What is Open Badges and how do I get started

Webinar on 9 February 2016 at 10.00 CET

What: A free webinar for all interested in validation and the system Open Badges

For whom: Teachers, headmasters, study planners, guidance counsellors, anyone active in organisations/NGO/voluntary work

Why: This webinar explains the rationale behind Open Badges, presents a badge system, allows you to ask questions and discuss experiences and practical uses, such as criteria for badges, forms of evidence from earners, areas where badges can be used etc.

When: 9 February 2016 at 10.00-11.00 CET

Registration: https://www.webropolsurveys.com/S/011EA799FDC78CD0.par

Last day of registration: 5 February

Starring: Eric Rouselle (Discendum – Open Badge Factory), Marion Fields (OK Study Centre)

How it works: The webinar runs on Adobe Connect. You need a computer, a web connection, and speakers. To join in the talk, you need a working microphone. More info at http://oersverige.se/taking-part-in-a-webinar/

Why should you join?

All levels of learning can benefit from being validated. In many ways, validation helps making learning visible. The idea behind Open Badges is simple. A lightweight validation system that can be customised endlessly. Integrated with your online presence. A touch of gamification. An attempt at making learning fun.

But don’t let the flashy graphics fool you. Behind the scenes awarding criteria, transparency issues and system protocols are taken very seriously. If Open Badges are to play a role as a validator of skills, knowledge and competences it must tread a narrow path between ease of use, portability and reliability.

This webinar introduces the concept of Open Badges and looks at where Open Badges are going in 2016. It is intended both for newcomers and those who have been involved with the movement for some time.

All those who participate in the live webinar will receive a participation badge.

The webinar lasts for 60 minutes. If you cannot attend, a recording will be available afterwards. If possible, you should attend the webinar live, as it gives you the opportunity to network and to interact with the presenters and the other participants. Plus, you only get a badge if you attend the live event.

Register here: https://www.webropolsurveys.com/S/011EA799FDC78CD0.par no later than 5 February.

More about the Nordplus project: https://openbadge.wordpress.com/about/

You can follow us on twitter as #Folkbadge

The discussion has already started in our Facebook group. Join us now at https://www.facebook.com/groups/openbadges/

Article in GÁTT, ETSC yearly journal

“Education and Training Service Centre”, the Icelandic partner in the Open Badge project, issues a journal about adult education in November each year. This year one of the articles was about this project and about digital badges in general. You can see the article here.

It is written in Icelandic but with a short summary in English at the end.