WIP: Leveraging Blockchain for Secure and Verifiable Micro-Credentialing in Engineering Education

Abstract

This Innovative Practice Work-in-Progress Paper presents an ongoing effort to develop a blockchain-based micro-credentialing system for engineering education, addressing the challenges of capturing and verifying granular skill achievements in digital learning environments. By leveraging blockchain technology, privacy-preserving biometric authentication, and incentive mechanisms like Proof of Stake Learning (PoSL), our system ensures secure, tamper-proof, and portable micro-credentials. Integrated into Virginia Tech's ECE 2564: Introduction to Embedded Systems course, the platform allows students to earn NFT Knowledge Coins for validated contributions, preparing them for workforce entry through coding interview simulations. Preliminary findings indicate strong student interest in self-sovereign credentialing and faculty support for automated assessments. This work aims to enhance transparency, equity, and employer trust in micro-credentials, with broader impacts on underrepresented groups and regional STEM education.