How blockchain affects the education system

By Harsh Suresh Bharwani

Blockchain technology has made waves in various industries, including finance, healthcare and logistics. But did you know that it can also have a significant impact on the education system? In this article, we will explore how blockchain is changing the way we think about education.

First, let’s start with a brief explanation of what blockchain is. Essentially, it is a decentralized digital ledger that records transactions across a network of computers. Along with transaction information, each block in the chain includes a cryptographic hash of the one before it. Because each block is linked to the previous one, it is almost impossible to tamper with the information stored on the blockchain.

Now, how does this relate to education? Well, one of the most promising applications of blockchain technology in education is the verification of academic credentials. As it stands, verifying a student’s academic history can be a time-consuming and expensive process. This usually involves contacting several institutions, requesting transcripts and verifying the authenticity of each document.

With blockchain, however, this process can be streamlined and made more secure. Students will have a digital overview of their academic achievements that can be easily accessed and shared with employers, educational institutions and other relevant parties. This will eliminate the need for third party verification and can potentially save time and money for everyone involved.

Another way blockchain technology can impact education is by providing more secure and transparent systems for voting and polling. In recent years, there have been concerns about the security of online voting systems, particularly in connection with student elections. Using blockchain technology, schools can create a secure and transparent voting system that would be virtually impossible to hack or manipulate.

Another potential benefit of blockchain technology in education is the ability to create decentralized learning environments. Traditional educational institutions are often centralized, with a single authority figure or institution controlling the curriculum, assessment and credentialing processes. This can lead to a lack of diversity in the types of knowledge and skills valued and may not reflect the needs of a rapidly changing labor market.

By using blockchain technology to create decentralized learning environments, students can have more control over their own learning experiences. They can choose the types of courses and assessments they want to follow and get credentials that are recognized by a wider range of employers and institutions. This can encourage more innovation in education and give students more agency in their own learning journeys.

In addition to these practical applications, blockchain technology can also have a more profound impact on the education system as a whole. By providing a decentralized platform for storing and sharing information, blockchain can help democratize education and give students more control over their own learning experiences. This can be particularly beneficial for students in developing countries, who may not have access to traditional educational institutions.

Certainly, blockchain has its difficulties, just like any technological advancement. One of the biggest obstacles to widespread adoption is simply the lack of understanding and awareness among teachers and administrators. Many people are still unfamiliar with the concept of blockchain and may be hesitant to embrace it without a better understanding of the potential advantages and disadvantages.

In conclusion, blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionize the way we think about education. From secure verification of academic credentials to more transparent and secure voting systems, the possibilities are exciting. While there are certainly challenges that need to be addressed, there is no doubt that blockchain has the potential to have a significant impact on the education system in the years to come.

The author is the CEO and MD of Jetking Infotrain. The views are personal.