Learning Happens Anywhere, Anytime

 

Tracking Middle School Passions Through High School 

By the time AfterZone participants reach 8th grade, they've taken programs that allow them to learn about and explore everything from environmental science, to sports, to video game design, and much, much more. Some AfterZone youth explore multiple interests or take part in leadership opportunities, but many repeatedly take the same types of programs—expressing an interest in a specific learning pathway!

When AfterZone youth graduate 8th grade, their badge history can "unlock" access to things like first choice for high school-level ELOs, paid internships through the Hub, and more. A young person's badge history also allows PASA and the Hub to personalize their high school ELO experience, introducing 8th grade students to high school ELO program providers they might be interested in based on their collection of badges.

Digital Badges Form Portfolio of Real World Skills

Until recently, it's often been difficult to get recognition for skills and achievements gained outside of school. Digital badges provide a way for young people to get recognition for the skills and experiences they gain in PASA's after-school and expanded learning programs (think a digital version of a Girl Scout badge), but also allow PASA to better see emerging passions, interests, and skills. At the high school level, badges act as public signifiers of the skills each student has acquired outside of the classroom.

Potential employers, community members, and even college admissions staff can go to a student's online profile to see their portfolio of badges—linked to the work and projects done to achieve the badges—to get a holistic understanding of the student that goes beyond the classroom and beyond grades.

Imagine graduating high school with a dynamic portfolio of passions, projects, and skills that stretches all the way back to 6th grade, that connect you to future opportunities personalized to your experiences and interests!

PASA's digital badge system recognizes, motivates, validates, and connects learning interests and achievements of youth beginning in 6th grade, creating a seamless system of learning pathways that usher youth through middle school, high school, and onward to college, career and life.

PASA's digital badge initiative is supported through HASTAC/Macarthur and supported by Mozilla Open Badge initiative.

To learn more and to see it in action, go to www.hubprov.com.