As predicted I am now playing catch up so probably writing this to an audience who has long since moved on. I started reading about badges with a heavy heart - they seem to have been around such a long time and I have heard so many people say they are the next big thing but then failed to see much enthusiasm with them. Although I do have a couple, which are important to me as they were paid for and exams passed to achieve them. They are however only a stepping stone to the wider goal of becoming a Google Certified Teacher Google Certified Innovator (damned annoying changing the name!). To "win" a coveted place at teacher academy I have completed the certification to become a Google Certified Educator (Level 2), mind you I haven't got around to using it on my website yet! Here it is on display for the first time.
My Experiences with Open Education
Well this is my second module for MAODE so I'm fairly familiar with the OU format of readings, forums, blog posts etc as well as the use of online chat. Previously I have completed courses with FutureLearn and my frustration has been with the short chunking of the tasks and the format of forum posts being huge threads. I have also completed my google training online but this was not a timed course and involved no participation with other learners, this did suit me as I was able to complete modules as and when I wanted to rather than feeling I was constantly behind.