Blockchains record information in the form of a public ledger which is distributed to every device (node) connected to a network. This distribution makes it impossible for anyone to tamper with the information recorded. As an emerging technology, blockchains have many possibilities that extend beyond the financial sectors. For instance, it has demonstrated actual use cases in educational sectors, i.e., it has shown the potential to significantly optimize them.
Student Records
As information technology (IT) invents sophisticated means to enhance security, hackers are developing increasingly sophisticated ways to carry out cybercrime. In 2021 alone, cybercrime-related damages reached approximately $6 trillion, costing businesses billions. This is where blockchain technology comes in. The blockchain is an established technology in the crypto space that offers tamper-proof data storage. If properly implemented, many sectors can benefit from its adoption, even cybersecurity.
Securing User Data on Social Media Outlets
For universities, maintaining student records requires a great deal of work, which can be monotonous. Hence, by adopting blockchain technology, student records can be digitized which can save universities both time and costs. This would also make student transfers easier, as blockchain immutability can make verifying student records both effortless and swift.
Curriculums
Even the management of university curricula can benefit from blockchain adoption. Since blockchain offers a secure means to store data, it can be used to digitally store syllabuses and coursework. Furthermore, smart contracts could make educators’ jobs easier. Provided that certain conditions are met, smart contracts can perform a variety of functions. They are coded setups and are coded into blockchains as a series of if/then and when statements.
So, for instance, a teacher could program lessons and courses using smart contracts. Tasks can then be set up, and the smart contract code can verify their completion. Not only that but entire exams can be programmed into blockchains. Hence, students would then sit for those exams online, and blockchains would then be used to grade their answers.
NFTs
NFTs stand for non-fungible tokens and are digital proof of ownership that is established using blockchain technology. Consequently, blockchains are a fundamental part of their use. However, recently, their use has been explored in many industries, including education.
Digital art has been a primary means of revenue generation in the NFT marketplace. To a certain extent, that could also be applied to education. This is because a multitude of artwork such as sculptures or ornaments can be used to award students who are performing well.
Additionally, certifications can benefit from being issued as NFTs. Through the immutability of blockchains, the forging of certificates could be avoided. Hence, certifications such as degrees, diplomas, and PhDs would then be stored digitally. This would not only make validation processes easier but would also allow students to have a unique educational profile for themselves.
Payment Processes
Many parties can be involved in the payment processes of universities. One of the fundamental aims of blockchain technology is to “cut out the middlemen,” which can be applied here. Thus, blockchain integration would not only lower costs but it would also make payment processes more convenient for universities and students. This convenience arises because cryptocurrency payments are carried online, which means that they can be globally transferred 24/7.
Final Thoughts
Blockchains have been around for a while now, and their use still has a lot of room left for exploration. The use cases mentioned so far are only one of the many that have yet to be explored. Therefore, with all the potential being offered, blockchains are capable of being fundamentally integrated into educational sectors.