A Decentralized Approach to Education Powered by Blockchain Technology

Abstract

Recently, some researchers in the field of education have been interested in the applications of Blockchain technology. While some researchers have conducted on the ‘academic certificate handling’ or ‘managing record-keeping’ in which are detailed educational administrative sector, others are more interested in reshaping educational landscape based on the key concept of ‘decentralization’ of Blockchain technology in a larger educational context. Researchers believe that the current centralized learning system or educational model is no longer sustainable, and that the Blockchain technology allows for a total disintermediation and disaggregation of education, specifically in higher education including lifelong learning. In a similar context, this paper will explore how the concept of ‘decentralization’, which is core concept of Blockchain technology, can transform the landscape of education, specifically focusing on the suggestions of researchers at Knowledge Media Institute at the open university in the UK. In other words, it will investigate how this new paradigm of Blockchain technology can affect on educational domain. To achieve this purpose, firstly, the basic Blockchain technology will be scrutinized, followed by the current major research outcome of educational applications of Blockchain technology will be reviewed. Finally, the implications and future prospects of educational applications of the Blockchain technology will be discussed.