The education sector is experiencing loads of challenges in most of the procedures in recent years. Paper certificates are prone to damage and forgery. Even digital certificates can be tampered with devoid of a strong security ecosystem. An ultimate solution that can streamline the education process is – Blockchain. Blockchain is a powerful technology that has the full potential to revolutionize industries. We have seen how the finance industry is getting transformed. Leveraging blockchain technology for good purposes and creative solutions can have the utmost benefits for students and educators. The initiative of uniting blockchain technology with education will have great positive effects on the education sector. Blockchain encrypted documents help in securing vital educational credentials with ease.
What are the main characteristics of blockchain technology?
The main characteristics of this technology that let almost every industry embrace it are:
a) Decentralization – Blockchain technology is used efficiently in a decentralized manner so that no group or single person can have control but every user collectively retains the control.
b) Persistence: – Each record in the complete network can not be altered or tampered with. Any kind of falsification can be easily detected.
c) Auditability – It enhances the traceability as well as the transparency of the valuable data stored on the blockchain.
Mention some use cases of blockchain and education initiatives?
The unification of blockchain technology and education has some excellent use cases:
1) Students record
Do you know that maintaining the academic transcripts are time taking task in the education sector. Every single entry requires proper verification and it guarantees accuracy before the issuance of a pupil’s grades. Keeping records of students is not at all a simple task. They are prone to mistakes and can have bad effects on a student’s life. Blockchain and simplify and facilitate the process of record-keeping of documents such as educational certificates, attendance sheets etc. Information stored on the blockchain can allow persons to get a full verified record of the content courses & achievements with a few clicks only.
2) Credentials like diplomas
Vital educational credentials for pupils can be issued & stored in blockchain. The employers will only require a link to the digital diploma or mark sheets instead of asking educational institutes that issue diplomas for certifying paper copies. Many educational institutes have begun issuing digital blockchain-based diplomas or E-certificates. It can prevent students from submitting duplicate degrees to potential employees. Students can securely generate E-certificates and store them for a lifetime.
3) Badges
Apart from degrees, a normal resume consists of all vital information which employers can find useful. Skills like technical knowledge, foreign language proficiency etc. are hard to verify. Any expert can verify the specific skill and issue you with a badge. You can store the badges on the blockchain. It can prove the individual in question possesses the skills. Securing documents with QR codes is an easy way through which users can secure their sensitive documents.
4) Lessons and courses
Did you know that blockchain technology supports “Smart Contracts”? It means that the educational courses and lessons can be installed into the blockchain after meeting some specific criteria. Let us take an example: An educator assigning tasks to pupils. These smart contracts on the blockchain can verify every task completion. Students can get credit tokens. The whole process is simple and makes the total course hassle-free.
5) Storage of files
Educational institutes require tons of file storage space for storing records, digital curricula, and other vital information. Storing every file on hard drives is prone to damage. Blockchain-based cloud storage solutions are ideal to secure and store valuable educational documents. Blockchain encrypted documents help in securing documents seamlessly.
6) Publishing
Teachers, professors, students & researchers create high-quality content and thesis every day. Getting content published is a tough nut to crack whereas publishing that content on the blockchain can pave a new way for writers, professionals & researchers. It can allow them to write more and more. Blockchain technology can aid in the right management and privacy prevention.
7) Saves cost
Many processes in the education sector are time taking and labour intensive. If they get automated, then it can result in lower costs for the educational institutes. Even the pupils can save money. Schools and colleges can save a lot by terminating the need for middlemen in blockchain-based activities such as smart contracts. File storage space can reduce the cost too.
Do blockchain-based educational practices have security?
Yes, blockchain technology can secure and protect the valuable data of students. This technology does so by guaranteeing privacy, immutability and security.
Blockchain will enhance the stoppage of conventional fraud-prone paper-based certificate systems. Educational institutes can easily issue digital certificates permanently and securely. Blockchain helps in storing & verifying the complete record of achievements. If this technology is kept in the correct and proper place, benefits can be achieved. Blockchain encrypted documents seamlessly secure valuable documents.