Open Educational Badges (OEB) offer an innovative way to make informally acquired skills visible – but how can we measure their actual impact? This is precisely the question addressed by the accompanying research on impact analysis conducted by Value for Good.

Why is impact management important? OEBs should not only be issued, but also be demonstrably effective. Systematic impact measurement helps to:

• document individual skills acquisition
• strengthen the acceptance of OEBs in the education and labor markets
• ensure continuous improvement of badge systems

• How does the measurement work? The framework for measuring the impact of OEB is based on:
  📌 Clear impact logic: What changes should OEB bring about?
  📌 Measurable indicators: How can the development of skills be measured?
  📌 Real-world laboratories & data analysis: How can we validate the success of badges?
  
• Initial findings and challenges: Tests conducted to date show that OEBs help learners to:
  ✅ develop a stronger awareness of their own skills
  ✅ use their acquired skills more effectively in job applications
  ✅ are more motivated to develop themselves further

However, more badges per learner (more data) and broader application are needed to achieve a lasting impact. In addition, teachers and awarding bodies must also be involved to enable effective use.

🌍 Why this is important

With a well-designed impact assessment, open badges can be established as reliable proof of competence in the long term – for learners, employers, and educational institutions alike.