Synthesizing a digital badge for chemistry undergraduates

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the development of a digital badge for a discipline-specific course in chemistry that was undertaken as part of an overall course redesign. Learning outcomes were developed based on both disciplinary standards for undergraduate students and the ACRL Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education. The badge was designed as a series of challenges and awarded based on successful completion of both the challenges and an associated writing assignment.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper considers relevant literature on the application of andragogy (adult learning theory) for online learning, a proposed theoretical framework for digital badge systems, the instructional design principles used for this project, and the potential for using badges for delivering information literacy instruction. The application is supported by examples from academic libraries and this case study, with a specific focus on information literacy.

Findings

Andragogy is highly applicable to online learning but is not the only learning theory relevant to the design of digital badges. Multiple learning theories may be applied during the design process using instructional design principles. Digital badges present one mode of delivering instructional content, but the learning theory and design principles applied are far more important than the delivery mode.

Originality/value

Drawing on both learning theory and instructional design principles, this paper addresses ways in which librarians and educators can develop digital badges or badge systems that align with both curricular needs and the concept-based approach of the Framework.

Citation

Behney, M. (2019), "Synthesizing a digital badge for chemistry undergraduates", Reference Services Review, Vol. 47 No. 4, pp. 448-460. https://doi.org/10.1108/RSR-04-2019-0025