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Falsification entrenched as Big Business

As per the Draft National Education Policy 2019, “Blockchain technology will help in streamlining educational planning and management. The problem of fake degrees can now be solved very elegantly by the new Blockchain technology”.

“Blockchain can solve the apparent problem of authenticity by providing a formal process of issuing and managing certificates.”- Ram B. Ramachandran, Dean & CEO in Residence, Firebird Institute of Research in Management.

The surge in forging techniques has reached a point where distinguishing between traditionally awarded degrees and meticulously crafted duplicates is nearly impossible. The demand for expertly counterfeited degrees is so high that a degree from a specific country can command over $1000 on the black market. Even seasoned evaluators struggle to differentiate between legitimate and forged degrees, forcing a reliance on antiquated and time- consuming individual verification processes. This situation exacerbates the widespread problem of falsification in certificates and transcripts, undermining the credibility of Educational Institutions. Traditional verification methods, already susceptible to errors, are further strained by the complexities introduced by online education and the growing mobility of students across borders. In this dynamic environment, there is a pressing need for a solution that provides instant and tamper-proof verification—precisely where blockchain technology can play a transformative role.

Prestigious academic institutions are leveraging BADGR and Mozilla Open Badge for digital certifications. Accredible, a leading digital credentialing platform, issues secure digital certificates and badges. Sony, in collaboration with IBM, has developed an educational platform to safeguard and share graduation certificates, attendance records, transcripts, credits, and more. This innovative approach not only enhances security but also reduces the costs associated with verifying students’ credentials. Indorse is pioneering the use of blockchain technology to introduce a verified e-portfolio.

Blockchain Brilliance in Higher Education

Imagine a world where your academic achievements are not just records but unalterable testaments to your hard work and dedication. Enter blockchain, the disruptor in Higher Education. Its decentralised and transparent ledger provides an unassailable fortress for academic credentials. Once recorded, a credential becomes an immutable masterpiece, impervious to the shadowy realm of fraudulent activities. Maryville University took a pioneering step in 2019 by implementing blockchain technology for transcripts and certificates. This move positioned the university among the first to grant students and graduates direct ownership of their academic credentials.

The crowning touches? Enhanced data security, using cryptographic wizardry to shield your grades and personal details from the clutches of unauthorised access. And for the globetrotting scholars, blockchain unveils the magic of credential portability—a passport for your achievements, allowing you to showcase your academic prowess wherever your journey takes you. In the year 2020, the University of Bahrain achieved a historic milestone by becoming the inaugural university in the Middle East to issue digital diplomas through the utilisation of blockchain technology.

Welcome to a future where your academic story is not just told; it’s securely, seamlessly, and globally shared through the transformative lens of blockchain.

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Overcoming Hurdles on the Blockchain Journey

Embracing blockchain in Education encounters several notable challenges. Foremost among them is the hurdle of institutional trust. The current lack of trust poses a significant barrier to the widespread adoption of blockchain technology in Education. Unlike traditional Distributed Database Management Systems (DDBMS), blockchain’s immutable ledger relies on peer verification, offering a fraud-resistant environment that eliminates the need for intermediaries, ensuring the integrity of credentials.

Despite its potential, the scope of blockchain in education is constrained by challenges related to identity authentication, degree certification attestation and the use of cryptocurrencies in financial transactions. These technical and philosophical constraints hinder the full realisation of blockchain’s capabilities in the educational domain.

Financial limitations stand out as another major roadblock. While blockchain presents a promising solution to the digital challenges faced by Educational Institutions, the lack of financial resources remains a significant impediment. The widespread adoption of blockchain in Education hinges on increased investment in infrastructure, training, and expertise- a transformation that cannot occur overnight.

Furthermore, a critical challenge lies in the realm of awareness. Many Educational Institutions remain unfamiliar with blockchain technology, making it challenging to persuade them of its potential benefits. To overcome this obstacle, educators and stakeholders must construct a compelling business case that not only highlights the advantages of blockchain but also provides actionable recommendations for its effective implementation in Education. Until these challenges are addressed, the full transformative potential of blockchain in Higher Education may remain unrealised.

Brand Consultants and Blockchain

Brand consultants in Higher Education assume a pivotal role in navigating the integration of blockchain technology. Tasked with strategically aligning this cutting-edge technology with the Institution’s brand values, they communicate the advantages of blockchain to stakeholders, reinforcing trust, credibility, and innovation. These consultants play a crucial part in crafting clear messaging around technological advancements, ensuring a seamless user experience and differentiating the institution in a competitive landscape. Moreover, they contribute to crisis management, maintaining the institution’s resilience in the face of challenges. In essence, brand consultants serve as strategic partners, guiding educational institutions to leverage blockchain while upholding and enhancing their brand identity in the dynamic landscape of Higher Education.

Scope in India

India is setting ambitious targets to boost enrolment in Primary and Higher Education by 2030 through the establishment of a robust Digital Education Ecosystem. At the core of this initiative is a comprehensive digitisation effort, featuring the incorporation of blockchain technology to securely store notes, activities, certificates, diplomas, attendance records and more. Through seamless integration, educational institutions, prospective employers, and certification agencies will gain access to this interconnected ecosystem, fostering transparency and efficiency in the educational landscape. This progressive approach not only embraces technological innovation but also paves the way for a more accessible and interconnected educational experience in India.

Chitkara University has taken a pioneering step by embracing Blockchain technology to issue e-documents for the benefit of students. This landmark move positions Chitkara university as the first in India and among a select few educational institutes globally to utilise Blockchain for issuing and verifying essential academic documents for students.

Conclusion

As the demand for quality education at an affordable cost continues to surge, the education system faces immense pressure. In response to this challenge, NITI Aayog, the government’s policy-making arm, is actively investigating the potential applications of blockchain technology across sectors like education and healthcare. The emphasis is on creating a proof-of-concept to assess blockchain’s viability in pivotal areas of the Education sector.

Blockchain’s transformative potential in Higher Education is undeniable. The adoption of this technology can bring about a paradigm shift in the way academic credentials are verified and issued. As universities explore the possibilities, they pave the way for a future where trust, transparency and efficiency define the Higher Education landscape.