Creating Digital Badges Using Adobe Spark

Introduction 

For years, we have awarded badges of achievement in either a physical or virtual forum. Our connection with a reward system is key to completing a learning activity and motivating us onto the next level. It is part of our nature and goes back to the beginning of time. Except that today, instead of getting a badge for being the fastest in our tribe to outrun a predator, we get badges for being the best reader in the class. We also get badges from exercising, shopping, and eating apps. Why do badges motivate us to try harder? 

Edward Deci and Richard Ryan (2000) developed a theory around the phenomenon of motivation and called it Self-Determination Theory. In Self-Determination Theory, Deci and Ryan theorized that when individuals felt competent, autonomous, and relatedness, they would engage in whatever motivates them best.

According to Deci and Ryan, people are both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated. Intrinsically motivated individuals drive their actions from feelings of autonomy, curiosity, belonging, learning, and mastery. On the other hand, to be extrinsically motivated means that motivation to participate in activity comes from an external source. Examples of extrinsic motivation include a desire to compete, to earn points, gold stars, rewards, and badges. 

If students desire to participate in a session is driven by curiosity or learning, then they are intrinsically motivated. Which by the way, is the best kind of motivation. However, if they desire to participate in this session because they need to pass a quiz, earn points, or get a certificate, then they are extrinsically motivated. Not a bad thing but not as good at intrinsic motivation. We need both types of motivation to get us through the day.

Struggle

Do you spend hundreds of hours looking for badges online?

Do you find it nearly impossible to locate the right digital badge?

Do you find that digital badges are usually the wrong color, size, or shape?

Do you feel like you have to settle for someone else's design?

Realization

Now, you don't have to! You can learn how to develop your digital badges using Adobe Spark.

Solution

That's right! By adopting Adobe Spark, a tool for social media graphic design, you will be able to turn your digital badging dreams to reality. In no time at all, you will create badges worthy of your team's respect. 

Digital badges are digital images which can serve as representations for students' milestones in an eLearning course. Adobe Spark is the digital imaging software tool that can help you develop digital badges.

Call to Action

In this workshop, we will use smartphones and Adobe Spark to develop digital badges. 

Resources Required

• Internet Access
• Adobe account and Adobe Spark
• Smartphone 

Install Adobe Spark and create an account before arriving at the workshop.  

https://spark.adobe.com/sp

Outline

Prompt: 5 Minutes  

The presenter will facilitate a quick discussion on basic badge design, theme, and digital badging systems.

Brainstorming: Understanding the Challenge - 20 Minutes

The presenter will lead a brainstorming session around badge design and themes for about 10 minutes. Examples will be provided to get the brainstorming session going. 

The presenter will challenge the audience to a discussion on digital badging systems and how best to employ them around a course curriculum. The 10- minute discussion should include when and how many badges should students receive. 

Prototyping: Working Towards Solutions – 20 minutes 

Participants will design one theme and two badges.

Participants will create at least two customized badges on a smartphone using Adobe Spark.

Participants can share their badges using Twitter (optional). 

Participates will save their badges, giving them the ability to upload into their LMS.