Microcredentials
Digital Badging and Microcredentials
A microcredential or digital badge is a method of documenting a student’s work and accomplishments in areas that are not detailed by the traditional transcript. Badging programs break down coursework into smaller components and incorporate co-curricular and extracurricular activities. These are structured into competencies that may align with the interests of prospective employers and graduate programs, with verifiable assessments for measuring student outcomes. Students who complete the requirements can present these badges in a variety of digital formats as evidence of specific skills.
Rutgers University guidelines for the use of digital badges are available on the Academic Affairs microcredentials and badging page.
Badging Programs Available at Rutgers listed by Issuing Unit
- Rutgers University–New Brunswick
- Rutgers University–Newark
- Rutgers University–Camden
- Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences
- Rutgers University Libraries
- Rutgers Division of Continuing Studies
- Universitywide Badges
OTEAR Badges
Classroom Inclusivity Series
The Classroom Inclusivity Series is a collaboration between various units across Rutgers University, organized and facilitated by The Office of Teaching Evaluation and Assessment Research and the University Equity and Inclusion Office. The purpose of the program is to promote Inclusive Scholarship and Teaching (as identified by the Rutgers University Diversity Priorities) and in particular to support a more well-rounded understanding of Classroom Inclusivity. Through this program you will be able to:
- Understand and begin to address your and your students’ identities, biases, prejudices, and fears and the impact they have on learning and the classroom environment.
- Infuse inclusive teaching practices into your educational practices by course re-design or adopting new teaching activities.
- Ensure course content, web pages, activities, and assessments are accessible to all students.
Rutgers community members are welcome to participate in individual workshops. There are three levels of digital badge credentials for those interested.
Facilitator of Teaching Evaluation
The Facilitator of Teaching Evaluation digital badging program offers an opportunity for faculty to learn about teaching evaluation and develop skills to support their departments while allowing department leaders to recognize those who are trained and interested in engaging in the evaluation of teaching. Participants in the program will be able to:
- Develop familiarity with policies, practices, and procedures related to evaluation of teaching at Rutgers.
- Design processes based on best practices in evaluating a teaching portfolio, conducting peer observations/peer review of teaching, and interpreting student feedback.
- Be prepared to provide high-quality formative and summative feedback about teaching to other faculty.
Academic Organizations and Articles
- AACU Civil Engagement VALUE Rubric
- UPCEA Hallmarks of Excellence in Credential Innovation
- Educause: 7 Things You Should Know About Digital Badges
- Are Badges Useful in Education?: It depends upon the type of badge and expertise of learner
- Benefits and Costs of MOOC-Based Alternative Credentials
Program Descriptions from other Universities
- USMD Badging Essential Skills for Transitions (B.E.S.T)
- About Micro-Credentials at Buffalo University
- University of Central Oklahoma STLR: Student Transformative Learning Record
- Learning Administration, Volume XXII, Number 2, Summer 2019
Information from Badging System Vendors
- Instructure (Canvas) Badging in Education: a Complete Guide for Educators
- Portfolium – Digital Badging in Education: A Complete Guide for Educators