BD-11 - Credentials infrastructure + syncing

Abstract

The Open edX credentials service is currently used only for program credentials.

In 2020, OpenCraft conducted a technical discovery that provides high-level proposals for extending the credentials application. This proposal contains the results of the discovery.

Context & Background

Marco Morales:

This has been stuck behind me writing detailed product requirements for a long time, though the project is based on work done before. Also, our addition of program records 2 years ago (edx/credentials) can be seen here. A preview of a learner "My Achievements" view is shown in this Invisionapp as well, but that was never built.

Scope & Approach

See discovery document (2020)

Marco's requirements:

Building on the ideas in the "work done before" document before here are a few milestones to consider / size:

• Migrating course credentials on edx out of the edx-platform django app and to the credentials service. Marking the edx-platform app deprecated then after we have moved to the credentials service
• Making the course certificate override system that works in edx-platform also exist / work in the new credentials system. Migrate existing overrides to the new credential system.
• Explore having native support for the Badge.20 spec or W2C verified credential specification in the credential service, enabling easier transfer of credentials to external networks in the future. This might result in some renaming / additions to the current service and how we store credentials.
• Support the idea that a given credentials could have multiple representations (badge, record, certificate, or others not yet defined). This is echoed in the "My achievements view which shows course + program records + certificates on one view.
• Define a platform boundary for "Certificate Networks" that are enabled as tools to transfer credentials externally. Examples of this might be a learner being able to "add their credential to credly or degreed." Also enable a credential network to be synced automatically, without learner intervention. Example here is that enterprise learners or learners who complete enterprise enrollments with appropriate data consent might automatically have those course / program credentials sync to Credly automatically. Other credential network examples include decentralized blockchain backed credential systems like BlockCerts.
• Platform upgrades, documentation + OEP support for the credentials service. Updates to support it being easier to deploy TBD based on Open edX MFE deployment effort.
• There may be other items from the "B" section of the "work done before" document that would be worth incorporating as a milestone in this bid /quote.

Value & Impact

TBD

Milestones and/or Epics

Deliverables/milestones:

1. Migrate course certificates backend into credentials
2. Migrate course certificates frontends to MFEs
3. Explore Open Badges 2.0

Named Release

Nutmeg or Olive

Timeline

TBD - Q3/Q4 2022

Proposed By

OpenCraft

Additional Info

The initial discovery was prepared by Jill Vogel (jill@opencraft.com) -- feel free to reach out to her with any questions.