Many people think of blockchain as a technology that powers bitcoin, initially, this was the only aim, but Blockchain is capable of so much more. Blockchain is shorthand for a whole suite of distributed ledger technologies that can be programmed to record and track anything of value, from financial records, medical records to even land titles. You may think, we already have processes in place to track data, then what’s so unique and special about blockchain? Let’s have a look at all the reasons blockchain technology can be fruitful for an e-learning industry or an e-learning platform.
1) The Way It Tracks & Stores Data
Blockchain stores information in batches called blocks. These blocks are linked together in a chronological fashion to form a continuous line, metaphorically a chain of blocks. If you desire to make a change to the information recorded in a particular block, you don’t rewrite it, instead the change is stored in a new block showing that A changed to B at a particular date and time just like the folder that we save in our PCs. That is because blockchain is based on the centuries-old method of generating financial ledger. It is a non-destructive approach to track data changes over time.
2) Trust In The Data
Before a block is added to the chain it has to go through a few things. First and for most – a cryptographic puzzle must be solved thus creating a block. The PC that solves the puzzle shares the solution to all the other computers on a network called proof of work. The network then adds this work, if correct then the block will be added to the chain. The combination of both the puzzles and the verification ensures that we can trust every block on the chain because now we get the opportunity to interact with our data in real-time.
Also Read: Solidity – A Blockchain Programming Language
3) Zero Intermediaries
For instance, while doing business deals, we don’t display the other person our financial or business records; instead, we rely on trusted intermediaries. This approach limits exposure and risk but adds the next step to the exchange, which means spending more time and money.
Now that we know what blockchain is, how it works, and how it’s being used across industries we’ve got a great perspective to look at more educational applications. Blockchain in education is still in its infancy but the industry thinks and sees great potential for blockchain to disrupt e-learning education in four ways and they are as follows.
4. Student Records & Data
As educational organizations depend progressively on Internet-based databases, the danger of hackers changing their grades and adding unearned certifications along with stealing the entire database has increased. Blockchain improves how to identify their students and protect their privacy measures and records. Along with this, it also helps in funding education and rewarding students for the quality of their work.
5. New Pedagogy
Blockchains play an important role in the development of new models of learning as we continue to move past the traditional broadcast model. Moreover, blockchain can also contribute to entirely new models of education that support open access and lifelong learning.
6. Secure Certification Degree
At present, the only way an employer can confirm the employee’s qualifications is by reaching the individual instructors. Even if the interviewee has all the educational certificates in hand, a background check is required. It takes a lot of time as they have many high schools and universities degree to show.
Whereas, blockchain has made this easy and simpler. How? When an instructor includes a person’s certificate to the record, all the details not only get immutable but are openly accessible and isolated from the issuing foundation. Management can basically refer to all the online records to check the interviewer’s potential.
Students can likewise gain full control of their information by a similar measure. They can access and confirm everything about their history online. These records are permanently inscribed on the blockchain.
Also Read: Learn to Build a Blockchain Application in Python
7. Tracking Management
As every instructor joins the blockchain — or initiate their own — their information moves out of individual data silos and into an effortlessly accessed to vault that can be shared crosswise over borders and enterprises (with proper security and access control). Students no longer have to carry their certificates to demonstrate their aptitudes, as the entire information is accessible on the web.
That is a gigantic advantage for individuals moving across the country or into another industry or job. Accepting their potential if the employer has access to the blockchain, they can basically give their biometric identification (like a wallet address) and everything will be instantly verifiable from any corner of the world.
As blockchain evolves, imaginative new applications will disrupt online learning. Precisely how that will happen is yet to be seen, as present giants confront the truth of new technologies that can conceivably make their current platform out of date. The chance to grow course contributions crosswise borders, to secure student’s information, lessen operation cost, and to enhance data accessibility will without a doubt mean energizing changes in education in the coming years, for everybody included.
Also Read: Amazon- A Part of Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)
Further Developments
Clearly, this is the only single application scenario for the utilization of blockchain in the e-learning sector. There are a lot more potential outcomes like the utilization for paying e-learning content, the verification of training that is pertinent for consistency, or the portrayal of lifetime learning within the blockchain.
Besides, there are extra advancements like smart contracts that can likewise be utilized to build up another application scenario. Sooner or later this technology will create new application zones and utilize cases. In this regard, further investigations are required.
So, this was just the 1 domain where blockchain can be useful. And as you guessed, blockchain can be equally used in various domains including financial sectors, the mobile app market & so much more.
Also, one fact that makes it more interesting for all the enthusiasts is that there is a significant skill gap. For every 1 Blockchain Developer, there are 14 new job openings. If you’re looking to start a career in blockchain then nothing could be better than now. For this, we have just launched an exclusive “Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Training Bootcamp“ on Kickstarter. This certification is suitable for all skill levels & includes multiple projects with real-time challenges to ensure maximum assimilation.
