#badgechat Archive

#BadgeChat was founded in December, 2014 by a group of educators who are passionate about credentialing learning and achieving. While there are thousands of us around the globe issuing badges to learners, there was not yet a regular twitter chat for those of us in the K-12 space to gather for learning and sharing about badging. After reaching out to leaders in the field (like the good folks at Mozilla and The Badge Alliance) for their thoughts, #BadgeChat was born.

Monday August 13, 2018
6:30 PM EDT

  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:32 PM EDT
    Welcome to #BadgeChat! I'm Noah in (today) Grapevine, TX. Please take a moment to say "Hi" and introduce yourself!
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:36 PM EDT
    Looks slow going at the start but all are welcome to jump in anytime:) First question coming up... #badgechat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:36 PM EDT
    Hello #BadgeChat folks! I'm Kyle, a Lear in experience designer from Utah.
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:36 PM EDT
    Hola Kyle! Thanks for joining us on your commute! Grateful to have your expertise to lean on this week! #badgechat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:36 PM EDT
    Q1: What is your WHY? What will you respond when a user asks, “Why should I care?” #badgechat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:38 PM EDT
    A1: I played around with badges at the end of last year. The Ss seemed to enjoy them. The “why” is hopefully self motivation and friendly competition. #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:38 PM EDT
    A1: For me, this is the most important consideration there is. "Because you should be intrinsically motivated to learn" isn't good enough an answer...the best badging I've seen includes some sort of value proposition that creates buy-in for users #badgechat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:39 PM EDT
    A1: Ideas for a current project: Because... 1) your learning/progress deserves recognition! 2) In the future, these badges may connect you to other jobs on campus. 3) ...your pay raise is dependent on it. #BadgeChat
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:39 PM EDT
    Don here from the Great Hot North. With Learning Agents, hosts of @CanCredCA , "Canada's Open Badges Solution" #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:39 PM EDT
    The competition piece you bring up is an important one! Seeing my name appear on (and hopefully move up) the leader board can be a good WHY for many! #badgechat
    In reply to @teresagross625
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:40 PM EDT
    #BadgeChat Teresa, MS Literacy Teacher, NY.
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:41 PM EDT
    Yes! I am completely motivated by things like that! #BadgeChat
    In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:41 PM EDT
    The first one you offer is one we haven't talked much about on this chat...the act of recognition can itself be a currency of sorts, can't it? #badgechat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:41 PM EDT
    A1. Recognition. Feedback. Markers on a journey. Souveniers of learning and achievement for yourself and others. Did I mention recognition? #BadgeChat
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:42 PM EDT
    Hi 👋🏼 I’m a little late but I’m an elementary Tech & computer teacher in Houston, Texas #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:42 PM EDT
    The notion that Kyle brings up of there being a future opportunity unlocked for Badge earners is one we can see in systems like at @aurorak12 https://t.co/0M12HcdLkB #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:43 PM EDT
    Dig Don's description of "souvenirs of learning and achievement" #badgechat
    • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:41 PM EDT
      A1. Recognition. Feedback. Markers on a journey. Souveniers of learning and achievement for yourself and others. Did I mention recognition? #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:43 PM EDT
    Second question coming up... #badgechat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:43 PM EDT
    That's the idea! Ideally, we are moving towards a society where learner's achievements can speak for themselves in unlocking new opportunities. #badgechat
    In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:43 PM EDT
    Q2: People want to know WHERE to issue Badges. What questions should they ask about potential issuing platforms to ensure the right fit? #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:44 PM EDT
    Welcome Shelly!!! And congrats on the new job! #badgechat
    In reply to @ShellTerrell
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:44 PM EDT
    It looks even better when you spell it right! #Badgechat
    In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:44 PM EDT
    Wasn't me...I right-clicked on the red underline and the 1s + 0s took care of the rest:) #badgechat
    In reply to @donpresant
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:46 PM EDT
    A2: Asking someone, "What's the best platform?" is misguided. I think it's best to decide on functional requirements and select based on who best meets/promises to meet those reqs... #badgechat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:46 PM EDT
    A2: Have others used this platform for a similar project? How do I envision earners applying (or not applying) for badges? Can this issuer integrate with my existing workflow?#badgechat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:47 PM EDT
    A2: There are badge options in @Schoology that I would like to explore further. Or I have just used “paper” badges they would put up by their name. Need to figure out a method that is easy to maintain. #BadgeChat
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:47 PM EDT
    a2: for elementary my 650 students aren’t able to sign up with email and we have to consider distribution, maintenance, supervision for such a large group #Badgechat
    • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:43 PM EDT
      Q2: People want to know WHERE to issue Badges. What questions should they ask about potential issuing platforms to ensure the right fit? #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:48 PM EDT
    A2: Does the platform issue "Open Badges"? Is rostering a seamless process and does it cost extra? Will I get access to data points that I want to assess the work we're doing? #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:48 PM EDT
    These are A+ questions to consider: #badgechat
    • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:46 PM EDT
