Digital badges are a method of showcasing a learner's earned skills or competencies in education. The idea of utilizing a visual representation of achievement is not new, and utilizing methods of rewarding behavior or achievement, as a means to further motivation, is not an unknown concept in education. Gamification as well, is often seen as a way to motivate people to do something they are not intrinsically motivated to do. This session will focus on the use of the "Awards" tool in the D2L/Brightspace Learning Environment (available in version 10.5) as a gamification strategy in online and blended courses to increase student engagement. Beyond showcasing the badge creation and awarding process, the session will examine student perceptions of the use of badges and gamification in courses currently being taught in the School of Information Technology at Middle Georgia State University.
