BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION
The difficulties children experience within the educational system are real and frequently hard to articulate. Particularly the antiquated and traditional methods used in the Indian educational system have drawn criticism. Despite these difficulties, the advent of Blockchain technology has shown the way to creativity and change.
The capacity of Blockchain technology to safeguard and simplify transactions initially helped it become well-known in the banking industry. However, limiting this innovative technology to the world of banking would be unfair. The sphere of education could also undergo a revolution as a result.
In India’s educational system, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years towards the adoption of Blockchain technology. Notably, diplomas based on blockchain technology have been awarded to graduates of esteemed universities including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This action is a step towards digitalization and improves the security and reliability of academic credentials.
Furthermore, more and more institutions outside of the elite ones are adopting this technology. The Blockchain and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) technologies have been acknowledged as having potential by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in India. These developments have the potential to make the certification process more transparent, traceable, and effective.
The use of blockchain technology in education can have several advantages, such as preventing document fraud, making it simple to verify credentials, and enabling the creation of thorough, impenetrable academic records. Additionally, the usage of NFTs can add distinctive digital assets linked to academic achievements, giving those accomplishments a degree of uniqueness and worth.
This prompts us to ask, “What exactly are Blockchain and NFT technology, and what benefits do they provide?”
BLOCK-CHAIN TECHNOLOGY:
Blockchain technology has evolved as a system that transforms how information is categorised, offering an unheard-of level of security and openness. This cutting-edge mechanism makes it extremely difficult for any unauthorised changes or attempts to hack to take place. The owner’s digital signature meticulously approves every transaction in the blockchain ledger. This digital signature efficiently foils any attempts to tamper by both validating the transaction and acting as a protective shield. As a result, data stored within a blockchain is incredibly secure, protecting the accuracy of academic records.
The brilliance of blockchain also rests in its built-in immutability. A timestamp is present in every block of the chain, providing an unambiguous indication of when data was collected and stored. In educational settings, where the veracity and integrity of records are crucial, this chronological accuracy is priceless.
Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT)
On the other side, Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) have given digital assets a special layer of worth and legitimacy. Due to its unique characteristics, an NFT is a unique token that cannot be duplicated or traded. A blockchain’s meticulous recording of these tokens results in an unchangeable certificate of ownership and legitimacy. In the realm of education, where degrees, certifications, and academic accomplishments must be categorically true and unchangeable, this trait is very helpful.
A new era of innovation has begun in the education sector because of the combination of blockchain technology and NFTs. They are revolutionary in their unique contributions. For instance, the immutability of blockchain data and the distinctiveness of NFTs ensure authenticity. In the digital era, security is of utmost importance, and blockchain’s cryptographic protections offer a solid line of defence against fraud and tampering. The permanence of blockchain records is a benefit because it keeps academic accomplishments’ integrity for all time.
The future of education Is about to undergo a significant upheaval thanks to blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). These cutting-edge technologies could address several pressing issues in the field of education, ushering in a new era of productivity, security, and comfort.
Thus, NFT and blockchain technology are assets in the education sector. It can change the shape of the future of education. Some of the areas where Blockchain and NFT can bring a change are:
1. Digital Certificates:
Paper degrees that are traditionally awarded by colleges and universities have several drawbacks. Graduates may have to wait for their certificates because the issuance process might be cumbersome and slow. Paper certificates are also vulnerable to tampering, loss, or destruction due to their physical character. Digital certificates, on the other hand, provide a secure, effective, and portable substitute that are authenticated and maintained on a blockchain. Delivery of credentials is accelerated by the move to digital technology, which also strengthens their validity.
2. Data Storage:
Blockchain technology’s benefits go beyond certificates. Using this technology, educational institutions can safely store a wide range of student-related data. On the blockchain, thorough records of performance metrics, curricula, and other things can be made, guaranteeing data accessibility and integrity.
3. Simpler Payment of Fees:
The procedure of paying tuition for a school or institution can frequently be onerous, entailing protracted lines, payments in cash, and administrative headaches. Blockchain technology can make paying fees easier while saving money and time. Transactions are more transparent, traceable, and effective using blockchain-based solutions.
4. Transfer of Records:
One of the best things about blockchain is how simple it is to transfer records like receipts, grades, and certifications. The procedure involves learners receiving authorized digital credentials from educational institutions, whether they are students, staff, or both. There is no need for complicated paperwork because learners may easily share these records with potential employers or other relevant parties.
5. Digital Exam:
The COVID-19 pandemic’s emergence brought attention to the necessity for cutting-edge educational strategies. Digital exams can be made easier by blockchain technology, which enables organizations to administer tests remotely and instantly give students’ marks and study guides. This technology can lessen the effects of unforeseen catastrophes, guaranteeing that access to and continuity of education.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, blockchain and NFTs are positioned to become priceless tools for the education sector. They provide answers to issues that have persisted for a while, like the inefficiencies of conventional certificate issuing, the insecurity of paper-based records, and the difficulty of fee payments. Additionally, the capacity to safely store and transfer educational data as well as allow digital exams constitutes a paradigm-shifting advance in education. These technologies could help design a more effective, safe, and durable future for education around the world as they develop and become more widely used. Adopting these advances can improve student learning and expedite operational procedures for educational institutions.
