Blockchain for Education: A New Credentialing Ecosystem

Abstract

Blockchain technology is revolutionising the world of financial services by providing distributed networks for transacting digital currencies. This same digital infrastructure can be used to verify important claims and credentials, including educational and academic records. Within education, significant momentum exists worldwide to use blockchain technology for issuing, sharing, and verifying educational experiences and qualifications. This chapter provides an overview of blockchain technology and spotlights its use in education to create portable, interoperable, user-controlled digital credentials. These verifiable claims constitute a form of social currency that empowers students and workers with the ability to transfer their competencies and skills anywhere in the world they choose to live, study, and work.