Stephen Downes

Knowledge, Learning, Community

After a quick introduction defining blockchain, this article then shifts to its main focus, an interview with three experts on the following potential applications:

  • "blockcerts" for certifications and credentials,
  • bitcoin for paying for tuition,
  • blockchain for transcripts, and
  • using blockchain technology to retain authorship and attribution in open education resources.

The focus isn't exactly where I would place it, though it does represent what seem to be the  the core values of academia today: granting degrees, charging fees, and getting credit. There seems to be at least some recognition of this as Spencer Ellis comments, "Until proven to support the longstanding challenges we face in higher ed. (inequities, costs, program completion, etc.) any strategy could be considered hype. If strategies begin to address and change these outcomes, then they truly prove their worth."

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Stephen Downes Stephen Downes, Casselman, Canada
stephen@downes.ca

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Last Updated: Mar 29, 2024 07:44 a.m.

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