How AWT4CL Digital Learning Badges Led to an Entirely New Course Dedicated to Ag Workforce Readiness, Leadership, & Policy

by Mallory White--

Three years ago, our institution started exploring digital badges designed around 11 gaps in employability skills and workforce preparedness in college graduates as identified by the APLU. In year one, our institution collaborated with leadership from the AWT4CL project to help design and learn about classroom activities and associated digital badges. In year two, my Intro to Animal Science course chose to incorporate four of the digital learning badges. In a December 2023 blog post, I reflected on the pilot year’s successes, challenges, and specific design of each digital badge I used in my classroom. Piloting the badges was a wonderful learning opportunity, and after reflection, led to a fantastic second year!

In year two, I was able to improve upon digital badge implementation. I’ve detailed the challenges and solutions that worked for our class in the ‘Problem and Solution Table’ (below). In summary, we spread the activities across multiple class or lab sessions instead of completing multiple badges one long session. To increase completion rates, I allowed students to complete the reflections during class instead of at home. I also provided a Digital Badge Workbook that gave students a tangible packet with all the information they needed in one place. These actions transformed the digital badges from idea to cornerstones of our Animal Science course.

Overall, the level of class engagement, investment, and comradery improved after using the Digital Badges. The AWT4CL project also allowed me to improve my use of rubrics: give students clear guidelines and enable them to better understand and meet expectations. Students value the association with Virginia Tech and the opportunity to demonstrate workforce skills they already have, as well as reflect on how they could improve them.

Workforce readiness and strengthening soft skills are a priority for both external and internal stakeholders at our institution. These digital badges also line up perfectly with our institution's Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP): preparing for professional success through accountability, professional verbal communication, and professional written communication. I was able to use these digital badges as assessments for each of the QEP requirements mandated by our institution.

Because of the successful utilization of these activities and badges, our department took the next step and decided to start an entirely new course available for the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) called AGR 241: Agricultural Policy, Leadership, and Professional Service. I am excited to incorporate the digital badges in AGR 241 and prioritize deeper discussions on leadership skills and workforce readiness in a way we’ve never done before; and I encourage any instructor to incorporate them into their coursework however they can.

 

 

 

 

 

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