Blockchain technology in education has brought fresh waves of change and introduced solutions established in different industries beyond its initial financial and cryptocurrency focus. This is similar to other rapidly emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and extended reality.
Currently, many government-funded universities are mulling over whether to adopt blockchain-based resources. For stakeholders, keeping up with this shift will help make sense of it and provide constructive feedback.
Impacts of Blockchain Technology on the Education Sector
The education sector is primed for change as the globe becomes more technologically savvy. Students who can now enlist any professional essay writer at EssayHub and similar paper writing services online have benefited from the EdTech sector for two decades. This has hastened the process of bringing schools up to date with technological advancements in entire economies.
Now is the time for blockchain technology to join the conversation.
Below are ways in which blockchain technology might influence the classroom experience.
Paperwork, degrees, and report cards
The immutable ledger technology of the blockchain records recent occurrences in chronological order by:
- Displaying transcripts;
- Presenting a detailed report card;
- Keeping track of attendance;
- Informing students and parents about their progress.
Using blockchain, students who use custom writing services to do my project for me can submit their assignments without worrying about their submissions getting lost in the mail.
Also, instead of receiving certificates and degrees on fragile paper, they can now receive them online. The convenience and orderliness associated with digital diplomas and certifications make them appealing.
Smart contracts for assignments and courses
Blockchains frequently employ smart contracts, which can help teachers create blockchain-based curricula. Once the relevant conditions are met, the course will be taught independently and at the student’s own speed. A smart contract that both students and professors sign could specify the following:
- An assignment’s requirements;
- Its due date;
- The grading criteria.
Rewards for learning
One of blockchain’s most important applications is in cryptocurrencies and tokenization. Professors will soon be able to incentivize students to do well or complete a specific major by awarding them tokens. Incentives for timely loan repayment can be provided to students by educational institutions.
Tokenization’s gamification features are also a powerful tool for improving the classroom experience.
Payment streamlining
Paying for college is a tedious and time-consuming procedure involving:
- Students;
- Parents;
- Banks;
- Foundations;
- Government organizations;
- Lenders, etc.
Blockchain technology could speed up this process, decreasing administrative costs and making tuition cheaper.
Cost-effectiveness and universality
A few examples of the open educational resources blockchain technology can offer everyone includes:
- Books;
- Podcasts;
- Audio content;
- Videos in the public domain.
This technology allows for the safe and low-cost distribution of these communal assets. Students in far-flung regions can also benefit by taking courses and exams online and having their work graded directly on the ledger.
Potential Pitfalls of Using Blockchain Technology in the Classroom
The limits presented by the technology present a serious concern
The lack of institutional trust is the greatest difficulty facing this emerging technology. This has slowed the spread of blockchain in the classroom.
Unlike a distributed database management system, an immutable ledger keeps records that cannot be altered. It also allows for peer verification. Since the network doesn’t require a go-between, this eliminates the possibility of fraud and ensures the validity of credentials at all times. Unfortunately, while beneficial, this would prove problematic in case and whenever the need to fix a human error arises. After all, errors in certification are not an uncommon occurrence in colleges.
Lastly, identity verification, degree certification attestation, and cryptocurrency-mediated financial transactions are currently the only significant uses of blockchain technology. This limits the scope of usage in the classroom. As a result, many institutions may prefer using other solutions they are already familiar with.
Both technological and philosophical barriers have significantly affected the implementation of blockchain in the classroom.
A lack of funding
The use of blockchain technology as a means to address the digital challenges confronting today’s educational systems is gaining momentum. However, the lack of available funds remains the primary obstacle to widespread adoption of such technologies.
Its widespread acceptance is doubtful currently. You’ll only witness substantial momentum once more educational institutions invest in infrastructure, training, and competence. Ultimately, blockchain technology in the classroom offers a promising answer to challenges in the sector. However, widespread adoption will take time.
A lack of knowledge
Lack of knowledge is another obstacle. It could be challenging to persuade educational institutions to adopt blockchain due to their possible unfamiliarity with the technology. A convincing business case for blockchain’s advantages needs to be developed, which is the responsibility of educators and other stakeholders.
Conclusion
Disruptions have occurred in many parts of the global economy as the real world increasingly merges with virtual and augmented realities. Blockchains’ efficiency and storage capacity are superior to that of conventional centralized databases. Already, cryptocurrency and the blockchain are altering the financial sector. Hence, incorporating them into a curriculum increases access to resources for students who prefer to work with the best research paper writing services.
It also creates a system that is efficient, cost-effective, and accessible to students from all backgrounds.
