Dr. Sherri Braxton on how microcredentials create access for all
When it comes to the digital credential ecosystem, there’s immense value in understanding the wants and needs of the learner. Dr. Sherri Braxton, Senior Director for Innovation at Bowdoin College, has that vital knowledge and a passion for innovation. From working initially as a faculty member to later as a staff member at Bowie State University, to starting badging and credentialing at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and now playing an integral role in Bowdoin’s online teaching and learning practices, Braxton has a mastery understanding of student learning across a variety of demographics of students in higher education settings.
Having held roles at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), R1 (research-intensive) university and now a liberal arts college, Braxton can put herself in the shoes of a “traditional” student, a first generation college student and many others. It’s her enlightened perspective on the student experience, understanding of higher education administration and expertise in introducing digital badging to institutions’ students and staff that makes her a valued member of ASU’s Trusted Learner Network Governing Body. It also allows her to better understand the higher education space and teach learners how to navigate it.
“I have looked at this problem through a lot of different lenses, considering what students need to gain from their experiences at an institution,” said Braxton. “There’s the holistic view of what students do and lots of areas in those experiences that are co-curricular and on-campus employment that really are helping to prepare them for their professional careers. Documenting them and creating transparency into what students are able to do as they leave their current educational experiences is important to me.”
Because learners come from diverse backgrounds with different experiences, it’s important that we create space for all to be lifelong learners at the table and teach educators why credentialing is important. In 2022, Braxton wrote an article, sharing a digital badge taxonomy that she created that was general enough to represent all levels and types of credentials. At its foundation, the taxonomy includes cognitive learning theory, a framework that supports educators in immersing technology into the classroom with the goal of enhancing learning.
“We need to meet people where they are, using language that they know,” said Braxton. “Educators know and use the cognitive learning framework to develop learning outcomes. So if we meet them where they are, then we can relate this work to what they’re already familiar and comfortable with, and we have a better chance of getting them to adopt and embrace the work that we’re doing. The same can be said for employers.” She added that microcredentials are not a replacement to current systems and processes, but an evolution. “This work is grounded in what educators already do. It’s building upon that framework to provide more access to everyone in the credentialing spaces.”
To be able to be more accessible, credentials need to be able to represent a variety of learners and allow them the ability to find different ways to represent themselves – enter the Trusted Learner Network. “The infrastructure that the TLN can offer to learners will provide them with the opportunity to have real agency over the strategy they use to articulate their lifelong learning, their professional development and the paths they want to take in life,” said Braxton. “The TLN is going to open up opportunities for learners to find different ways to represent themselves. … People need to see more opportunities for themselves and create more flexible ways to represent themselves than the static view currently offered by the traditional resume. It allows you to be a little more creative about who you are and understanding what you bring to the table.”
Braxton explained that four-year degrees are a great option among many, and there are ways to get credentials to move individuals along their education and career paths. “It’s about giving people access to education in a way that meets their needs and helps them improve their economic status in the world,” said Braxton.