Why Metadata?
Open Badges are more than just another pretty sticker, they are a specialized class of digital badges. It is the amalgamation of the badge image and metadata baked into the badge that encapsulates the context of the demonstrated skills, competencies, and/or credentials. Metadata is a foundational component of an Open Badge and it's just one of those things that set it apart from a digital sticker.
As an issuer, thoughtful considerations should be given when constructing the badge metadata as it 1) provides an outline of the criteria necessary for attaining the credential, 2) serves as a guide for learners, and 3) signifies verifiable information about both the issuer and the achievement. As your institution designs Open Badges with Credentials, it is important to consider the organizational management of the badges and their respective metadata to ensure accuracy, consistency, and scalability.
Metadata Mapping
So, how can my institution efficiently coordinate this information and keep an internal record of all of our badges and the ever-so-important metadata? We're glad you asked! We have created a free template to help you organize your institution's badges while also including the required elements necessary for generating badges within Canvas Credentials. This template can be used to support governance processes, taxonomy, skill alignment, and to ensure that the earning criteria and badge design meet the organization’s goals and guidelines. Click the image below and choose "USE TEMPLATE" to make your very own copy that you can customize to meet your institution’s needs.
Please share your thoughts and feedback below.
