The Implementation of Blockchain Technology to Enhance Online Education

Abstract

Blockchain is a chronologically organized data structure of data blocks that is characterized by decentralization, confidentiality, data sharing, security, etc. It is a technology that is already used by the health care and finance industries and is now widely used in digital currency, smart contracts, credit encryption and other disciplines. More companies will embrace blockchain technology and education is certainly one of those sectors which in the coming years will completely change the present scenario of classroom teaching, with more focus on usage of modern techniques. Online education, a novel mode of education, has been greatly popularized with the advent of internet technology. However, this education method still faces many challenges in the areas of credibility, credit and certification, student confidentiality, and course posting. This chapter explores the basic technical concepts and implementation features of blockchain technology through a literature review and case assessment and recommends a solution to the problems of online education based on blockchain technology. The blockchain technology can retain education records in a secure and decentralized way, offer reliable digital certificates, share learning tools with smart contracts and protect copyrights by authenticating data. The study shows that the incorporation of blockchain technology is an enticing and lucrative development trend in online education. The chapter also discusses the potential application of blockchain technology in education but focuses specifically on future improvements in the positions of both individuals and organizations participating in the teaching-learning process that this innovative technology will bring about. The findings also reconnoiter this technology’s future effects and the possible changes to the learning environment it might offer.