Exploring the use of micro-credentialing and digital badges in learning environments to encourage motivation to learn and achieve

For the last 20 years the benefits of networked communities, interactive media, online tutorials, and e-learning applications have been investigated for the provision of education in New Zealand. In monitoring individual performance, a range of measures can be used, such as allocated grades, credits earned, and activities completed. These specific measures are institutionally controlled, have limited reach beyond the institution and, in isolation, do not truly represent a learner’s progress, proficiency or acknowledge a learner’s achievements. This paper argues that digital micro-credentials, often called badges, can be used as valid indicators of accomplishment, skill, knowledge or interest. In formal educational environments endorsed credentials, with defined learning outcomes, can be used for certification purposes. This paper will contend that microcredentialing ecosystems create a broader picture of a learner’s educational achievement by providing the infrastructure for individual learners to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and achievements through the display of endorsed digital micro-credential collections.