Shaylah McCool, a PhD candidate studying neuroscience in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, is a fan of UNMC Graduate Studies’ new digital badge program. The microcredential program allows students to learn new skills and document this learning through digital badges that can be displayed on their LinkedIn pages, digital CVs and other platforms.
Digital badges aren’t merely a display graphic. They also contain a link that confirms authenticity and earning criteria, via Canvas Credentials, a digital badging platform.
“I think the verification of the badge makes it a more impressive and valid accomplishment to individuals who view my LinkedIn profile,” said McCool, a graduate student in Matt Van Hook, PhD’s, lab. “Rather than just posting it myself, (profile viewers) are able to click the link to view the credential and see exactly what I did to earn it as verified by Canvas (Credentials).”
McCool completed UNMC Graduate Studies’ Dissertation Writing Bootcamp and submitted an extra assignment to earn the Bootcamp Badge.
Venkatesh Varadharaj, a PhD candidate in Moorthy Ponnusamy, PhD’s, lab, recently earned the UNMC Graduate Studies Leadership Badge. Varadharaj posted the accomplishment on his LinkedIn page, and the response was immediate, with 28 comments.
“Working with the badge program has been a truly insightful experience,” he said. “It not only helped me enhance my leadership skills through webinars but also provided a tangible way to showcase my achievements. Sharing this badge with my network has given me an opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and further engage in meaningful conversations about leadership development.”
UNMC Graduate Studies digital badges are issued and verified by Canvas Credential.
Karen Gould, PhD, interim executive associate dean of UNMC Graduate Studies, said the UNMC Graduate Studies digital badging program has been in the works for a while and is being launched now following beta testing by graduate students. UNMC Graduate Studies is proud to provide a new way for its students to strengthen their transferrable skills and document their learning in a way that can be easily shared with others, including prospective employers.
“It’s a great opportunity for our students to showcase skills that might not be as obvious as their academic and research accomplishments,” Dr. Gould said.
Digital badging is a growing trend nationally, Dr. Gould said. It also is not unique to Graduate Studies at UNMC. Other UNMC colleges and institutes may develop their own microcredentials to help students, faculty, and staff acquire new knowledge and skills.
Though the program is brand new, McCool is calling it a success.
“This is my first digital badge, and I enjoyed earning it,” she said. “The requirements to earn the badge are clearly stated, easy to follow and achievable for interested graduate students. The process of displaying it on LinkedIn was quick and easy. I now have plans to work toward another digital badge to display on LinkedIn.”