This paper aims to show possibilities of the blockchain technology in the field of education. It seeks to theoretically conceptualize a platform, which could be used by universities, students, and employers to manage ECTS credits and degree certificates. This means a platform, through which the university would issue ECTS credits to students as tokens after successfully passing an exam and consequently a degree certificate after getting the needed number of credits/tokens. Students would be able to show their achievements to their potential employers or to another university through showing their public key.
A case study in this paper will be the EduCTX platform, which offers a relatively well thought solution to the above-mentioned problems. This platform will be described in detail and it will also get expanded with some new ideas to make it even more suitable for the stakeholders.
The paper starts with a very brief description of blockchain and its characteristics, to continue thereafter with the possible uses of blockchain in the education industry and especially higher education. Case studies will follow and will also be advanced and adopted to the situation. To conclude the paper there will be a combination of the described solutions in one hypothetical case of five universities that offer a joint degree.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. A short description of the Blockchain Technology
3. Possibilities of using Blockchain in education
3.1 Management of student records (ECTS)
3.2 Award of qualifications
3.3 Sovereignty over personal identity (Self-Sovereign Identity)
4. Possible complications of using blockchain in higher education
5. Imagining a “Blockchain University”
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Key Topics
This paper aims to theoretically conceptualize a platform for Higher Education Institutions that utilizes blockchain technology to manage student records, degree certificates, and identity verification, thereby streamlining administrative processes and increasing transparency.
- Digitization of ECTS credit issuance and management via blockchain.
- Methods for secure, verifiable awarding of academic qualifications.
- Implementation of Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) for students.
- Analysis of potential complications and critical perspectives regarding blockchain in academia.
- Theoretical model of a collaborative "Blockchain University" network.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Management of student records (ECTS)
The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is in the European Union and beyond a widely recognized standard for measuring learning achievements of a student. However, there is no standardization regarding storing these credits or transferring them to another Higher Education Institution (HEI) in a fast and automated way. In this part, we will limit ourselves only to ECTS credits and how these could be issued through blockchain and be stored there.
Awarding ECTS credits by the universities is the act of officially recognizing the completion of a learning unit, which contributes to achieving the intended degree. The accumulation of a certain number of credits leads to obtaining the respective degree, be it a Bachelor, Master or a PhD.
As defined from the European Commission in the “ECTS Users’ Guide”, the credit transfer should offer the possibility to students to have their cumulated credits in one institution recognized from another institution as contributing to the award of a degree. Universities and faculties are allowed to make agreements to guarantee automatic recognition of transfers of credits. At the time being the documentation of ECTS credits is offered by the supporting documents such as Course Catalogue, Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records and Work Placement Certificate.
Blockchain Technology offers a great possibility to avoid these procedures, which in a lot of cases present an obstacle for students and additional work for the university administration.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Presents the current challenges in higher education administration, such as credit transfer inefficiencies, and introduces blockchain as a potential solution.
2. A short description of the Blockchain Technology: Provides a brief technical overview of blockchain, highlighting key features like decentralization, immutability, and transparency.
3. Possibilities of using Blockchain in education: Explores specific applications including ECTS management, certificate awarding, and student identity, with focus on the EduCTX platform.
4. Possible complications of using blockchain in higher education: Discusses criticisms regarding energy consumption, lack of regulation, and the potential commercialization of education.
5. Imagining a “Blockchain University”: Proposes a theoretical framework where five partner universities collaborate using a permissioned blockchain for joint degrees.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the potential for revolutionizing higher education through integrated blockchain solutions.
7. Bibliography: Lists the academic literature, whitepapers, and online sources used for the research.
Keywords
Blockchain, Higher Education, ECTS, EduCTX, Student Records, Smart Contracts, Self-Sovereign Identity, Digitalization, Credit Transfer, Degree Verification, Permissioned Blockchain, Academic Administration, Decentralized Ledger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper explores how blockchain technology can be leveraged within higher education to digitize and improve administrative processes like credit management and certificate verification.
What are the primary areas of application discussed?
The main themes include the management of ECTS credits, the awarding of academic qualifications, and the concept of Self-Sovereign Identity for students.
What is the ultimate goal of the proposed blockchain platform?
The goal is to create a secure, automated, and transparent system that reduces administrative overhead and makes it easier for students to prove their achievements to third parties.
Which methodology does the author employ?
The research uses qualitative methods, including a comprehensive literature review and an analysis of existing use cases and projects like EduCTX.
What topics are covered in the main body of the work?
The body covers technical basics, specific educational use cases, challenges such as energy and institutional regulation, and a hypothetical model for a "Blockchain University."
Which keywords best describe this study?
Key terms include blockchain, higher education, ECTS, smart contracts, and self-sovereign identity.
How does the proposed "Blockchain University" model handle exchange semesters?
The model suggests that universities act as nodes in a permissioned blockchain, allowing for the automatic recognition of credits earned at partner institutions via smart contracts.
What are the main advantages of using a permissioned blockchain over a public one?
Permissioned blockchains are preferred for this context due to higher efficiency, lower energy consumption, and the ability to control which institutions act as verifying nodes.
- Citation du texte
- Tahir Lushi (Auteur), 2018, The Potential of Blockchain Technology in Education, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/538896
