3 steps to creating a new
(decentralized) learning
currency
Creating a new learning
currency using Mozilla Open
Badges
Tim Riches
23 Jan #BETT2014
CPD Exchange, sponsored by @Stonecomputers stand 102
#openbadges
@triches
“…qualifications are
worthless as a criteria for
hiring”
Google 2013
“…over 50% of employers
not satisfied with
employability skills of
school leavers”
CBI 2007
CBI 2007
How do we create a new
learning currency?
Three things we need to create a new
(decentralized) learning currency
1.  Tools
–  Free tools to design, create and issue Open Badges
–  Open source standard
2.  Community / ecosystem
–  Vibrant ecosystem that connecting teachers, nonprofits
& employers
3.  Maps – skills, competencies & achievements & knowledge
navigation
1. What are
open badges?
Aren’t badges just for
kids?
Mozilla Open Badges:
a web standard which
captures &
communicates learning
How do they work?
CC BY-SA Kyle Bowen
www.backpack.openbadges.org	
  
What makes Open Badges
different?
1.  Open & free skills standard
2.  Anyone can create open badges
3.  Data is owned by you
Badge Stats
235,000 badges issued
1900 issuers
50k+ Backpacks
1400% Growth since Nov 12-13
Who is involved in the
ecosystem?
Part 2 – the ecosystem
120+ partners
How do I make and
issue badges?
Growing range of tools including
Makewaves, Moodle, Blackboard,
Achievery, Badgekit,
Makebadg.es…
Designing Open
Badges
Download	
  canvases	
  at	
  www.digitalme.co.uk/badgetheuk	
  
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it
33,000	
  badges	
  awarded	
  	
  
since	
  Jan	
  2013	
  
23,000	
  students	
  have	
  earned	
  a	
  
badge	
  from	
  over	
  1000	
  schools	
  
Compe22on	
  Winner	
  
Only	
  UK	
  Badge	
  pla;orm	
  
Design	
  your	
  Badge	
  

Makebadges.org	
  
33,000	
  badges	
  awarded	
  	
  
since	
  Jan	
  2013	
  
23,000	
  students	
  have	
  earned	
  a	
  
badge	
  from	
  over	
  1000	
  schools	
  
Compe22on	
  Winner	
  
Only	
  UK	
  Badge	
  pla;orm	
  
Publish	
  your	
  Badge	
  Mission	
  
Browse	
  the	
  Badge	
  Library	
  
Students	
  Take	
  Badge	
  Missions	
  
Teacher	
  Badge	
  Dashboard	
  
How are they being used?
1.  Learner feedback & motivation

2. 
3. 
4. 
5. 

Recognising skills outside of assessed curriculum
Creating a fuller picture achievements
Continual professional development
Build links with employers
How will value develop in
badges?
-  Endorsement
-  Distributed ecosystem
-  Community rated
Three things we need to create a new
(decentralized) learning currency
1.  Tools
–  Free tools to design, create and issue Open Badges
–  Open source standard
2.  Community / ecosystem
–  Vibrant ecosystem that connecting teachers, nonprofits
& employers
3.  Maps – skills, competencies & achievements & knowledge
navigation
How to get
involved –
become a BTUK
partner
www.digitalme.co.uk/badgetheuk
Tim Riches
Tim.riches@digitalme.co.uk
@triches
www.digitalme.co.uk

Bett 2014: 3 Steps to creating a new (decentralized) learning currency