Towards the devolution of lifewide learning awards through verifiable digital badges

Lifewide learning has grown in importance amongst UK universities, with many now offering award programmes to both encourage students to take part in extra- and co-curricular activities and to recognise their efforts in these areas. However, the typical requirement to align these awards with the existing academic year means that the submission and assessment of the awards occur at one of the most demanding times of the year for both students and staff. This paper suggests that a model for lifewide learning awards where the assessment activities are devolved to trusted third-parties would help to reduce the burden on students and staff. The idea of Open Badges, a standard for creating and sharing secure, verifiable digital credentials and evidence, is proposed and discussed using a case study as a means to support a devolved approach to lifewide learning awards.