Katie Davis|Satyabrat Singh
Digital badges in afterschool learning: Documenting the perspectives and experiences of students and educators
University of Washington|University of Washington
paper explores opportunities challenges associated implementing digital badge system awards high school credit students participation afterschool programs serving nondominant youth data include interviews focus groups 43 students interviews 24 teachers afterschool mentors one college admissions director across stakeholders frequently cited opportunity related potential badges hold establishing learners credibility outside context badges earned providing trustworthy record skills achievements students gain participation afterschool programs however credibility also emerged dominant challenge associated digital badges participants observed order badges succeed proving ones credibility external audiences audiencessuch college admissions officers employersmust know recognize validity badges students teachers program staff expressed belief essential criterion yet achieved examine findings light theory research role artifacts within outside communities practice created used findings hold implications designers openly networked learning environments seek span connect diverse social settings