Worlds of Learning @

Jackson R-2 School District

Digital Badges in Professional Learning

About

Welcome to Jackson R2’s Digital Learning site! This site will initially function as a badging system for Jackson R2 blackbelts, and soon thereafter will be opened up across the district. The badges available relate to integrating technology into the classroom and address a variety of topics and grade levels. You will be able to choose the topics you want to learn about and promote your professional development as a Jackson R2 employee. There are three main parts to this site: Badges, Quests, and Levels.

 

BadgesBADGES are earned by completing specific TASKS. Each badge has a step by step process guiding you through the process of earning the badge. As you earn badges, you will also earn points towards LEVELS.

 

 

QuestsQUESTS are completed by earning several related badges. For example, completing the QUEST to become Google certified would require that you earn several Google badges in the process. Completing QUESTS also helps you earn points, usually more points than a BADGE.

 

 

LevelsLEVELS are your ranking.Your level will increase as you accumulate more points. You begin as a noob and work your way up to expert levels.

Earning Badges

The criteria for earning a badge can vary. For some badges, all that may be required is that you view a video. More advanced topics may ask you to write a brief summary of what you learned in addition to watching the video. In addition, others will require you to take a quiz, produce an original artifact, or provide a video demonstration.

Share Your Badges

Jackson’s Digital Learning also integrates with the Credly website. Complete the “Join Credly” badge to set up your Credly profile. From your Credly page, you can share your achievements on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, your website, blog, Credly profile or other location.

Why Badges?

The badge system provides a structured way to manage professional development while at the same time allowing you the choice of what you want to learn about. Instead of “forcing” you to learn about something that is not of interest to you, you are in control of your next learning path. The goal is that you will be able to learn and apply these tools in your own classroom. Additionally, you are participating in gamification (the incorporation of game elements in learning). This idea is gaining popularity in education, and you may want to incorporate some similar strategies into your classroom as well.

Skip to toolbar