Understanding digital badges in higher education through assessment

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an argument why digital badges in higher education should be used as an assessment tool and not only as a credentialing mechanism. Design/methodology/approach – This paper unpacks the use of digital badges in videogames and explains how it aligns with quality assessment practices. Several research studies are provided as examples of this alignment. Findings – Because different people have different reactions to different badges, some people will likely be best served by badges that are designed to be assessments. Originality/value – The meta-analysis in this paper helps to shift current thinking on the use of digital badges in higher education away from a framework that only considers badges as credentials. Digital badges that are designed as assessments can be educative for learners who would otherwise not benefit from its use.