Similarly, Codecademy are looking into converting their programming skill badges into the Open Badge format. For example, Mozilla offer Webmaker Open Badges that show skills in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. We looked at examples of existing Open Badges related to programming and digital making skills. Doug challenged us to think about what types of activities or skills should be represented by our CoderDojo Scotland badges. A dozen of our volunteer mentors who had indicated an interest in recognising achievement and education joined us for an afternoon of Open Badge design. Last summer, Doug Belshaw from Mozilla joined us for an Open Badge design workshop in Glasgow Science Centre. We decided that these badges would be a great way to recognise the achievements of young people in our Dojos. The badges issued by the Open Badges project are digital indicators of skills learned inside or outside the classroom. It allows you to display online real-world achievements and skills which may help with future career and education opportunities. The Mozilla Open Badges project issues digital badges to recognise skills and achievements. We wanted to find a way to recognise the learning that takes places in this informal environment. At the same time the social aspect of the Dojo is helping them develop softer social skills. Taking action to ensure that young people – across Europe – have the opportunities and skills to fulfil their potential and flourish must be the best place to start.Īs they build and experiment with technology, the young people are learning valuable digital skills. Therefore it is important that not only are Scotland’s interests protected and that we make clear to voters in the UK, and all across Europe, the importance of European action to their lives. In contrast, 43% of UK voters would choose to leave with only 37% voting to stay in. Many Scots agree with me and recent polling shows that 57% of Scots would vote to remain in the EU. I believe the EU to be the best international framework within which the prosperity of the people of Scotland can be ensured. The support for it amongst the young people in the audience confirmed again its value.
Frustratingly it has not been implemented by the UK Government. The Youth Guarantee stipulates that under-25s should receive a good quality offer of work, continued education, apprenticeship or a traineeship within four months of leaving formal education or becoming unemployed.