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Getting started with Parchment Digital Badges

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Parchment Digital Badges integration lets you control equipment access based on training completion. This guide will help you set up Parchment Digital Badges in your makerspace.

Before you begin​

Make sure you have:

  • Admin access to your makerspace in Pinpoint
  • A Canvas course for your training modules
  • Access to Parchment Digital Badges administration
  • Coordinated with other makerspaces about tools

Understanding tools​

Before enabling Parchment Digital Badges, coordinate with other makerspaces to:

  1. Review existing tools
  2. Choose between:
    • Using existing tools for your equipment
    • Creating new tools for specialized training
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Using existing tools helps reduce duplicate training requirements across spaces.

Using existing tools​

When using existing tools:

  • Verify training modules meet your safety requirements
  • Get approval from other makerspaces using that tool
  • Configure your course to award the appropriate badges

Creating new tools​

Consider new tools when:

  • Equipment does not fit existing tool definitions
  • Specialized training is required
  • Your space has unique safety requirements

Setting up Parchment Digital Badges​

Prerequisites​

Complete these steps before enabling integration:

  1. Create badges for your training modules
  2. Set up course groups
  3. Configure automatic badge awards
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Once Parchment Digital Badges integration is enabled:

  • Most equipment will be initially inaccessible
  • Users must complete training to regain access
  • Previously trained users will automatically receive badges

Planning your integration​

Map out these relationships before enabling:

  • Modules to badges
  • Badges to tools
  • Tools to individual tool instances
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Only super admins can:

  • Add/edit tools
  • Modify badge requirements for tools

Enabling Parchment Digital Badges​

  1. Sign in to Pinpoint
  2. Select your space
  3. Open Space settings.
  4. Under Integrations, enable Parchment Digital Badges integration.

Parchment Digital Badges integration switch in Space settings

caution

Test your integration thoroughly before announcing to users:

  • Verify badge awards work
  • Check equipment access permissions
  • Ensure existing users maintain access

Next steps​

After enabling Parchment Digital Badges:

  1. Set up badge requirements for tools
  2. Test with sample users
  3. Communicate changes to your users
  4. Monitor for any issues
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Need help? Contact eds@umd.edu for assistance with Parchment Digital Badges setup.