Weaving digital badges into traditional degrees: Editorial

Postsecondary institutions are offering an increasing number of micro-credentials and digital badges to reconcile gaps in technical skills, write Aysegul Timur, Clay Motley, Glenn Whitehouse, Shawn Felton, and Dave Jaeger for Inside Higher Ed.These badges are often met with some skepticism from educators who view badges as potentially devaluing the traditional degree and the “evergreen” skills acquired therein. To address these concerns, the writers suggest awarding “transferable skills” badges for skills such as leadership and critical thinking that students will acquire during their degree. This would not require any changes to the existing curriculum and, the writers argue, could help students tell a better story about their degree as they seek a career post-graduation.