A few years ago, the topic of blockchain was not very popular. Today, we often hear about using this technology in the financial sphere, and the blockchain is associated with cryptocurrency as this system is integrated into cryptocurrency exchanges. However, this is not the only successful case of blockchain integration.
The system was successfully integrated into education, healthcare, and land documentation. We will focus on education and analyze how blockchain impacts this area. We have been getting advantages from the educational technology industry for several years. With the implementation of new technology, we are on the edge of the next big technological revolution. Blockchain significantly changes the collaboration between teachers and students, making several processes faster and simpler. Still, it’s only general statements, and now we will dig in to see what benefits people in the education area get with blockchain.
Recording Students Degrees
The problem of fake degrees is increasing significantly. It is becoming a significant problem for institutions, businesses, and organizations worldwide. People often don’t realize what problems they can bring when applying for a job with a fake diploma. With the implementation of certification management based on blockchain, this issue is no longer actual. How does it work?
- After graduating, the student receives a diploma with all grades, protected with a two-step authentication. Only the diploma owner can access it in the database.
- Students can share their certificates via URLs by pasting them into emails, application forms, resumes, and other documents.
Due to blockchain’s decentralization, all stored certificates are immutable, which allows users to work safely, knowing the documents won’t be shared with third parties. Moreover, several blockchain development companies already use such technology and implement identity management services, making the workspace safer.
Paying For Services Using Cryptocurrency
The number of transactions that could be performed with cryptocurrency grows, replacing traditional methods with bank accounts, credit cards, or cash. People transfer cryptocurrency equivalent to the amount of money to the required account and receive a notification about a successful operation.
Implementing such a method in the education system simplifies the process, making it safer and more comfortable for users. A bank account may be an easy target for a hacker, but he has no chance to hack the blockchain. The technology uses encryption technology, encoding transaction information and adding data from previous blocks to each following block. Each new block makes the system more secure, making it almost impossible to hack the blockchain.
Students and teachers have nothing to worry about with such a protection level. Everything can be done via blockchain, whether paying for education, buying online courses, or renewing a library pass.
Cryptocurrency Tokens as Reward for Students
Besides paying for services, there is one more way blockchain could impact education. Teachers can stimulate students by rewarding them with tokens if they complete tasks or achieve specific milestones faster than their groupmates. It is an intelligent decision as individuals will be more motivated to finish everything on time and get high grades. Still, it’s essential to demonstrate not only complete tasks quickly but also do them qualitatively. If the student completes an essay with mistakes, the reward will go to another person. Of course, students can payforessay and ask someone else to complete their tasks to receive tokens, but they are already motivated to focus more on education.
Unified Protected Databases
The problem of data protection remains actual, as there’s always a risk that personal data, documents, certificates, and other information could be stolen or deleted. For example, hackers could access the database and “correct” grades for those with bad results or steal students’ data.
These problems can be resolved by creating a unified blockchain database. As mentioned, the main idea is to secure the system with encryption technology and prevent all possible interventions.
Moreover, such a database will have an immutable ledger technology that records all events chronologically. It allows them to track attendance, inform students about their projects’ progress, etc. Individuals can store their projects in the database without duplicating them. Moreover, students don’t need to ask teachers about their grades – they can enter the database and see what they’ve got. Everyone will have their access level, meaning teachers and professors can use more files, documents, and pages than students.
Digitalizing Badges and Credentials
Securing digital badges and credentials is another advantage of blockchain technology. All documents needed to access documents, courses, and other educational materials are now verified and stored in one place. There could also be a new feature – smart contracts. Their main goal is to stimulate students to participate in online discussions, write reviews for educational materials, and complete other tasks. It makes the education process more engaging and entertaining as students develop critical thinking and communication skills. The most active individuals can be rewarded with tokens or receive free language course attendance.
The Potential of Blockchain
Blockchain technology is developing as experts find new ways to use it in different areas, including education. It gives a new approach for everyone working and studying, making dozens of operations easier and faster. Moreover, global digitalization caused by blockchain implementation saves lots of money on paperwork because the most important files are now saved online. You don’t need to search through thousands of papers to find the needed file – enter the name into the document’s title in the search and get it.
Blockchain also greatly impacts bureaucracy and removes all obstacles that make almost every operation a nightmare. Now, you don’t need to collect documents, submit applications, and wait for confirmation to access courses or join a club. Do everything inside a single database and receive your documents quickly.
Overall, blockchain technology makes a solid impact on education, affecting all levels and speeding up several operations. This tendency will continue as developers continue to investigate blockchain. Sooner or later, the education system will move to another level and become even more digitalized as more features will be implemented, and everyone will feel it.
