In the framework of the STS 2025 conference in May 2025 in the city of Graz (Austria), a study of the perception of young people on Digital Credentials was presented.
The overall objective of the EcoCredGT project is to develop capacities in vocational and educational institutions for the creation of a digital credential ecosystem in Guatemala. Therefore, it is also important to know how digital credentials are accepted and valued by students. An online survey was conducted with 113 students at Fundación Kinal. In this survey the researchers explained the idea of digital credentials with a video and an explanatory text. You can find the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvXl7GlurE0
The researchers then asked the students questions related to digital credentials. It turned out that students were very confident in their own ability to effectively use new technologies such as digital credentials. In addition, they rated the subjective value of digital credentials very positively and indicated that they were interested in using them to demonstrate skills and accomplishments and using them, for example, on job applications to differentiate themselves from other applicants in the job market.
Although there were also some concerns, such as not having the opportunity to acquire a digital credential and that this would be a disadvantage, or some insecurities about technical aspects (e.g., security), the overall intention to use digital credentials was very high. Ninety-five percent stated that they would be interested in receiving a digital credential after completing a course, indicating that Kinal Foundation students are open to the possibility of using digital credentials in the future.
