Blockchain in Education: Processes for Implementation
The Commonwealth of Learning and the 3CL Foundation have just delivered an online workshop series entitled, Blockchain in Education: Processes for Implementation. Participants from around the world attended the event, facilitated by Dr Joshua Ellul, Chairman of the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and Dr Alex Grech Executive Director of the 3CL Foundation.
Over the course of three sessions in April and May 2021, participants were onboarded on applications and technical components of blockchain technology for educational institutions. Educators from India, Mauritius, Botswana and Nigeria in higher education and TVET institutions prepared strategy documents for their respective organisations with a focus on curriculum or verifiable credentialing.
Dr Kirk Perris, Adviser: Education at the Commonwealth of Learning, served as the Chair for the series. “The potential for blockchain applications to more deeply infiltrate higher education institutions around the world is high. Covid-19 has taught us that greater reliance on technology is essential in the higher-ed sector, and blockchain technology will enable greater usability of institutional services such as accessing credentials, and to innovate in curriculum, record keeping, and so on. Early adopters to using blockchain technology, such as the participating institutions in this online workshop series, will pave the way for wider adoption. They intend to build and pilot curriculum or credentialing applications enabling greater uptake or innovations as lessons are learned from pilot projects. COL and the 3CL Foundation look forward to supporting institutions toward fuller implementation of their strategy documents,” said Dr Perris.
Dr Ellul was pleased with the process and engagement. “It was an eye-opener to discuss blockchain education-related issues with others from other commonwealth countries. Sometimes we become so self-isolated that we become less aware of the challenges others are facing. Whilst at the University of Malta our blockchain education is very advanced others are still looking into setting it up, and I think this is an opportunity for different institutions to come together to support uptake and awareness of this new technology and paradigm.”
The project will continue to a second phase in 2021.
Photo: Chris Montgomery
