TRex Digital Badge: Using Evidence for Wellbeing in Educational Settings

TRex Digital Badge: Using Evidence for Wellbeing in Educational Settings

Micro-credentials and digital badges are gaining popularity in education as flexible, learner-centered ways to recognise and showcase knowledge, skills, and competencies (Flynn et al., 2023). Digital badges have been described as a “game-changer” in Irish education (National Forum, 2020) because they offer a more accessible, learner-friendly approach to education (QQI, 2021). These badges act as visual symbols of achievement, awarded for completing tasks or projects, and are often embedded with metadata, such as the issuer, criteria, and evidence of skills gained (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), 2024).

A key benefit of digital badges is their portability. They are stored in a digital ‘backpack’ that serves as a visual record of a person’s learning journey. Badges can be easily shared via email signatures or on professional networks like LinkedIn, allowing individuals to showcase their achievements. With a focus on micro-learning, badge programs enable participants to engage with course content at their own pace and convenience, supporting self-directed learning.

In addition to encouraging independent learning, digital badges promote collaboration and foster open dialogue in safe, supportive learning environments. A notable example is the T-REX Digital Badge: Using Evidence for Educational Settings course, co-created by the NCCA, the Teaching Council, the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning, the Teachers’ Research Exchange (T-REX), and practising teachers. This course is designed to help education professionals improve wellbeing practices in educational settings by using research to inform better practices. The course is open to educators working in early years, primary, post-primary, further education, higher education, and the support services.

Carmel O’Shea, a post-primary school teacher (Coláiste Muire, Cobh) and current participant, shared her positive experience of the course: “Participating in the T-REX course has significantly benefited me by fostering collaboration with teachers from various schools. This opportunity has enhanced my learning experience, allowing me to explore and apply research techniques in a relaxed setting and at my own pace. The T-Rex Digital Badge was a very well-received discussion topic at my recent successful AP2 interview.”

T-REX Digital Badge: Using Evidence for Educational Settings is an eight-week course, beginning on 10 February 2025, at 7:00pm via Zoom, in partnership with the education support centers of Ireland (ESCI). Two additional live sessions will take place in weeks five and eight. Course content will be available online, allowing participants to learn when it suits them best. Throughout the course, participants will collaborate in peer triads, choosing between online, face-to-
face, or hybrid formats.

For more information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To secure a
place on this course, please register via this link: https://acesse.one/tJKEB or by
scanning the QR code.