Acceso usuarios
Naomi Hennah
Digital badges are graphical representations of an accomplishment. Open badges are a subset of digital badges, an image file in which additional data, metadata, are embedded. Not only will an open badge contain a description of the badge, the criteria, the issuer and issue date, but also, when appropriate, standards, tags, expiry date and evidence, thus providing a verifiable audit trail of the credential. In essence, hands-on skills, communication skills or teamwork skills can be evidenced by digital film or stills embedded within the credential. Open badges offer the opportunity to evidence and reward skill development and to learn that existing formal qualifications do not.
This article describes a badge framework and suggests strategies for the ‘Working Scientifically’ strand of the National Curriculum in England science programmes of study. The badges aim to make visible the continuity of learning and development of skills from key stages 1 to 4 (ages 5–16). Emphasis is placed on spoken language to build familiarity with the language of science, to enhance thinking and to develop conceptual understanding. The framework also aims to support the development of skill mastery to reduce cognitive load and support effective practical work (Millar, 2009).
