August REGIONAL WEBINAR EVENT: “Finding Ways to Recognize Unrecognized Learning: Challenges and Opportunities”

Digital credentials have existed in their current form as open badges since the early 2010s. In some ways the field has advanced significantly and along with that, revenue opportunities. However, in other ways, we are facing the very same or similar challenges that were faced in the early digital credentialing days. This presentation discusses a brief history of digital credentials and use cases of current uses while also considering the challenges of the field that have yet to be solved. All of this will be covered in an interactive polling presentation where the attendees will consider how digital credentials could be used as part of the learning ecosystem at their organization.

Participants will have opportunity to:

• Describe the historical development of digital credentials, including their transition to open badges in the early 2010s and subsequent advancements in the field.
• Identify and discuss various contemporary applications of digital credentials, including their role in education, workforce development, and professional certification.
• Assess existing challenges faced by the digital credentialing ecosystem, as well as recognize emerging revenue opportunities.

Participants will also be able to propose potential solutions to address these challenges within their respective organizations' learning ecosystems.

Victoria Raish

Senior Learning Designer/Program Director

Victoria (Torrie) Raish is a senior leader in the field of online learning and microlearning with a particular interest in the crossover space between traditional academia and innovative educational applications. She has her Ph.D. in learning, design, and technology from Penn State University and a master’s degree from The University of Southern California.

She works for Nexford University as a senior learning designer and was previously a tenured faculty member for Penn State University.

She got her start in digital credentials as an intern for a NASA Educational Services Provider grant project developing badges for teacher professional development.

From there she took on leadership roles with IMS Global (EdTech1), the Association for College and Research Libraries, and at her places of employment to elevate the visibility of digital credentials. Combined with several publications, Victoria has established her role as an expert in the space.