Digital Badges
Digital badges capture and communicate an accomplishment of some kind. Sometimes referred to as micro-credentials, digital badging provides a framework in which to document knowledge, skills, and competencies gained through various learning and professional development opportunities.
A digital badge has four basic elements:
- An icon designed to convey basic information about the badge achievement,
- Metadata embedded in the badge that contains detailed information about who issued the badge, what the criteria were for earning it when it was earned, keyword tags, evidence, and any other relevant information to convey the value of the certification,
- A trusted issuer such as an academic department representative; and a
- Display platform that allows badges to be viewed, verified and managed.
The Validity of Digital Badges
Digital badges earned by students are created and verified by Bucks County Community College via one of the following departments: Academic Affairs, Center for Workforce Development, Continuing Education, Department of Public Safety Training and Certification, and IT Academy.
Employees receive badges issued by the Center for Personal and Professional Development. Badge criteria may be determined by local employers, national certification and/or accrediting agencies, occupational advisory boards of the College, the Academic Affairs team, transfer intuitions and/or representatives from the College’s Human Resources department.
Earning, Claiming, and Sharing Digital Badges
Students or employees earn and claim digital badges upon successful completion of the digital badge criteria.
Students can earn badges as well as points by participating in the Bucks+ co-curricular engagement program managed through Suitable and designed to help you find and participate in activities happening virtually, on-campus, throughout Bucks County, and beyond!
Earners share digital badges on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Earners can also download and print a certificate version of their badge. Each earner has a unique digital badge page. The page can be shared on a resume, cover letter or other correspondence with potential employers.
Further information on earning, claiming and sharing digital badges can be found in the Library knowledgebase.