Lessons from the "maker movement": Doing is what matters; openness; give it a go; iterative design; aesthetics matter; mentoring defies ageism; learning is intensely personal; It IS about the technology; ownership -- Are you hooked? I am!
Resources and more from Sylvia Libow Martinez | "This maker movement overlaps with the natural inclinations of children and the power of learning by doing."
Solar Power Up: Great example of how badges lead to tinkering, as well as how it's all about making and creating. Video shared by Connie Yowell of the MacArthur Foundation at the Open Badges Summit 2014.
Wonderfully rich set of curricular resource kits, including Script Changers, Short Circuits, Soft Circuits and Gaming the system. Not sure where to begin with connected learning in a digital word? This is a wonderful jumping off place.