Digital Badges: New Opportunities in Professional Development Traditional routes to teacher re-licensure have largely been based around activities that require sizeable amounts of seat time. These activities, though useful, do not always lead to the development of new competencies. Additionally, these re-licensure opportunities are limited by what activities are provided rather than by what skills teachers want to develop. Forming a consortium, professors at Purdue, Indiana, Penn State, and BYU are coming together with leaders from the U.S. Department of Education and AECT (Association for Education Communications and Technology) to implement badges — digital micro-credentials that provide evidence of competency in technology skills. Once earned, the credential can be displayed on a professional website or resume (such as the professional online network LinkedIn). The widespread use of badges for professional development would give recognition for teacher work, provide an extensive support structure for teachers seeking re-licensure, and aid individual teachers to develop desired competencies.
I'm interested in school innovation (through online and blended learning) and educational philosophy. You can also talk to me about quality online discussion tools and pedagogy, as well as music education.