2026 Badge Summit

Digital credential conversations are often framed as binaries: academic versus industry, rigor versus relevance, mission versus market. This session brings together former faculty and former ed tech leaders to reflect on how those perspectives change after working on both sides.
Through a dialogue-driven conversation, the speakers explore how digital credentials are viewed and implemented within institutions versus how they are designed and scaled by ed tech providers. The discussion highlights where assumptions break down, expectations misalign, and communication gaps emerge around badges, micro-credentials, and skills-based learning.
Rather than debating whether credentials belong in higher education, the session focuses on how institutions and partners can move beyond either-or thinking toward more practical, trust-based collaboration. Topics include defining quality across contexts, preserving academic values, and why implementation often determines success.
Attendees will leave with clearer insight into multiple perspectives on digital credentials and practical takeaways for improving collaboration, decision-making, and long-term sustainability.