Using Digital Badges to Enhance Student Engagement and Support Higher-Order Student Learning Outcomes in Virtual Learning Spaces
Abstract: The purpose of this best practice session is to demonstrate the integration of digital badges into virtual learning spaces to enhance student engagement and support higher-order focused student learning outcomes (SLOs). As most K-12 schools, colleges, and universities have transitioned to mostly remote learning, it is important to integrate digital learning tools that not only support the technology being used for instructional delivery but also instructional content and student learning outcomes. To that end, many schools, colleges, and universities have chosen to switch to the Learning Management System (LMS) Canvas that has the capability of integrating a variety of popular educational apps (Learning Tools Interoperability) including FlipGrid, PearsonLab, and Zoom. Providing layered support services by leveraging specific LTIs serves to enhance student engagement and solidify learning objectives. This session will specifically focus on the use of Badgr to create digital badges for students to earn as a course progresses to demonstrate competencies in content and provide an additional layer of instructional support to students as they complete key tasks aligned with their learning outcomes.