Digital badges in courses: when and how to use them
Digital badges (a type of digital credential) can be a meaningful way to recognize student achievement—but only when they are used intentionally.
At ASU, badges are best suited for discrete, significant accomplishments that represent a skill, competency, or milestone students may want to share beyond a single course (for example, on LinkedIn, in a portfolio, or on a resume).
Before using a badge, ask:
Would a student want to share this achievement outside this course?
When to use digital badges
Consider using a badge when students complete:
- A major project or portfolio demonstrating applied skills
- A defined set of competencies or learning outcomes
- A course or sequence of courses
- A co-curricular or programmatic experience
In these cases, the badge serves as a signal of achievement with value beyond the course.
When not to use digital badges
Badges are not recommended for:
- Weekly homework or routine assignments
- Participation or attendance
- Low-stakes or repetitive tasks
Using badges in these ways can dilute their meaning and make them less useful to students as a form of recognition.
For ongoing coursework, Canvas already provides more appropriate tools, including:
- Gradebook and assignment feedback
- Module requirements and completion tracking
- Automated feedback and progress indicators
ASU-supported digital credential options
If you are interested in using digital badges, ASU currently supports two options:
CredID (free)
ASU’s in-house badging platform.
Parchment Digital Badges (Canvas Credentials)
A paid solution integrated with Canvas.
To explore whether badges are a good fit for your course or program, connect with The College’s Digital Credential Architect: Kena Ray.
If you need technical help with badges, email [email protected].
Need help thinking this through?
If you are considering using badges and are not sure how they fit your course design, reach out to Kena. We are happy to help you think through options that support student motivation while providing meaningful recognition.