The impact of teaching blockchain in schools

Although the technology may be in its infancy stage in the education sector, a 2019 report indicated that 2% of higher learning institutions were already using the technology at the time, with 18% planning to embrace the technology in two years.

Blockchain refers to data arranged and organized in blocks that are then interlinked in chronological order. The relationship association between different blocks makes tracking and verifying data much easier. The ease of data handling has made the technology widely used in multiple industries, key among them being the financial sector.

In the education sector, blockchain is poised to benefit different players, including students, institutions, and employers. Below is deeper dive into the various ways through which blockchain is expected to impact the education sector;

Empowerment for learners (self-sovereignty)

Blockchain is expected to empower students to be custodians and managers of their data, including students’ identities, credentials, and skills acquired. In this case, students’ data won’t be solely in the hands of a central entity like the university administration.

The technology will empower students to store their lifelong data from both within and outside learning institutions. They will fully own their data and control who can access it. This not only secures their sensitive data but also makes it easy to prove the accuracy and authenticity of their credentials.

Partnership platform

In addition to enhancing transparency and safety of data, blockchain is expected to open new avenues for communication, interaction, and information sharing between students and other players and create an environment for easy learning and success for students during their education.

Blockchain is especially expected to bolster the relationship between students and professors in terms of learning, personal guidance, and advice. Various departments also use blockchain technology to post information about important lectures and events, which go a long way in building long-term and beneficial relationships between students, alumni, and the institution.

Copyright And Protection Of Digital Rights

Students can use blockchain to control who can access their copyrighted material across the Internet. This helps prevent plagiarism by ensuring data is stored in chained blocks and cannot be altered. The data in each block is encrypted to protect it from being changed manually.

This will not only secure academic materials but will also ensure such materials can easily be accessed when needed, in addition to controlling who can access them.

Human resources

Blockchain will also ease the job-hunting process for both students and employers by ensuring students’ data and credentials are secure, accurate, and can easily be accessed and shared. Advanced encryption establishes security protocols that protect students’ data from falsifications.

Therefore, the technology will ensure HR managers are getting relevant and accurate information from job applicants. It will allow students to report the universities they attended, their degrees accurately, and their accomplishments as all information are verifiable.

Transfer Of Credits

One of the biggest challenges for students changing universities is credit transfer. It is a challenge that usually leaves students at a disadvantage as they are sometimes forced to redo some courses to fulfill the new institution’s requirements.

The problem may even be more severe for students transferring to colleges in other countries with different languages. Blockchain helps to standardize record storage among learning institutions and make interinstitutional record exchange much easier.

Conclusion

Blockchain is a multifaceted technology with multiple applications in several industries. The technology is expected to benefit learning institutions, professors, and students in the education sector. Outside learning institutions, blockchain will also help employers create an ecosystem that benefits students both in and outside.