Motivation is one of the main concerns that teachers have when it comes to student participation. Digital badging in the classroom at all levels K-12, including in higher education, have been a key motivator for students to be active and present in the classroom. Why digital badges? Because students are at home playing video games and apps where they earn badges for things like passing levels and earning points. This same system can be applied and generalized to the classroom setting. The hard part is creating the badge and then being consistent in ensuring that the students are receiving it as a positive reinforcer for whatever the task may be. Each classroom environment is different, so badges will look different too. A teacher could give one for turning in assignments on time, helping a classmate, making good grades, walking quietly in the hallway, being the student of the month, showing exceptional work, or just going above and beyond any day-to-day routine. Below I have shown a few examples that were used for a research study called Building Better Digital Badges: Pairing Completion Logic With Psychological Factors (McDaniel & Fanfarelli, 2016). I have even seen teachers use it as checkpoints like “levels” in a video game when they meet certain goals or standards within a curriculum. To create a quick and easy badge I would recommend https://www.accredible.com/badge-designer/ or the American TESOL Institute has an excellent list at https://americantesol.com/blogger/digitalbadgesesl/. The great thing about digital badges is that they are perfect for virtual, online, blended, and 1-1 students to stay motivated in this digital age. I highly recommend you give it a try this upcoming school year, especially if one of these settings apply to you!
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