Abstract
This chapter explores the concepts of digital badges as (parts of) digital portfolios and proposes two digital design patterns for badges-portfolio integration. Digital portfolios are dynamic collections of digital artefacts including work samples, learning resources, records of skills and accomplishments, which may be created by an individual, a group, a community or an organisation. Digital portfolios can have multiple purposes, such as demonstrating learning achievements (assessment), recording a learning process (journaling) and demonstrating skills (profiling). The different models of digital portfolio practice represent different approaches to documenting, recognising and enhancing learning. Digital badges are similar to digital portfolios in that they enable learners to document and share learning pathways, learning achievements, skills and competencies. Digital badges can be used as part of digital portfolios or as stand-alone portfolios in form of badge collections. Based on the analysis of current practice, conceptual guideline for designing digital badges as (parts of) digital portfolios are drafted following the model of reflective learning design with design narratives and design patterns as a core methodology. Design patterns propose solutions to recurrent problems in particular contexts, offering a set of principles to guide the instructional designer towards a design decision. As such design patterns are models for actual design activities. Design patterns presented in this chapter are inferred from the analysis of design narratives from three selected projects employing digital badges for learning in distinctive ways. By defining design problems and design solutions related to digital badges as (parts of) digital portfolios, this chapter integrates research-based evidence and experiential knowledge of digital learning design.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Abrami, P. C., & Barrett, H. (2005). Directions for research and development on electronic portfolios. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 31(3), 1–15.
Alexander, C. (1979). The timeless way of building. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., Silverstein, M., Jacobson, M., Fiksdahl-King, I., & Angel, S. (1977). A pattern language: Towns, buildings, construction. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Antin, J., & Churchill, E. (2011). Badges in social media: A social psychological perspective. CHI 2011 Gamification Workshop Proceedings (pp. 1–4).
Attwell, G. (2008). e-Portfolios—the DNA of the personal learning environment? Pontydysgu. Retrieved from http://www.pontydysgu.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/eportolioDNAofPLEjournal.pdf
Barker, Ch. (2005). Portfolio for the assessment of learning (FuturEd White paper). Retrieved from http://www.futured.com/documents/FuturEdePortfolioforAssessmentWhitePaper_000.pdf
Barrett, H. (2000). The electronic portfolio development process – electronic portfolio = multimedia development + portfolio development. Retrieved from http://electronicportfolios.org/portfolios/aahe2000.html
Barrett, H. C. (2004). Electronic portfolios as digital stories of deep learning. Emerging digital tools to support reflection in learner-centered portfolios. Retrieved from http://electronicportfolios.org/digistory/epstory.html
Barker, K. C. (2006). ePortfolios in the classroom in education analyst. Society for the Advancement of Excellence in Education, 9(2).
Barrett, H., & Knezek, D. (2003). E-portfolios: Issues in assessment, accountability and preservice teacher preparation. American Educational Research Association Conference, Chicago, IL.
Baumgartner, P. (2009). Developing a taxonomy for electronic portfolios. In P. Baumgartner, S. Zauchner, & R. Bauer (Eds.), The potential of E-portfolio in higher education (pp. 13–44). Innsbruck, Austria: Studienverlag. Distributed by Transaction Publishers.
Belshaw, D. (2015). Towards a taxonomy of open badges for city & guilds. Open Educational Thinkering. Retrieved from http://dougbelshaw.com/blog/2015/05/20/badge-taxonomy/
Bhattacharya, M., & Hartnett, M. (2007) E-portfolio assessment in higher education. 37th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, IEEE October 10–13, 2007, Milwaukee, WI. Retrieved from http://www.ied.edu.hk/obl/files/eportfolio%20assessment%20in%20higher%20ed.pdf
Brown, A. L. (1992). Design experiments: Theoretical and methodological challenges in creating complex interventions in classroom settings. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 2(2), 141–178.
Buchem, I. (2015). Digital badges/open badges taxonomy. Mediendidaktik 2.0 (online). Retrieved from https://ibuchem.wordpress.com/2015/02/28/digital-badges-open-badges-taxonomy/
Buchem, I., Tur, G., & Hölterhof, T. (2014). Learner control in personal learning environments: A cross-cultural study. Journal of Literacy and Technology, Special Edition: Personal Learning Environments: Current Research and Emerging Practice., 15(2), 14–53.
Buckingham, J. (2014). Open digital badges for the uninitiated. The Electronic Journal for English as a Second Language, 18(1). Retrieved from http://www.teslej.org/wordpress/.
Bull, B. (2015). What happens when you create and issue badges to yourself? Retrieved from http://etale.org/main/2015/04/29/what-happens-when-you-create-and-issue-badges-to-yourself/
Butler, P. (2006). A review of the literature on portfolios and electronic portfolios eCDF ePortfolio Project Massey University College of Education Palmerston North, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.tss.uoguelph.ca/projects/ePresources/Review%20of%20literature%20on%20portfolios%20and%20ePortfolios.pdf
Carson, A. S., McClam, S., Frank, J., & Greenhill Hannum, J. (2014). ePortfolio as a catalyst for change in teaching: An autoethnographic examination of transformation. International Journal of ePortfolio, 4(1), 73–83.
