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The education industry is among the sectors that must change as decades pass and technology evolves. As societies develop new habits and create different lifestyles, education must also shift to adapt to trends. The curriculum adapted to the 21st century’s needs by leveraging digital tools within a personalized learning experience. Teachers can now communicate with students through online platforms and nurture their imagination by allowing them to use technology for their projects to keep them curious.
However, we notice how future generations demand new ways for education to work. Generation Alpha, for example, is fully digitalized, surpassing current adults’ abilities to use technology. Therefore, education must step up and be ready to challenge Gen Alpha towards learning through Web3-based techniques and tools.
Considering how the blockchain and crypto industries evolve, with people developing new apps on decentralized networks and learning how to buy Ethereum, we’re sure that the next generations will already know the drill with Web3. The Ethereum blockchain, for example, is considerably contributing to the future of education, even if we don’t know it now. Here’s why.
Ethereum can enhance the way we store educational records
Our current education system is flawed from many perspectives. However, data storage is a significant problem. Those responsible for data entry usually perform the task manually or use paper-based systems if they’re not already struggling with outdated digital platforms. This has, in many cases, led to errors or data loss since maintaining or sharing records is time-consuming and prone to human mistakes.
If these records were stored on the Ethereum blockchain, the problem would be solved. That’s because the network is known for its secure, transparent, and immutable features, through which each data set becomes permanently secure thanks to cryptographic hashes.
The technology ensures that data cannot be altered once stored on the blockchain. At the same time, records live on a public ledger, so anyone can access it. Finally, no one can change or delete data on the blockchain. Luckily, we’re already witnessing how blockchain can help education as institutions like Holberton School or the University of Basel leverage blockchain to secure academic credentials and issue student certificates.
Ethereum can facilitate administrative tasks
Few schools are adequately measuring their administrative efficiency, as they might be faced with the reality of their poor management systems. Although there are cases in which insufficient funding triggers this issue, schools are also faced with staff shortages and turnover or challenges in implementing new strategies.
That’s why institutions should consider automation more, as it keeps monotonous tasks at bay and allows staff and teachers to focus on more critical issues. Luckily, the Ethereum blockchain is equipped with an innovative automation feature provided by smart contracts. These tools were created to execute digital agreements automatically when the predetermined conditions are met, ensuring efficiency and transparency.
Smart contracts could perform the following administrative tasks:
- Enroll students automatically when they pay their tuition fees;
- Update grades and issue certificates after tests or exams;
- Track attendance transparently;
- Process any payments on tuition or accommodation;
- Manage and update data on students and staff;
Ethereum can support Learn2Earn models
We know the struggle of handling student debts, especially when they start to hinder people’s ability to buy a home. Many have massive student debts, which affect their credit scores. Eventually, people find themselves in the position of working only to pay the debt instead of starting to save for retirement.
This is a common problem in countries like the US but has recently expanded to the UK. Therefore, a great solution would be for students to access Learn2Earn programs so they can receive incentives and rewards in different currencies, such as crypto, as they engage in educational activities.
These e-platforms can use the Ethereum blockchain to gamify the learning experience and automatically reward students as they complete tasks like writing essays, getting excellent grades on tests, or creating visual maps to learn a new subject. Additionally, learning games suit the features of the next generation, ensuring they’re engaged in learning and willing to succeed academically.
Ethereum is slowly becoming part of the curriculum
Knowing these benefits, some countries are already testing the new curriculum with decentralized features and programs. In Buenos Aires, for example, students can now learn about Ethereum and blockchain following a collaboration between the Ministry of Education in Argentina and the ETH Kipu Foundation.
The partnership will ensure the training of 30 teachers in blockchain and Ethereum knowledge. The plan is to offer students new opportunities for the future and allow them to seek employment in the country’s tech-driven economy. Moreover, 300 students over 18 will receive an internship on the Solidity programming language used in Ethereum, which is a challenging but demanded skill nowadays.
Another interesting take on teaching about crypto is the case of El Salvador, the first nation to have made Bitcoin legal tender. The country’s government developed a training and certification program for 80,000 public servants to prepare them for future skill demands.
Still, there are challenges in adopting blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is one of the most innovative educational tools, but it can be leveraged in any other industry as its use cases expand. However, the complexities of adopting it within our systems are significant, especially considering the current generations’ deficiency of digital literacy.
Although most can surf the internet, many people need help performing tasks requiring elaborate knowledge, which is a considerable bridge to forge when using blockchain. Therefore, we may need some more time to truly learn about decentralization and what it can do for us. But for that, we need education. And so, the cycle begins.
Do you think Ethereum is a valuable tool for education?
The education system has several flaws, many of which are due to a lack of technology adaptation and skill sets. A decentralized, transparent, and immutable solution like the Ethereum blockchain could help solve that. For example, educational institutions could automate tuition payments, perform administrative tasks, and gamify the learning experience on the network.
