#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.
Welcome to #BadgeChat! Special shoutout to any chatters and lurkers who have served your country!
Please take a moment to let us know you're here and where you're from
Q1: How can we draw on the long history of military credentialing to help explain the concept of Digital Badge Credentials? Do helpful analogies exist? #BadgeChat
Q1: #badgechat we can draw on the thick experience and deep meanings behind each Badge, there’s specific expectations that can’t be avoided, fudged or made light.
A1: I'm always fascinated by Veterans and active duty service men and women and how their credentials clearly communicate to those in the know what their achievements + skills are. Badges are a similar concept... #BadgeChat
A1: I went to an exhibit about Samurais and learned they wore something like Badges on their helmets and that clearly communicated their battle accomplishments. Learners' Badges can do the same (without the violence, of course) #BadgeChat
A1: military personnel display milestones as part of their "fruit salad" on their chests; just as Ss and Ts can display their badges in a portfolio or other online platform. #badgechat
A2: Military credentials are clearly intended to be consumed by more people than just the credential holder...soldiers display some of their credentials literally on their chests every day. EDU Badges can also be intentional with an audience in mind #BadgeChat
Love how you put this, Randy! Military milestones are not stand-alone; they are part of a larger whole that tells a story about about each soldier...just as an individual Badge in a portfolio is one scene in a learner's story #BadgeChat
A1 I always like the Marine Corps marksmanship qualification: Expert, Sharpshooter, or Marksman. There's no other option, other than Retired. #BadgeChat
A2 though most badges in educ. revolve around the individual; the military also has ways to display company, battalion, regimental accomplishments. During Civil War regimental colors were carried into battle with pride and protected with many lives. #badgechat
A3: As @CreditFlex pointed out, specific military credentials open specific doors. It's based on merit, not last name, race or gender, and it's clearly communicated as far as $, and opportunity that will be unlocked #BadgeChat
A3: badges, stripes, etc in the military are recognized to really carry value as they must be earned. Important lesson when creating badges. They must be meaningful. #badgechat
YES! How often do we hear learners of all ages lament, "If they just would have made clear that's what they wanted, I would have done that!" #BadgeChat
A2 though most badges in educ. revolve around the individual; the military also has ways to display company, battalion, regimental accomplishments. During Civil War regimental colors were carried into battle with pride and protected with many lives. #badgechat
BAM!!!! YesYESYes! If Badge Earners don't find credentials to be MEANINGFUL, then what's the point?
We have to think ahead to how we will answer the legit question of, "Why should I care?" #BadgeChat
just thought of this. Now my mind is racing on how to build esprit de corps at the grade level, department, building, and district level via badge issuance; that has value. #badgechat We do offer badges for Ts who can earn in a collaborative manner.
Thanks for joining the chat everyone! Have a Badge-worthy week!
Also, let me know if YOU want to host next week as I might be on a plane and unable to moderate... #BadgeChat