Casilli, C. (2013). Badge pathways: Part 1, the paraquel. The Persona blog. Retrieved from https://carlacasilli.wordpress.com/2013/03/25/badge-pathways-part-1-the-paraquel/
Casilli, C. (2014). A foundational badge system design. Persona. Retrieved from https://carlacasilli.wordpress.com/category/badge-pathways/
Challis, D. (2005). Towards the mature ePortfolio: Some implications for higher education. Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology, 31(3).
Chau, J., & Cheng, G. (2012). Towards understanding the potential of e-portfolios for independent learning: A qualitative study. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 26(7), 932–950.
Charleer, S., Klerkx, J., Santos J. S. & Duval, E. (2013). Improving awareness and reflection through collaborative, interactive visualizations of badges. Proceedings of ARTEL 2013: 3rd Workshop on Awareness and Reflection in Technology-Enhanced Learning, in conjunction with EC-TEL 2013: Eighth European Conference on Technology Enhanced Learning. Retrieved from http://ceur-ws.org/Vol-1103/paper5.pdf.
Deterding, S., Khaled, R., Nacke, L. E., & Dixon, D. (2011). Gamification: Toward a definition. CHI 2011 Workshop Gamification: Using Game Design Elements in Non-game Contexts. Vancouver, BC, Canada, 2011. Retrieved from http://hci.usask.ca/uploads/219-02-Deterding,-Khaled,-Nacke,-Dixon.pdf
Eynon, B., Gambino, L. M., & Török, J. (2014). What difference can ePortfolio make? A field report from the connect to learning project. International Journal of ePortfolio, 4(1), 95–114.
Falconer, I., & Littlejohn, A. (2009). Representing models of practice. In L. Lockyer, S. Bennett, S. Agostinho, & B. Harper (Eds.), Handbook of research on learning design and learning objects: Issues, applications, and technologies (pp. 20–40). New York, NY: Information Science Reference.
Ferns, S., & Bosco, J. (2014). ePortfolios as evidence of standards and outcomes in work-integrated learning. Asia-Pacific Journal of Cooperative Education, 15(3), 269–280.
Finkelstein, J., Knight, E., & Manning, S. (2013). The potential and value of using digital badges for adult learners. American Institutes for Research. Retrieved from https://lincs.ed.gov/publications/pdf/AIR_Digital_Badge_Report_508.pdf
Garrett, N. (2011). An eportfolio design supporting ownership, social learning, and ease of use. Educational Technology & Society, 14(1), 187–202.
Glover, I., & Latif, F. (2013). Investigating perceptions and potential of open badges in formal higher education. In J. Herrington, A. Couros, & V. Irvine (Eds.), Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications 2013 (pp. 1398–1402). Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Goligoski, G. (2012). Motivating the learner: Mozilla’s open badges program. Access to Knowledge, 4(1). Retrieved from http://emilygoligoski.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/EGoligoski-Mozilla-Open-Badges.pdf.
Grant, S. (2014) What counts as learning. Open digital badges for new opportunities. The DML Research Hub Report Series on Connected Learning. Retrieved from http://dmlhub.net/wp-content/uploads/files/WhatCountsAsLearning_Grant.pdf
Hartnell-Young, E., Harrison, C., Crook, C., Joyes, G., Davies, L., Fisher, T., … Smallwood, A. (2007). The impact of e-portfolios on learning. British Educational Communications and Technology Agency. Coventry: Becta.
Hickey, D. T., Otto, N., Itow, R., Schenke, K., Tran, C., & Chow, C. (2014). Badges design principles documentation project interim report. Center for Research on Learning and Technology, Indiana University.
Ittelson, J., & Oblinger, D. (2005). Demonstrating as Assessing Student Learning with E-Portfolios. Educause Learning Initiative. ELI Paper 3. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli3003.pdf
Jafari, A. (2004). The “sticky” ePortfolio system. Tackling challenges and identifying attributes. Educause Review 2004. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/erm0442.pdf
Jansen, S., Dewi, A., Gleeson, D., & Ford, A. (2015). Are open badges the solution to a lack of student engagement with vital cocurricular learning material? Melbourne, VIC, Australia: Monash University Library, Monash University. Retrieved from http://www.unistars.org/papers/STARS2015/12E.pdf.
Jovanovic, J., & Devedzic, V. (2014). Open badges: Challenges and opportunities. Advances in Web-Based Learning. Proceedings of the 13th ICWL Conference (pp. 56–65). Tallinn, Estonia, August 14–17.
Kimball, M. (2005). Database e-portfolio systems: a critical appraisal. Computers and Composition, 22(4), 434–458.
Knight, E., & Casilli, C. (2012). Mozilla Open Badges. Game changers: Education and information technologies. Louisville, CO: Educause. Retrieved from https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/pub7203cs6.pdf.
Laurillard, D. (2012). Teaching as a design science: Building pedagogical patterns for learning and technology. New York, NY: Routledge.
Lockyer, L., Bennett, S., Agostinho, S., & Harper, B. (2009). Handbook of research on learning design and learning objects: Issues, applications, and technologies. Hershey, NY: Information Science Reference.
