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Value of open microcredentials to earners and issuers: A case study of National Instruments Open Badges
Young, Danny · West, Richard Edward · Nylin, Travis Ann

PublishedDecember 2019
JournalThe International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning
Volume 20, Issue 5, Pages 104-121
CountryUnited States, North America

ABSTRACT
While microcredentials and open digital badges have become increasingly popular in education, more research is needed to better understand their implementation and benefits to both issuers and users. In this paper, we use a case study approach to report and discuss the outcomes from the implementation of an open badges program at National Instruments, highlighting the effects this program has had on both National Instruments and its users. As the program evolves to better meet the needs of its stakeholders, we find that both participants (badge earners) and the issuer (National Instruments) see potential value in the National Instruments Badging Program. The value for both seems to stem from the way in which the program enables the sharing of badges, which helps the earner establish their skills/reputation while also increasing awareness of the program for National Instruments. This study adds to our understanding of why an organization may find value in offering open microcredentials as an alternative to traditional professional development and certificates for their customers and employees.

Keywords open badges · microcredentials · credentials · professional development · microlearning

LanguageEnglish
RefereedYes
RightsCC BY
DOI10.19173/irrodl.v20i5.4345
URLhttp://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/4345
Export optionsBibTex · EndNote · Tagged XML · Google Scholar



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