Digital Badges

Digital Badges at TUS

In 2019, a validated digital badge award system was developed which is used to recognise non-accredited learning and seeks to support the values fostered by our strategic vision. This is delivered in an online format for so that earners can easily display their achievements.

A digital badge committee was formed in June 2019 in response to the growing interest in digital badges and micro-credentials. The need for a quality assured way to validate the non-accredited learning and accomplishments of both students, staff and the wider public in a public facing manner was recognised. The badges are directly related to the core values of the university. These are excellence in teaching and applied research; transparency and accountability in all that we do; partnership in collaboration and team work; inclusive focus people and society; and professionalism, integrity, truth and collegiality.

Once an earner has demonstrated that they have achieved the learning outcome set out in advance the digital badge can be awarded. The badges are available for students, staff and non-TUS members to earn.

Stages in the digital badge process

The digital badge committee launches two open calls per year for anyone interested in creating a digital badge. The stages in the process can be seen in the image shown below.

The first step is to fill out an expression of interest form. You can then meet with one of the committee or opt to come to a workshop where we will describe the process and help you formulate your idea to apply for a badge. Once you have submitted the application it goes to the committee for review and you will receive feedback. You then have the opportunity to act on the feedback and resubmit. Once the application has been approved, your badge will be created and you will be ready to award this to your recipients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Digital Badges FAQs

What information should be in the badge?

This should be an overview of the badge. Here you have the opportunity to mention the purpose of the badge. This information will be included with the meta data for the badge so it should be carefully considered, as once this has been applied to a badge it cannot be changed.

What should be included for learning outcomes?

The badges are designed to recognise accomplishment, so you need to identify the learning outcomes that the student must meet to be awarded this badge. The learning outcomes will be specific for each badge, detailing what the earner will know, be able to do or make as result of meeting all badge requirements.

If you need help writing learning outcomes contact the Department of Learning and Teaching.

What is the time limit for a badge?

This will vary for each badge and will depend on the activity associated with the badge. For example, a first responder badge would typically lapse after 2 years.

How do you judge what constitutes hours of effort?

There are two categories of badges:

A micro badge (sometimes called a stacked badge).

Typically, this will involve 8-12 hours of effort. This can take the form of pre-reading, attendance, assessment, evaluation or an artefact produced etc…

A meta badge

Typically this will involve more than 20 hours of effort as detailed above.

It will be possible to stack micro badges to lead to a larger badge and this can be specified in the learner pathway.

Do you need to submit a new proposal for each badge?

Yes, a separate proposal form must be produced for each new badge application.

Can I collaborate with a third party to issue a badge?

Yes, you can develop a badge in collaboration with a third party and this must be detailed in the proposal form and reflected in the development plan for the badge.

Can I link a badge with another to build a pathway?

Yes, this can be done using micro badges and the aligned competencies should be clearly displayed. All badges should consider future badge pathways.

Can I meet someone from the committee to discuss a badge idea that I have?

Yes you can use this link to express an interest in digital badges or you can email badges@tus.ie or contact any member of the Digital Badge committee.

What are some examples of achievement that students can use to demonstrate they have met the learning outcomes for the badge?

This can be as creative as you wish and there are many modes of assessment; this does not have to be a formal exam or quiz.

For example

Attend a number of workshops
Complete an in-class assessment based on material delivered before or during the activity/workshop/course etc.
Write an essay
Develop a business plan or project proposal
Develop a risk assessment
Participate in a volunteer programme
Create a video or reusable resource

It is important that verifiable records of task completion e.g logs, quizzes, artefacts etc. are kept.

Should I consider GDPR?

Yes, you will need to inform participants how their data will be retained to comply with our GDPR policy

What happens if my badge is not approved?

If your badge is not approved you can appeal this decision with the committee, or work with them to refine and resubmit the proposal.

What is the value in getting a digital badge?

Digital badges are a way to highlight achievements and accomplishments to a national and international audience that might otherwise not be visible. Our badges demonstrate that you have a badge from a credible source and you can display this on social media, websites or as part of your email signature etc.

How are digital badges retrieved /accepted?

Recipients receive instructions on how to download their badge from the Open Badge Factory (OBF).

Do I need to specify the target earners?

Yes, it is important the you specify the target audience for the proposed badge.