Using Blockchain Technology for Micro-Credibility
Bitcoin is the most well-known blockchain implementation, but blockchain technology is not limited to financial transactions. Other information can be stored in the blockchain including micro-credentials. Unlike bitcoin, educational use of blockchain requires permission from the data owner. Others can only see the micro-credentials placed on the blockchain if they have permission. Employers want to know what credentials job applicants have, which institutions awarded those credentials, and when. These are kept as permanent records.
Benefits of Blockchain Technology
1. Blockchain in education is in the early stages of adoption. Nevertheless, experts have highlighted the main benefit of blockchain in education, namely storing and sharing micro-credentials.
2. “blockchain plus badges equals rocket fuel for trusted, verified credentials.” Credit transfer between institutions is supported by more than badges. Other micro-credentials and open standards also support credit transfer.
3. Transcription systems traditionally used by institutions can be complicated and inefficient. If an institution is unsure about a student's credentials or cannot provide a certificate upon request, this can be a serious obstacle for students trying to advance their careers. Digital systems and blockchain provide the basis for an effective system for storing and distributing transcripts in a secure and accessible manner.
4. As we have shown, blockchain provides a platform for granting qualifications, licensing, and issuing accreditation to manage student records. Blockchain also provides a permanent distributed record of an educational institution's reputation and output.