Lorenzo, G., & Ittelson, J. (2005). An overview of E-portfolios. Educause Learning Initiative, ELI Paper 1, 2005.
MacDonald, G. (2014). Digital badges—A suggested taxonomy. Learning in the Cloud. Retrieved from https://doncollegegrant.wordpress.com/2014/07/04/suggested-badge-taxonomy/
Mewburn, I. (2014). Badge trouble: Piloting open badges at the Australian National University, ascile2014. Retrieved from http://ascilite2014.otago.ac.nz/files/concisepapers/233-Mewburn.pdf
Mor, Y. (2013). SNaP! Re-using, sharing and communicating designs and design knowledge using scenarios, narratives and patterns. In R. Luckin, S. Puntambekar, P. Goodyear, B. Grabowski, J. Underwood, & N. Winters (Eds.), Handbook of design in educational technology (pp. 189–200). London, UK: Routledge.
Mor, Y., Mellar, H., Warburton, S., & Winters, N. (2014). Practical design patterns for teaching and learning with technology. Rotterdam: Sense. Retrieved from https://goo.gl/lPgxDX.
Mozilla Alliance for Excellent Education. (2013). Expanding education and workforce opportunities through digital badges. Retrieved from http://all4ed.org/reports-factsheets/expanding-education-and-workforce-opportunities-through-digital-badges/
Nonaka, I., & Takeuchi, H. (1995). The knowledge creating company: How Japanese companies create the dynamics of innovation. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.
Olson, M. W. (1991). Portfolios: Education tools. Reading Psychology: An International Quarterly, 12, 73–80.
Ostashewski, N., & Reid, D. (2015). A history and frameworks of digital badges in education. In T. Reiners & L. C. Wood (Eds.), Gamification in education and business (pp. 187–200). Switzerland: Springer.
Paulson, F. L., Paulson, P. R., & Meyer, C. (1991). What makes a portfolio a portfolio? Educational Leadership, 48(5), 60–63.
Peet, M., Lonn, S., Gurin, P., Page Boyer, K., Matney, M., Marra, T., … Daley, A. (2011). Fostering integrative knowledge through ePortfolios. International Journal of ePortfolio 1(1), 11–31.
Põldoja, H., & Laanpere, M. (2014). Exploring the potential of open badges in blog-based university courses. In Y. Cao, T. Väljataga, J. K. T. Tang, H. Leung, & M. Laanpere (Eds.), New horizons in web based learning: ICWL 2014 International Workshops, SPeL, PRASAE, IWMPL, OBIE, and KMEL, FET (Vol. 8699, pp. 172–178) Tallinn, Estonia, August 14–17, 2014.
Rate, N. (2008). Assessment for Learning & ePortfolios. What are the formative benefits of ePortfolios? CORE. Retrieved from http://www.core-ed.org/sites/efellows.org.nz/files/nick-eportfolios.pdf
Ravenscroft, A., Rainey, C., Dellow, J., Brites, M. J., Auwärter, A., … Fenech, J. (2015). RadioActive Europe: Promoting engagement, informal learning and employability of at risk and excluded people across Europe through internet radio and social media (RadioActive101). Final report Education, Audiovisual & Culture Executive Agency. Retrieved from http://uk2.radioactive101.eu/files/2014/07/D1-6-public_part_report_llp_en_Final.pdf
Redman, W. (1994). Portfolios for development: A guide for trainers and managers. London: Kogan Page.
Ring, G., & Ramirez, B. (2012). Implementing ePortfolios for the assessment of general education competencies. International Journal of ePortfolio, 2(1), 87–97.
Rodriguez, M. C., Rifon, L. A., & Nistal, M. L. (2004). Towards IMS-LD extensions to actually support heterogeneous learning designs. In Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies (pp. 565–569). Washington, DC: ICALT. IEEE Computer Society.
Smith, K., & Tillema, H. H. (1998). Evaluating Portfolio use as a learning tool for professionals. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 41, 193–205.
Smith, K., & Tillema, H. (2003). Clarifying different types of portfolio use. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 28(6), 625–648.
Wade, R. C., & Yarbrough, D. B. (1996). Portfolios: A tool for reflective thinking in teacher education? Teaching and Teacher Education, 12(1), 63–79.
Wyles, R. (2013). Open Badges—a catalyst for new learning design. Totara Learning Solutions (White paper). Retrieved from http://elearningexperts.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Totara-White-paper-Open-Badges.pdf
Zeichner, K., & Wray, S. (2001). The teaching portfolio in US teacher education programs: What we know and what we need to know. Teaching and Teacher Education, 17(5), 613–621.
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Digitalme (UK) and University of Koblenz (Germany) for providing valuable insights into their digital badges projects.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Buchem, I. (2016). Digital Badges as (Parts of) Digital Portfolios: Design Patterns for Educational and Personal Learning Practice. In: Ifenthaler, D., Bellin-Mularski, N., Mah, DK. (eds) Foundation of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_19
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-15425-1_19
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-15424-4
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-15425-1
eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)