Framework + digital badges = online instruction for today

Synthesizing a digital badge for chemistry undergraduates

“…Frederiksen (2013, p. 321) defines digital badges as “visual representations of individual accomplishments, competencies or skills that are awarded by groups, institutions, or organizations, they are also part of larger educational reform initiatives”. As higher education moves increasingly toward the online environment (Ziegler, 2019) and pressure for assessing student learning outcomes and accountability increase, digital badges are seen as a method for not only measuring student learning (LaMagna, 2017) but also making students aware of skills and abilities gained that may otherwise not be formally recognized (Cantwell and Rose, 2018). As a digital badge is “used to display the single course of learning usually highlighted by a specific learning activity or completed project” (LaMagna, 2017, p. 208), badges offer a granular way of recognizing achievement within a learning program (Wills and Xie, 2016).…”

“…With the shifting focus of information literacy from a skills-based approach to the concept-based approach of the Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education , this additional time provides greater opportunities for students to develop the conceptual background and information literacy expertise outlined in the Framework (Hosier, 2018). Ziegler (2019) offers a case study evaluating a process for creating modular badges within a structure that aligns closely to the Framework . Libraries can use a digital badge program or system to “sequence an information literacy experience across the curriculum” (Rimland and Raish, 2017, p. 211).…”

“…Badges offer a range of possibilities for libraries as they can be used in conjunction with traditional library instruction in a flipped classroom, serve as a pre-test or post-test, or used to deliver more advanced content than allowed for in a one-shot session (Hosier, 2018). Ziegler (2019) looks at the use of information literacy modules within the learning management system as a point of comparison for digital badges. While the design and delivery may be slightly different, the shared modular approach provides a way for the reuse and modification of learning objects that can reduce pressure on librarians’ time and easily integrate into online learning environments.…”

“…In the resource constrained higher education environment, badges can be used to extend or replace one-shot instruction (Rimland and Raish, 2017). When designed as modules that can be used within the learning management system, badges can be reused to address information literacy needs in a variety of courses (Ziegler, 2019). Students may spend more time engaging with badge content than they would in a one-shot session.…”