Digital badges: Pinning down employer challenges

Digital badges hold considerable potential for employers and recruiters, as they evidence accomplishments of skills competencies at a more granular level than traditional degree certificate. Badges are validated, online graphical representation an achievement, which is accomplished by undertaking criteria-based learning activities. Despite the established educational benefits in higher education, limited research has been conducted into employer awareness, acceptance, use digital recruitment practices. To address this gap, mixed method study combining quantitative qualitative data collection was before during COVID-19 health pandemic. Approximately 700 were emailed invited to complete initial survey 73 responded. One major findings that 97% respondents unfamiliar with concept badges. Significantly, however, despite lack awareness there no widespread resistance badges, but strong appeal further clarification their value, credibility, security. Analysis reveals stronger partnership working, between education sector employers, pivotal establish effective credentialing systems. Recommendations institutions have emerged from study, aim balance pedagogical badge practice needs. Such synergies crucial changing agenda, prepare students thrive physical virtual work environments. Given paucity field, studies warranted, investigate impact on community.