Social discussion of CS in K-12

[Charles Schultz <sacrophyte AT gmail.com>]

Good day, Shifters,

I am keen to learn what you all think about online badges (ie, openbadges.org). During the fall I am a part-time teacher at Parkland, and I am seriously considering using badges to signify completions of projects (#pbl). Are these just a passing fad, or do they have viable merit in the education profession?

What I like about them is that it forces me, as an instructor, to "packetize" the content of the class in such a way that it makes sense to the world at large. It is not much different than leveling up on games (and hence the whole gamitization historical context), or gaining "achievements" that unlock new characters, attributes or accessories.

Toughts and comments are appreciated. :)

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Charles Schultz