Badges to accredit learning

Badges offer a way of accrediting non-formal learning. A badge, analogous to a Scout badge, is awarded when a learner completes a task or challenge that demonstrates a learning achievement. Badges may be awarded by authorities, by peers, or may be automatically assigned on completion of certain tasks. Badge systems have been used to encourage participation in online help forums and to acknowledge expertise in gaming environments. New approaches support the collection and validation of badges for learning, and work is in progress to develop an infrastructure to award, manage and validate badges.