A blockchain-enabled e-learning platform. Issue 7 (18th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lam, Tsz Yiu; Dongol, Brijesh
• Is Part Of: Interactive learning environments. Volume 30:Issue 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1229
• Page End: 1251
• Publication Date: 2022-08-18
• Subjects: E-learning -- distributed ledger -- smart contracts -- transparency -- privacy -- higher education; Educational technology -- United States -- Periodicals; 371.33
• DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2020.1716022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-4820

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The properties of a blockchain such as immutability, provenance, and peer-executed smart contracts could bring a new level of security, trust, and transparency to e-learning. In this paper, we introduce our proof-of-concept blockchain-based e-learning platform developed to increase transparency in assessments and facilitate curriculum personalisation in a higher education context. Most notably, our platform could automate assessments and issue credentials. We designed it to be pedagogically neutral and content-neutral in order to showcase the benefits of a blockchain back-end to end users such as students and teaching staff. Our evaluation suggests that our platform could increase trust in online education providers, assessment procedures, education history and credentials.