Digital Badging

A digital badge is a web-enabled version of a credential, certification or learning outcome which can be verified online in real-time. In order to receive a digital badge, participants must meet a learning outcome or demonstrate their content mastery or new skills. The badges contain metadata that provide a wealth of information:

  • the issuer
  • date of issue
  • description of criteria/competency
  • evidence of meeting the criteria/competency
  • standards associated with the badge
  • expiration date if needed

URI has partnered with Instructure* to facilitate badge creation using Canvas Credentials for non-academic micro-credentialing, and to provide a free digital space, or backpack, for individuals to share their accomplishments. Additionally, our Canvas Student Pathways subscription enables the design and creation of stackable, cross-disciplinary learning pathways that build off of prior learning assessments, industry certifications, and other external credentials.

All of the metadata contained in the digital badge can be validated and verified to ensure that the information cannot be tampered with, altered, or modified. Digital badges give employers and workforce centers immediate access to the evidence of learning the digital badge represents. A digital badge can be shared on the owner’s LinkedIn profile, social media, email signature or resume.

Issuer accounts for non-academic credentialing are available to URI departments upon request. Use the following links to learn more about Canvas Credentials and digital badging.

If you would like additional information or require consultation, please contact the IT Service Desk.

*In 2022, Badgr was acquired by Instructure, and renamed Canvas Credentials. 

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