DIGITAL OPEN BADGES: BUILDING A RECOGNITION ECOSYSTEM WITHIN CITIES AND REGIONS OF LEARNING
AUTHORS: JOHANNES BERGUNDER – GOEUROPE! EUROPÄISCHES JUGEND KOMPETENZ ZENTRUM & NERIJUS KRIAUCIUNAS
Our life is rapidly changing. The time we spend in digital environments has increased and it seems evident that the more we do in the digital environment, the more the recognition tools should be digital, too. Paper tools generally do not work in the digital sphere – they can, but not as well. Open Badges are a digital technology.
Open Badges contain data about learning pathways, development, activities and achievements. We value individual the introspective reflection that is practiced in youth work, we value dialogue between two people who help each other to better understand what we are experiencing, developing, etc. Here, digital badges can be the next step. For example, while taking part in a youth exchange, training programme or youth work programme, participants may realise through reflec - tion that they are getting better in a specific skill. This is where the badges come in – they allow participants to share their achievements whenever and with whom- ever it makes sense. Anyone who gains experience and develops impor - tant skills through youth work and finds themselves in a situation where they need to share them in a meaningful way with others can benefit from using badges. Young people can use their collection of badges showing their experiences gained through youth work as proof of their achievements in other contexts. Open Badges help to showcase one’s skills and are an opportunity to talk about youth work experiences. SCALING BADGES TO CITIES AND REGIONS OF LEARNING When adopted at the city or region level, Open Badges create ecosystems to facilitate open, accessible and inclusive learning opportunities for all.
Young people’s need for personal and professional growth has transcended the walls of classrooms and lecture rooms. They learn in many different ways – at their laptops or on their phones, outside, from each Learning happens everywhere. So how can we ensure that every learning achievement counts? other, in solitude or in groups. They learn by doing and they learn by watching others. Learning happens everywhere. So how can we ensure that every learning achievement counts? This is where the Cities and Regions of Learning (CRoL) platform comes in. It offers three key functionalities for youth work organisations and young people: Interactive maps Learning organisers can publish activities on an interactive map and learners can find them and join in. Learning playlists Activities and resources can be organised into playlists that learners access, so they can begin their own per - sonal learning pathway. Digital Open Badges Young people earn badges by completing the activities on the learning playlist.
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Contributions from practitioners
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