Microcredentials and Digital Badges

Specifically, a digital badge is a web-based artifact that contains metadata that documents an earners completion of a credential and which can be shared and verified electronically. This sharing allows earners to display their credentials in independent and verifiable ways.

Digital badges are often referred to as the web-based artifact received for completion of an experience containing metadata documenting completion. Microcredentials are short-term, measurable non-credit bearing activities or projects, and/or up to 9 hours of credit bearing course that provide specific career critical skills, competencies, and knowledge that are readily transferred to the workplace. Digital badges can be awarded without a microcredential. Likewise a microcredential can be earned without digital badge documentation. 

Digital badges can be shared on social media, embedded into email signatures, or added to your resume or website providing a comprehensive view of your professional story. Microcredentials have the ability to transform your knowledge, skills, and abilities into a tangible, verifiable tool so you can advance in the workforce. In addition to showcasing achievements, badges can be used to view related jobs specific to their earned badge. This includes real job postings, requirements for positions, and salary data. Earners also have the ability to explore recommended next steps or related badges to complement their earned badges. 

After completing requirements for your microcredential it will be issued through Northeastern State University's badge provider Credly. Badges will be issued through email. Within the email from Credly, you have the ability to accept the badge and begin sharing. Once "accepting badge," first-time earners will be required to create a Credly account. 

To share a Credly issued Northeastern State University badge, earners will need to connect their desired social media account to their Credly profile Possible social medias include LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and XING. After connected, earner have the ability to post on their social media. Earners may also embed their badge on a personal website, send via email to a contact or employer, download badge visual for resume or email signature, download a printable version, or send through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp on a mobile device.