the idea of LDT Badges. He described these badges not merely as digital stickers, but as powerful assets that transform a portfolio into a “living, breathing resume.” This sparked my imagination and made me realize the potential value of digital credentials displayed prominently on my LinkedIn profile.
Initially, I saw these badges as a practical marketing tool for universities. They help attract prospective students by clearly highlighting the skills learners will acquire. Indeed, these badges played a crucial role in my decision to enroll, convincing me that they would help me quickly gain marketable skills after spending years in the working world. However, a key question lingered: Are digital badges genuinely effective within the educational experience itself? Thanks to my experience earning a few badges prior to this class, I can confidently say, “Yes, absolutely.”
Effectiveness can mean many things, but for me, it signifies opening my eyes to new possibilities and exploring technology tools I otherwise might never have discovered. For instance, during my exploration of Vyond, I created a short course titled “AI Prompting Strategies.” After just a few hours spent exploring this tool, I found myself confidently comparing Vyond to competitors like Powtoons and Animaker. This was an authentic learning experience that genuinely upskilled my competencies. Yet, I also recognize the limitations—while badges allow me to confidently discuss and compare technologies, they don’t immediately grant me the ability to design complex corporate onboarding programs at companies like Hewlett-Packard on day one. There’s still a gap between initial exposure and professional mastery.
Another consideration is cost. Tools required to earn certain badges often demand substantial investment. For instance, the Articulate Storyline badge demands proficiency in a tool that’s prohibitively expensive, even with student discounts. Either I invest significantly (the student-discounted price for Articulate is still quite steep!), or I must strategically maximize the free trial to earn that badge. Interestingly, this constraint contrasts somewhat humorously with constructivist ideals, where exploration and discovery are meant to be freely accessible and exploratory.
Despite these considerations, digital badges ultimately demonstrate our willingness as students to invest in our education. They serve as tangible proof of specialized, field-specific training and our readiness to meet the demands of the professional world. While badges might not magically transform us into instant experts, they certainly position us as informed professionals who continuously strive to grow, explore, and remain current in an evolving technological landscape.
In essence, badges have become a cornerstone of my educational journey in Learning Design and Technology. They reflect both my commitment to lifelong learning and my readiness to embrace the ever-changing landscape of educational technology. For now, there’s a new LDT sheriff in town—and digital badges are the badge of honor.
References:
Castanzo, S., Bohrer, J., & Tru, S. B. et al. (2019, July 3). 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Badges. EDUCAUSE Library.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.