Notebook or My Personal Learning Network

Blockchain seems to be the word of the moment — both in scholarly communications and elsewhere. And it elicits strong opinions, both positive and negative, even though many of us aren’t completely sure what it is! Is it really going to transform scholarly communications, or is it just another flash in the pan?

Via Elizabeth E Charles

How blockchain can help
The report explains how blockchain technology can be used to generate and store sensitive personal records online or on mobile apps - such as birth certificates, driving licences or professional qualifications - for instant proof of identification. Universities can create degree certificates that can be shared by graduates with prospective employers at the touch of a button. They can be instantly verified, with no need to run a credentials check with a third party. It frees us all from the time-consuming, inefficient, paper-based credentials system, saving time and money, improving efficiencies and helping to eliminate fraud.

These systems are already in use. Here at PwC, we have partnered with, among others, the Institute of Chartered Accountants and a major European university to develop our Smart Credentials blockchain platform. It shares the credentials of chartered accountants and technology graduates in a ‘digital wallet’, saving a huge amount of time and money in the verification process, while combating fraud. Students can also add any number of documents to it, from their birth certificates to a sporting qualification, which they can control and share. Going forward, we plan to scale our experience of Smart Credentials in a deeper transformational context, working with aligned service providers covering technology and resourcing, to build what is effectively an internet of credentials. 

 

Learn more / En savoir plus / Mehr erfahren:

 

https://www.scoop.it/t/21st-century-learning-and-teaching/?&tag=blockchain

 

 

Via Gust MEES