This presentation delivered on 17 December 2013 at the Open University E-Learning Community Event reported on the learners use of and attitudes towards badges in two ‘massive’ open online courses delivered by the Open University in 2013; one as part of JISC funded research project and the other as part of a taught postgraduate course. It will review the range of functions that badges can serve including consideration of psychological, sociological, cultural and reputational functions and using this to make a distinction between possible formative and summative roles. Data from end of courses surveys and user posts on the course site and social media will be used to examine what value participants ascribed to badges. Whilst the majority of respondents felt the opportunity to earn badges contributed positively to the course, some remained sceptical or concerned about their role and impact. Lead presenter: http://iet.open.ac.uk/people/s.j.cross