Executive Summary
This report has researched the potential use of digital badges in Bath Spa University. Using extensive research as to what has already been written about digital badges and my own research. Furthermore, I sent out two surveys to employers and to students and conducted a student focus group. Overall, students reacted very positive towards the idea of digital badges and employers were slightly skeptical about the idea of it, but few did appreciate the value. I have drawn a recommendation for the Bath Spa University Careers and Employability team, which outlines the following;
The digital badges should be hosted on a well known site.
Keep the badges easy to understand, but do include keywords that are useful in interviews.
Utilise lecturers and other Bath Spa staff, they should: give shout-outs on minerva, recommend students use this on a personal tutor basis and recommend specific digital badges that would work well on the module.
When introducing digital badges do not use the words digital badge or micro-accreditation as these have negative connotations and will deter students from using this.
Utilise the ‘careers passport’ idea so they are easy to locate, all based on MyCareer. The ‘passport’ was an idea brought up by Mark Mitchell in an interview and essentially it works as a page in which you can see your own details, name, date of birth, address, email address and the digital badges you have earned.
If you would like to read more about this report in depth please look at the PDF below.
Olivia Thorne.
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