Blockchain and the future of digital learning

Abstract

Blockchain systems provide some vital and inherent features such as decentralization, transparency, immutability, non-repudiation, and auditability. Due to these features, blockchain systems have been widely adopted in many application areas including supply chain management, energy sector, government, cryptocurrencies, decentralized finance, metaverse, non-fungible tokens, and in the education sector. In this chapter, we first introduce the basics of blockchain technology including distributed ledgers, historical development, consensus protocols, architectures, and applications. We then discuss how blockchain can be used particularly in the education sector. This discussion includes, but is not limited to, the future of digital learning with blockchain, digital learning approaches using blockchain, learning management systems using blockchain, verification of academic qualifications, and online assessment using blockchain. Finally, we also discuss a few challenges related to the use of blockchain in the digital learning space.