      A2: Have others used this platform for a similar project? How do I envision earners applying (or not applying) for badges? Can this issuer integrate with my existing workflow?#badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:48 PM EDT
    cc @irvspanish #badgechat
    • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:47 PM EDT
      A2: There are badge options in @Schoology that I would like to explore further. Or I have just used “paper” badges they would put up by their name. Need to figure out a method that is easy to maintain. #BadgeChat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:48 PM EDT
    This is such an important point for anyone planning a badging program. #BadgeChat
    • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:46 PM EDT
      A2: Asking someone, "What's the best platform?" is misguided. I think it's best to decide on functional requirements and select based on who best meets/promises to meet those reqs... #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:49 PM EDT
    3rd question coming up... #badgechat
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:49 PM EDT
    I agree the platform must be user friendly, easy and quick to keep up with, and seamless or it won’t have wodespread buy in from teachers or students #BadgeChat
    • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:47 PM EDT
      A2: There are badge options in @Schoology that I would like to explore further. Or I have just used “paper” badges they would put up by their name. Need to figure out a method that is easy to maintain. #BadgeChat
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:49 PM EDT
    A2 Ease of use? Flexibility? Connectivity to other systems? Total cost of operating it? Options to scale up? Compliance with Open Badges standard? (if relevant) #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:49 PM EDT
    Q3: If your Digital Badge program blows up, HOW do you plan to keep it sustainable? #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:50 PM EDT
    Great points! Ask yourself how user-friendly it is and how well it will be received by the users you serve! #badgechat
    • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:49 PM EDT
      I agree the platform must be user friendly, easy and quick to keep up with, and seamless or it won’t have wodespread buy in from teachers or students #BadgeChat
      • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:47 PM EDT
        A2: There are badge options in @Schoology that I would like to explore further. Or I have just used “paper” badges they would put up by their name. Need to figure out a method that is easy to maintain. #BadgeChat
  • MitchAMcKinley Aug 13 @ 6:50 PM EDT
    A1. Personal and professional development, shared learning experiences. Networking, I know who to collaborate with and what tools are available #BadgeChat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:50 PM EDT
    Agreed! #BadgeChat
    In reply to @ShellTerrell
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:51 PM EDT
    A3: Peer review systems are a promising way to ensure your program scales with the number of earners, but I haven't seen many successful implementations. Any examples out there?#badgechat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:51 PM EDT
    A3: That’s a great question! Need to keep learning more. #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:51 PM EDT
    A3: Too much success can be dangerous and kill the joy and create bad user experiences! I try to imagine what maximum buy-in might look like and backwards plan from there to make sure the resources are there...if not, good idea to start smaller #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:52 PM EDT
    Great point! I think the way @badgelist empowers people who've earned a given Badge to then be validators for those that come after them is a promising option... #badgechat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1, @BadgeList
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
    A3 Assuming you mean "blows up" in a good way, I'd say keeping tabs on quality with good reports and user surveys, training others to create and issue, finding ways to delegate/automate assessment and don't forget to tell the good news upstairs. #BadgeChat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
    Begin with the end in mind! Excellent! #BadgeChat
    In reply to @SenorG
  • MitchAMcKinley Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
    A3. Technology is always progressing so there will always be new opportunities, but most importantly listen to the feedback of active participants, allow the user to inform what they want to learn #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
    Going to sneak in a quick 4th question before we end... #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
    Q4: WHAT Lessons Learned can help others avoid mistakes that have already been made? #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:54 PM EDT
    If we ever create the 10 Commandments of Badge Issuing, suggest we start with Don's list here: #badgechat
    • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:53 PM EDT
      A3 Assuming you mean "blows up" in a good way, I'd say keeping tabs on quality with good reports and user surveys, training others to create and issue, finding ways to delegate/automate assessment and don't forget to tell the good news upstairs. #BadgeChat
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:55 PM EDT
    A3: that’s my approach to start small this year and see how it goes before the blow up #BadgeChat
    In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:55 PM EDT
    Yes!!! Listening to users and valuing their feedback is so important! Do you have any favorite/effective ways of getting feedback to share? #badgechat
    In reply to @MitchAMcKinley
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:55 PM EDT
    Great idea, gettingbfeedback. #BadgeChat
    In reply to @MitchAMcKinley
  • MitchAMcKinley Aug 13 @ 6:55 PM EDT
    A4. We started very specific and alienated some users. Some people need the forest, some need the trees #BadgeChat
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:55 PM EDT
    A4: If I am collaborating with others, we usually do the initial badge design using Google Docs rather than designing within our chosen issuer. Much easier to collaborate and share ideas. #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:56 PM EDT
    YES! Starting small is such a strong strategy! Getting to scale up is a better place to be in that being forced to scale down... #badgechat
  • randysquier Aug 13 @ 6:56 PM EDT
    #badgechat. Ease of use for issuers and badge takers. Accessible from all devices?, Is it open badge compatible.
