Blockchain is the technology that appeared with the creation of Bitcoin, which is behind the other cryptocurrencies and allows its decentralization. We see the Blockchain as the new internet and cryptocurrencies as an element within it. In other words, if the cryptocurrencies were not successful, the Blockchain would.
The Blockchain allows for the first time in history we can make transactions without trusting the other party. We can make transactions with people we do not know without the need of intermediaries such as banks or companies such as Visa or Paypal that today act as “arbitrators” generating the confidence to exchange money. In this way, we are moving from the internet of information to the internet of value, since the Blockchain allows this transmission of value.
The Blockchain development of “bitcoin” can also offer advantages in the educational field. This is indicated by a study of the Joint Research Center (JRC), the internal scientific service of the European Commission, which has examined the possible contribution of this system considered “incorruptible” in areas such as training and digital certificates with either the use of academic appointments or the protection of intellectual property.
Based on the analysis of a series of studies conducted in various European universities, the report confirms that the relationship of the “blockchain” with education is in an embryonic phase while offering a series of recommendations to encourage the development of this technology.
The researchers highlight, in this sense, certain advantages that refer to the immutability of the records in the “blockchain”, where they remain once they enter, which has potential applications in terms of the ability to guarantee digital courses and certificates, Even if an institution stops functioning or a whole education system collapses, as happened in Syria.
The ATH coin entries in “blockchain” can be verified with a single “mouse click”. This significantly reduces the workload of both students who would end the inconvenience of making paper copies of certificates or procedures to request a course in educational institutions and they can instantly verify individual or organizational credentials.
On the other hand, there would be “smart contracts,” the report adds in which agreements could be automatically closed when certain conditions are met. Thus, a student would only receive a financial aid if he/she has presented the compulsory works of the course. The author of a publication that enters the “blockchain” would receive automatic recognition or even payment for appointments.
With so little time of the use of this technology and is already causing a revolution in many social and economic fields, it is valid that we ask ourselves: what applications can the blockchain have in virtual education before we hire Blockchain Consultant.
Here are some applications that in the future, and in some cases is already being presented, the blockchain may have in the virtual educational field:
1. Diplomas and certificates:The academic record of the students which contains notes, diplomas and titles obtained, is protected. This information is available in the chain of blocks is out of danger in case the institution loses these files. It also allows security to be reinforced so that the diplomas are not modified. Another option is the delivery of certifications through the blockchain.
2. Security in the archives: In virtual education, sometimes the theft or plagiarism of investigations or projects is presented by those who try to present a new one. Also, the documents or files prepared by students and institutions will be safe with this technology, to avoid theft in both cases or forgery of digital signatures.
3. Reliable transactions: With the blockchain it is very practical to manage economic transactions with online institutions or study centers. Also verify the credibility of online institutions, avoiding “falling into the trap” of these fraudulent networks.
4. Accreditation of credentials: It focuses on interpersonal skills and it is possible to obtain them through “peer to peer” processes, better known as P2P. It is based on the fact that the students with whom the projects are carried out can give credentials to their peers, certifying some skill developed during the group learning. What you get is known as an “open badge,” which can support the knowledge and skills acquired during the course or virtual learning.
Apart from the applications in the education sector the report also refers to the advantages for employment that is related to the ability to offer a service to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the candidates for a position (training, skills, experience) and reduce the time that recruiters spend checking these data as well as the possibility of automating agreements, payments or taxes, among other functions.
