Empowering digital inclusion with digital badges
Founded in 1996, Cambridge Online is a local charity, dedicated to promoting digital inclusion across the county. Their mission is to support individuals facing various challenges such as unemployment, domestic violence, refugee status, and students. The charity provides 1:1 support both within the community and classrooms, helping individuals access the resources they need to improve their digital skills and overall quality of life. Through the refurbishment and redistribution of equipment, the charity ensures that individuals who are underserved have the tools necessary to thrive in a digital world. With a track record of working with large partners like Barclays on the “Be Safe Online” initiative, they help an estimated average of 1,750 people every year, helping them build crucial digital skills and stay safe online.
Motivation to explore digital badges
The charity first began integrating digital badges in November 2024, after collaborating with Region of Learning. They had already used digital badges within their own organisation and quickly recognised the benefits. Digital badges were seen as a valuable addition to their services, as they complemented their mission by providing a tangible way for participants to mark milestones and celebrate achievements in their digital skills journey. Participants reported feeling prouder and more confident as they earned badges, and it encouraged continued engagement.
They were picked out by Region of Learning for their outreach experience, offering digital badges to help their participants gain recognition for their newfound skills and progress.
Implementation of digital badges
To issue digital badges, the charity partnered with Open Badge Factory, which allowed them to create and distribute badges effectively. Integration of the badges into their existing systems was straightforward, with only a small learning curve at the outset. Participants were introduced to the badges during their sessions, and earning a badge became part of the process for completing their courses. This simple but effective approach made participants feel more involved and motivated to finish their training.
While there was initial resistance from some participants, mainly due to fears about using computer technology, this was overcome by providing clear guidance and showcasing the positive impact badges were having on participants’ motivation and confidence.
Impact of digital badges
Since the introduction of digital badges, the charity has seen increased participation and a boost in completion rates. By adding the digital badges element, sessions have been made more enjoyable and engaging. This added layer of recognition also helped break down barriers, particularly in fostering trust among users and reducing their fear of technology. Participants began to see the tangible value of their learning, which encouraged them to continue their educational journey.
The badges have also had a deep impact on staff motivation. They’ve given employees a new way to track and celebrate participant achievements, enriching their role as enablers of digital inclusion. The charity has become more mindful of mapping out participants’ learning journeys, helping individuals progress in a structured way.
Marcus Whewell, Cambridge Online CEO, said:
“Digital badges have significantly enriched the charity’s ability to engage and empower individuals through digital inclusion. By offering clear milestones and recognition, they have helped build confidence and increased participation in learning, making the charity’s work more impactful than ever.”
Key learnings and advice for others
For other organisations considering digital badges, the charity recommends taking time to think about badge design and the integration process. They emphasise the importance of realistic planning regarding timeframes for both integration and seeing results. Digital badges can serve as powerful motivators, but it’s crucial to set up the system thoughtfully to ensure that the benefits are fully realised.
