2.2. Recognition of learning in the digital age

 

The question of how to ensure recognition of learning that takes place outside formal education has long been discussed. It is important for young people to acknowledge different learning experiences and competencies gained through those, but also to have this learning recognized by others. For those active in youth work or providing learning opportunities in other fields outside the formal education system, it is equally important to rise awareness about the value of their work in terms of developing competencies that are needed and looked for.

The issue of raising awareness to acknowledge informal and non-formal learning and of finding ways to recognize this learning in school or job related contexts, has been addressed and discussed for decades. Which impact have digital technologies on the issue of recognition has been discussed much less. Most importantly there are two directions to explore:

• what learning takes place in digital environments and how to be more aware of this learning?
• how can digital technologies help to increase recognition?

 

Learning in the digital age

 

Digital age offers new learning opportunities, both online (for example information, interaction, gaming etc.) and offline (for example data-awareness, social connections impacted by usage of technology, increased technology in everyday-life etc.). Discussing radical change theory in connection with digital life of young people Koh[1] has pointed out, that “Digital age information behavior offers a new type of learning opportunity, which supports both autonomous and social learning.” Learning through gaming is becoming increasingly relevant issue considering the development of technologies of virtual and augmented reality. Constant connectivity offered by smartphones creates new ways for social relations and changes in perception of freedom, control, autonomy and time (see for example analyses by Gitte Stald[2]) impacting ways young people live and learn.

However, these experiences become meaningful learning when understood and thought through. In order to acknowledge  and showcase competencies gained through learning online and/or using digital tools, young people need to think and also talk about experiences. Preferably with adults who can help to put them in context of learning and gaining competencies. It is therefore important that not only parents but also those working with young people in different contexts are able to understand and recognize the experiences as learning themselves. It especially important in training youth workers who are using digital tools and developing youth work in digital environments.

 

Tools for recognition

 

Digital technologies expand opportunities for different competencies to be recorded, presented and recognized. Most importantly new technologies and tools help young people to be in charge of recording and presenting of the competencies they have gathered, in charge of their learning.

Erasmus+ Youthpass and the Council of Europe’s Youth Work Portfolio are already available for many years helping young people and youth workers to make sense of the competencies gained in projects, exchanges, youth work.

Open badge system is another technological tool to gather different type of learning experiences as digital data to be used and showcased when needed by the learner. For example see:

–          https://www.badgecraft.eu/

–          http://www.badge-badu.eu/en

–          Trusted Badge Systems developed badge issuing technology by allowing to complete quests and upload evidence when earning badge. It also created a mobile application Badge Wallet for young people. Project partners designed tailor-made badges systems for national volunteering, youth participation, youth entrepreneurship and more.

–          European Badge Alliance created tailor-made badge systems to be used for almost any type of learning mobility. Now, organisation working with mobility projects can import, adapt and issue badges for school exchanges, VET mobility, youth exchanges, internships abroad, facilitators and organisers of international youth training events and more.

It is also not limited to youth sector, the application of badges in formal education is discussed and analysed as well[3]