In this episode, Credly's VP of Technology, Alexander Hripak, talks us through the basics of Open Badge compliance.  To those new to badging, this should be a consideration in any product used to to issue or store badges.  Alex explains why and how the standards came to be.  Listeners are also introduced to IMS Global, the organization that now oversees the certification process.

We interview Dr. Peter Smith, author of Free Range Learning in the Digital Age. Peter writes of “hidden credentials” that adults in the US have: life experiences and informal education that represent serious skills and competencies that are often unrecognized.  “Free Range Learning” provides options and insights for adults who may want to turn hidden credentials into academic credit and opportunity. Further, we discuss how open learning has become thanks to technology.

Skill Up Somerville is an example of digital badging applied to civic opportunities.    Ben Sommer, economic development specialist for the City of Somerville, MA, manages workforce development programs for the city.  Having identified digital literacy as an important set of skills for residents, Ben has coordinated and grown a badge program to support the initiative.

Continuing the interview from part 1, David Leaser, Senior Program Executive for Innovation and Growth Initiatives at IBM, explains how IBM grew their badge program and how they manage the governance of the program.  Considerations of assessment and level setting are part of the discussion, as is the reach of the program outside IBM.

This episode is part 1 of a two part series featuring David Leaser, Senior Program Executive for Innovation and Growth Initiatives at IBM.  IBM has built a culture of continuous learning, supported by a robust badge program for its employees. David describes the origins and outcomes in this interview.

Patricia Diaz, Credly's Demand Generation Manager, explains how she found a job through social media.  Combining this with the idea of the portability and transparency of digital badges, Patricia reminds us why it is important to share what you've earned!

In 2012, Kate Radionoff, then Dean of Continuing Education at Madison College, became aware of digital badges. Kate saw the potential to apply badges to non-credit courses.  We discuss the impact on the earners, the quality of courses and the surrounding community.

Wayne State University created a micro-credential program in an effort to surface and promote competencies related to graduate and post-doc education.  Following standards from several organizations, this initiative has increased engagement substantially.  Annmarie Cano, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, describes the program and the lessons learned from the initiative.

The NWFA uses digital badges to recognize learning.  Whether from online NWFA courses or certifications following hands-on training and assessment, members earn education credits that feed into benefits whether consumers search for certified members.  Education and Member Engagement Director, Stephanie Owen talks us through their program and the benefits for the Association.

ILM is the UK's leading provider of leadership, coaching and management qualifications and training. In this interview, Nick Cutland, Director of Product Development, Quality and Operations explains how ILM successfully brought digital credentials to apprenticeships in the UK.