ClassBadges.com

Well! A new, fun thing has inspired me to create a new blog entry! There has been a movement, gaining momentum over the last few years, regarding the use of online "badges". A badge is something that you can earn for completing a set of requirements. There is a Mozilla badge project, which is attempting to standardize the use of badges across communities. The great thing about this project, if it works, is that students could earn credit for skills not necessarily taught (or tested) in your average classroom.

Let's say a student is an awesome programmer. That is a pretty marketable skill! One that colleges might be interested in! But how will they know? It isn't covered on a state test. And a programming class in one school might be extremely different than a programming class in another.

That's where badges come in. A student could earn badges for different programming skills he picks up. So he could prove his knowledge level to a potential college. Or a potential employer. Cool stuff. So then comes this cool little site called Classbadges.com. Not affiliated really with the larger badge movement I don't think, but somewhat similar in concept.

Think video games. In a video game, players earn achievements for successes and mastery of skills. These badges would do the same! Teachers can create classes in classbadges.com, and they can create badges for those classes which the students can earn. I love this idea! Check out more about classbadges.com below!