Krisin Fontichiaro, UMSI Clinical Assistant Professor, has proposed a session on digital badging for the highly competitive South by Southwest Interactive conference in Austin, Texas next March. A popular vote will help determine which sessions are offered at the conference. Students and faculty can help send one of UMSI’s own to the conference by voting for Fontichiaro’s presentation.

Like scout badges, digital badges set forth challenges and goals that, once accomplished, earn the user a badge. Badging can offer a new and powerful tool for quantifying and representing what and how students are learning. Fontichiaro will share a framework for effective badging practices, and debunk what isn't.

The presentation will also look at:
• Peer badging.
• How to structure a badge challenge.
• How to implement badging so that it improves learning practices.

Fontichiaro coordinates the school library media program and teaches courses in library and information science. She has a special interest in librarians-as-teachers, media for children and young adults, technology for learning, and the emerging leadership roles of school librarians.

Voting is open now through October 5. Voters must create a free account on the SXSW site to avoid spam.

Vote for Kristin Fontichiaro’s presentation here!