What is the metadata of a digital credential

igital credentials have emerged as an effective way to recognize achievements and skills in the online world. These virtual recognitions act as visual certificates of competence and success in diverse fields, such as education, work and personal development. As digital credentials gain popularity, metadata becomes an essential aspect of understanding and fully realizing the potential of these credentials. The metadata of a digital credential is the key element for digital credentials to be effective and reliable.

What is a digital credential?

A digital credential is a visual representation of a specific achievement or competency that a person has achieved. These credentials are made up of a graphical portion and are linked to data that supports the validity of the achievement they represent.

Digital credentials have become a valuable tool for increasing online credibility. Rather than simply claiming skills on a resume or online profile, credentials provide visual, tangible evidence of a person’s achievements.

What is metadata?

Metadata refers to data and information that provides context and additional details about a specific item. In the case of digital credentials, metadata is the additional information that accompanies the visual image of the credentials and provides details about the issuer, the recipient, the obtaining criteria and the date of issue, among others.

The metadata of a digital credential is what gives depth and authenticity to the credentials. It contains detailed information about the issuance of the credentials, such as the name of the entity or institution that grants it, the specific criteria that must be met to receive it, and the quality standards that guarantee its validity.

In other words, it refers to the evidence behind an achievement or obtained skill.

How is metadata used?

The metadata in digital credentials allows these recognitions to have a broader and more meaningful context. By clicking on a badge, metadata can be accessed, allowing viewers to get a full understanding of the achievement it represents.

Components of the metadata of a digital credential

The metadata in a digital credential can vary depending on its purpose and the platform on which it is issued. Some of the most common elements that can be included in the metadata are:

• Issuing entity: The organization, institution or company that grants the credentials.
• Obtaining criteria: The specific requirements that an individual must meet to receive the credentials.
• Date of issue: The date the credentials were granted.
• Credential description: A brief description of what the credentials represent and the demonstrated skills.
• Link to evidence: Links or references to evidence that supports the achievement represented.
• Quality standards: The standards that guarantee the legitimacy and validity of credentials.

How the metadata of a digital credential is created

Creating effective metadata for a digital credential is a crucial process. It is important that it is clear, precise and relevant to the achievement it represents. To do this, some guidelines must be followed:

1. Define clear criteria for obtaining credentials.
2. Establish quality standards that verify the validity of the achievement.
3. Include links or references that support the legitimacy of the credentials.
4. Provide a concise but informative description of the achievement represented.
5. That the aggregated data does not contain grammatical errors.

It might interest you: Stackable Badges: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

Advantages of having a well-defined metadata

Well-defined metadata provides numerous benefits to digital credentials:

1. Increases credibility and confidence in credentials.
2. Facilitates understanding of the relevance and meaning of the achievement.
3. Allows independent verification and validation of achievement.
4. Provides greater transparency in the credential issuance process.

The metadata of a digital credential is an essential component that guarantees the authenticity and veracity of the competencies and achievements represented. It allows for better understanding and facilitates its validation in various contexts. Metadata not only benefits the individuals who receive and display the credentials, but it is also valuable to issuers and institutions that want to verify the skills and achievements of their candidates. In the ever-changing world of technology and learning, digital credential metadata will continue to be a key tool for certifying and recognizing individual capabilities.

Subscribe to blog here and receive all our content