From the 1980s, when computer-based education started to be delivered through CD-ROMs, e-learning has boomed, paving the way for several private players and government agencies which create and deliver e-learning systems today.
Ellison also noted that a paper option was important because many students in adult education classes lack the skills needed to take a computer-based test and that it will take time to beef up the courses to add that training.
Unlike regular degree programs, which provide a macro education on a general topic (say, Computer Science), badges certify micro-based competency in a very specific skill (say, JavaScript).