    In reply to @SenorG
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:56 PM EDT
    A4: Trying to start too big! Or when I was unsure exactly how my Ss were going to warm them. #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:56 PM EDT
    Love this share. Thanks for being so open! Can you offer an example? #badgechat
    In reply to @MitchAMcKinley
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:57 PM EDT
    A4: avoid biting more than you can chew and making it so complicated and fool proof that teachers not students who might be tech newbies won’t be able to understand or have fun achieving their micros credentials #BadgeChat
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 6:57 PM EDT
    Open Badge Factory @OBFactory_ developed a peer review system for Finnish teachers that works well and we have in @CanCredCA . People earn qualifying "reviewer badges" to join a pool of reviewers that "panel-review" submissions; e.g. if 3/5 say yes, badge is awarded #BadgeChat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1, @OBFactory_, @CanCredCA
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:57 PM EDT
    #BadgeChat Always enjoy this chat! Have a wonderful evening!
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 6:57 PM EDT
    I had a text box for feedback included in the badge application survey. #badgechat
    In reply to @SenorG, @MitchAMcKinley
  • randysquier Aug 13 @ 6:58 PM EDT
    A3: #badgechat keep all content in Google folders. Back-up badges earned in another file. Build a Google site for folks to access challenges to earn badges.
    In reply to @SenorG
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:58 PM EDT
    That’s my idea to start with Google forms for collection and submission #BadgeChat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1
  • IA_TAOF Aug 13 @ 6:58 PM EDT
    A3&A4: Assume that your badging initiative will “blow up” and start with a proven ‘open’ platform for issuing badges. Use well defined rubrics, so others may follow. #badgechat
  • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:58 PM EDT
    Autocorrect! Grrr! Trying to start too big. How Ss were going to earn them. My apologies! #BadgeChat
    • teresagross625 Aug 13 @ 6:56 PM EDT
      A4: Trying to start too big! Or when I was unsure exactly how my Ss were going to warm them. #BadgeChat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:58 PM EDT
    A4: When talking up users, sell the **benefits** not the features...the dandy tech bits can come later, people first need to get on board and that starts with internalizing that this is good for them! #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 6:59 PM EDT
    Thanks for joining! So appreciate your energy and willingness to share classroom level experiences! #badgechat
    In reply to @teresagross625
  • randysquier Aug 13 @ 6:59 PM EDT
    A4 #badgechat capacity. Make sure to start with the why clearly defined by everyone. Have reasonable expectations for S badges. Just like any type of learning, badges may not feel engaging to all students.
    In reply to @SenorG
  • Kyle_Clements1 Aug 13 @ 7:00 PM EDT
    It was a nice way to get analytics our chosen issuing platform didn't include. #BadgeChat
    In reply to @ShellTerrell
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:01 PM EDT
    HUGE point, Randy! Clear expectations are so important, especially bc we have risk factor of being overly protective of Badges and only issuing for A++++ work, as opposed to viewing it as binary case of "you've either earned the Badge or are still working towards it" #badgechat
    • randysquier Aug 13 @ 6:59 PM EDT
      A4 #badgechat capacity. Make sure to start with the why clearly defined by everyone. Have reasonable expectations for S badges. Just like any type of learning, badges may not feel engaging to all students.
      In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    Brilliant! #badgechat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1, @ShellTerrell
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    A4 Don't overthink it but start with the end in mind. start small, and use feedback to make it better. Be ready for the next phase. Find support, not just bottom up. Tell your story! #BadgeChat
  • randysquier Aug 13 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    A1 #BadgeChat Our why is about OWNERSHIP of Learning. We want all learners @CoxAthSchools to be self-directed and be able to take ownership of their learning. Micro-credentials/badging is a process that will allow both Ts and Ss determine what learning they will engage in.
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:02 PM EDT
    Great chat y'all! Thanks to everyone who jumped in...was great to have so many in the convo after the slow start:) #badgechat
  • ShellTerrell - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:03 PM EDT
    Great point! I was just thinking of logistics for elementary collecting without an email but the data is also important #badgechat
    In reply to @Kyle_Clements1
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:03 PM EDT
    Awesome to reconnect with so many OG #BadgeChat friends and see some new folks jumping. To all the lurkers, know we're here for you and that this community wants to help you succeed!
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:05 PM EDT
    Have a Badge-worthy week everybody, and to those already back with kids this week, we all wish you the best start to your year! #badgechat
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:06 PM EDT
    #badgechat
    • MitchAMcKinley Aug 13 @ 7:03 PM EDT
      We had a teacher tell us he’d never be able to use adobe spark, we asked what he uses and said email. So we knew we had to create Items like using chrome and google sheets for beginners
      In reply to @SenorG
  • IA_TAOF Aug 13 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    Came in late, but glad to have participated in my 1st #badgechat of the summer. Awesome job today, @SenorG :-)
  • donpresant Aug 13 @ 7:07 PM EDT
    Thanks for keeping this #BadgeChat going, Noah... great resource.
    In reply to @SenorG
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:09 PM EDT
    Such an important reminder that all learners (not just kids) bring their own levels of readiness and background knowledge and that supporting them often means being willing to recognize when we've passed them by...have to pump the breaks and meet them where they are #BadgeChat
    In reply to @MitchAMcKinley
  • SenorG - Moderator Aug 13 @ 7:10 PM EDT
    Merci for sharing your brilliance with this community Don! You always push my thinking! #badgechat
    In reply to @donpresant