Talkative objects in need of interpretation. re-thinking digital badges in education

I examine current debates concerning digital badges in education, pointing to less remarked upon topics. By investigating badges as motivators, I conclude that a focus on badges as rewards has downplayed the importance of badge conditionalities ('tails') and entitlements ('antennae'), and their always situated effectiveness. Current discussions of badges as evidence-based credentials understate the interpretive work required to make sense of badge collections. I propose two heuristic definitions of badges as 'routes through an activity system' and as 'genres of hint-based multi-authored testimony of learning'. Alternative definitions are invited, as tools for thought.