Edubadges is the platform developed by SURF for issuing digital certificates in higher education. Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) uses these badges to reward staff and students for (extra-curricular) activities. In this article, Ekin Kerimoglu shares her experience after receiving an edubadge for her participation in the MicroLab 'How to Explain Complex Ideas in a Simple Way.'
Edubadges – How does it work?
An edubadge is a digital certificate awarded within higher education. During the Edubadge project at EUR, which ran until March 2024, 674 badges were awarded and 54 developed. Currently, EUR awards 70 different edubadges through the platform. Both students and staff are eligible: students receive an edubadge, for example, as recognition for their successful participation in extra-curricular activities, while EUR employees are rewarded for activities that contribute to the university community. Think of training such as MicroLabs, which helps teachers further develop their teaching skills and practice.
Edubadges for MicroLabs
Participants of MicroLabs can claim an edubadge after successfully completing the training. In the MicroLab 'How to explain complex ideas in a simple way,' (prospective) teachers learn how to explain challenging topics in a simple and understandable manner. This is especially useful when giving lectures. Completing this MicroLab can therefore be a valuable addition to a teacher's career. To recognize such extra-curricular activities, participants who successfully complete the MicroLab can receive an edubadge.
PhD candidate Ekin Kerimoglu (ESHPM) participated in this MicroLab and received an edubadge for it. "I was able to learn a variety of things in this MicroLab, such as how to explain very broad and complex ideas in a simpler way," says Ekin. She prefers taking shorter courses like MicroLabs to further develop her teaching. Ekin is therefore thrilled that she can receive recognition for her participation through an edubadge. "This allows me to demonstrate that I have gained new knowledge, and I really like that. It's exciting that I can now show this to everyone!"
More information
Over time, more and more edubadges will become available for EUR staff and students, covering a wide range of activities. These digital certificates provide recognition for their efforts and can easily be shared within their networks. For Ekin, the edubadge already served as a valuable recognition of her participation in the MicroLab, and hopefully, in the future, even more participants and activities can benefit from this.
Feeling inspired? Want to develop an edubadge for an activity yourself? Visit the EUR page for more information about requesting and claiming a badge, or contact esam.es@eur.nl.
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