Further reading on digital badges and credentials

• Spotlight: The Badge Wiki is a great source to start with when you are interested in Digital Badges. It is maintained by the We Are Open Co-Op 
• Spotlight: The DCU has recently set up an observatory on micro-credentials including research and policy reports with focus on higher education.

• The Role of National Qualifications Systems in Promoting Lifelong Learning (2005): This OECD activity « pursues the following three objectives: i) to gather information about qualification systems in participating countries; ii) to examine the impact of different qualification policies on lifelong learning; and iii) to help countries to share know-how and policy experience gained from recent reforms and adjustments of qualification systems. » ICoBC wants to point out the importance i.e. of the report by the Thematic Group 2 on “Standards and quality assurance in qualifications with special reference to the recognition of non-formal and informal learning” (English, French). An example on how to adapt these practices on a national level is given in by the BMBF report « Status of Recognition of non-formal and informal learning in Germany » (2008).
• Dr. Patrick Werquin, probably one of the most renowned experts in the field, gives a good overview on the « Recognition of Non-Formal and Informal Learning: Country Practices » (2010). In the same year, he also published « Recognising Non-Formal and Informal Learning« , a report on outcomes, policies and practices which also consists of a comprehensive benefits’ section as well as cost analysis. Eventually one of the most comprehensive books on this topic is « Global Perspectives on Recognising Non-formal and Informal Learning – Why Recognition Matters » by Madhu Singh.
• In 2015, David Anderson and Selva Staub write about « Postgraduate Digital Badges in Higher Education: Transforming Advanced Programs Using Authentic Online Instruction and Assessment to Meet the Demands of a Global Marketplace« . Although it is rather short, it consists of many of the elements that we can see today emerging even stronger i.e. when it comes to partnerships for mutual recognition.
• Gary W. Matkin wrote an interesting paper in 2018 on « ALTERNATIVE DIGITAL CREDENTIALS: An Imperative for Higher Education » in which he claims that « Universities and colleges that do not adopt in some measure the ADC movement will begin to experience a slow decline in market position and patron support. »
• In 2018, a background document with the title « Europass framework for digitally-signed credentials » was promoted by the European Commission which outlines basic principles for a trusted credentials’ ecosystem and resulted in the « Europass Digital Credentials | Interoperability » framework (updated monthly).
• In 2019, the International Council on Distance Education (ICDE) has published a report called « The Present and Future of Alternative Digital Credentials (ADCs) » which can be downloaded in English, Spanish and Mandarin on their website. The report advises ICDE members to « add ADCs to their portfolio of services most importantly to fulfill their implicit promise to students and society. »
• In January 2020, Clements, West and Hunsaker published a noteworthy paper on « Getting Started With Open Badges and Open Microcredentials » with a « possible framework for getting started with open badges and a step-by-step guide for implementing ».
• In July 2020, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report on « The Digitization of TVET and Skills Systems » with findings stating e.g. that « Digitization is becoming the driving force behind lifelong learning and flexible learning pathways ».
• In September 2020, the EU project « MICROBOL » published a « Desk Research Report » which also consists of a range of definitions of micro-credentials and lists a couple of trends.
• In November 2020, openlearning published « OpenCreds – A lifelong learning micro-credentialing framework » (download after filling out a form) which links micro-credentials to the National Qualifications Framework in Malaysia.
• In December 2020, Dominic Orr et al. published « Towards a European approach to micro credentials: a study of practices and commonalities in offering micro-credentials in European higher education » in English, French and German.
• 2021: The Global Micro-credential Landscape: Charting a New Credential Ecology for Lifelong Learning.   National Institute for Digital Learning, Dublin City University
• 2021: Micro-credentials: Towards a Universal Definition. Groningen Declaration Network.
• 2021: Position Paper of eucen on the Public Consultation on Micro-credentials for Lifelong Learning and Employability. European University Continuing Education Network
• 2021: Micro-credentials in Professional Higher Education. European Associations of Institutions in Higher Education
• 2021: Position Paper by the Netherlands in the Context of the Public Consultation of the European Commission on « Micro-credentials for Lifelong Learning and Employability ». Government of the Netherlands
• In September 2021, the OECD released a report on Micro-credential innovations in higher education: Who, What and Why?
• In September 2021, the OECD published a report on Quality and value of micro-credentials in higher education: Preparing for the future
• In October 2021, Social Europe hosted a Launch Event of European Digital Credentials for Learning

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