BADGING Ralph, Tamara and Amna

AMY MCQUIGGE CAME TO TALK TO US IN SECOND LIFE ABOUT BADGING AND OPEN EDUCATION

IT WAS OUR FIRST TIME HEARING ABOUT IT AND WE FOUND THE IDEA TO BE QUITE INTERESTINGAMY CAME AND SPOKE TO US WHEN WE WERE DISCUSSING TOO

WHAT IS BADGING?

A new way to recognize achievements

A way to share your achievements with

others

Is a new concept that many companies, and organizations will likely

incorporate in the future

• Can be used to highlight non-graded achievements

• Badges can be displayed on internet websites.

• It is important for students to understand and have experience with it, as it will help them prepare for the professional world.

BADGING AND THE CLASSROOM

Can be used to recognize students for things that they may not typically receive grades for

This can be used to recognize gifted or disabled children for things that they may not typically receive recognition for, but put effort into.

Students can be given badges for community service, this can be a great way to encourage and promote community service in your class.

Can be used to recognize those students who are struggling to do well, but have been putting in the necessary effort and trying their best.

WHAT BENEFITS CAN WE SEE IN OUR CLASSROOMS?

Students can learn that it’s not always about grades. Things like helping others, making an effort, and being a good peer support is important too!

“Badging ceremonies” in which everyone receives a badge for something can help us all see something positive in everyone else, and identify it as well.

Badging can help students identify their own strengths, skills and talents and prepare for the college/professional world where they may need to explain/demonstrate what their strengths are

AS WITH ANYTHING, THERE ARE SOME CONCERNS ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF BADGING

Will students with more badges think they are “better” than those with less badges?

Will students begin to differentiate between the “kinds” of badges and decide which badges hold more importance?

Will students begin to “race” for more badges and get a too competitive in a negative way?

All these concerns are valid, but we can see such things in any concept or new idea that is introduced. We believe the benefits of badging outweigh these concerns.