This Discussion aims to spark a critical and creative exploration of how digital badging can be used to recognize and foster professional development (PD) across the professions. Drawing upon the insights from the week’s materials and your own experience and understanding of digital badges, answer all of the following:
1. Applications: How are digital badges currently used to support and recognize professional development in your particular profession? How can digital badges contribute to your own professional development goals?
2. Considerations: What are the potential challenges associated with using digital badges for PD in your profession? Consider issues such as badge design, verification, and alignment with learning objectives.
3. Impact: How can badges contribute to a culture of continuous learning and professional growth?
4. Services: Explore several existing frameworks/services for creating and offering digital badges. Which would you choose to create and offer badges and why?
5. Innovation Phase: Of the five key phases of Gartner’s Hype Cycle, where would you classify the infusion of badging as an innovation? Support your answer with evidence, an image, and data from the most current Hype Cycle report and graph.