Utilization of digital badge system as a positive reinforcement in new normal teaching among selected grade 9 students

Digital Learning Badges are forms of positive reinforcement which can be used to increase student’s engagement and motivation in a virtual class. A badge is typically a graphical icon originally designed by a teacher that appears as a reward for the learner after getting an achievement through class performance as well as to boost confidence and inspires them to show their capabilities without upsetting from teachers’ feedbacks. In this study, the researcher selected Grade 9 students from Mariano Marcos Memorial High School, as subjects in the implementation of digital learning badges as a tool to improve academic performance. The use of digital badges in the online learning environment – new normal setup where students were able to solve interactively, automatically assessed exercises in Science class from first to third quarters. The researcher conducted an experiment where the students (N=251) were monitored and normally with and without achievement badges. The total earned badges were counted and assessed if the collected badges affected the final grade. The researcher also collected numerical and open-ended feedbacks to find out students’ attitudes towards the received badges. Based on our findings, utilizing digital badges in a e-learning environment served as an effective tool to encourage learners in class discussions and explore their capabilities through messages of encouragements. The research helped to validate students' emotional and mental perspectives by encouraging them to collaborate with others, as well as show and improve their capabilities without the consciousness and anxiety of committing mistakes. Ultimately, this tool helped intrinsically motivate online learners and establish a friendly and conducive e-learning environment.