This document discusses using blockchain technology to support lifelong learning. It notes that the current centralized education model is unsustainable given learning now occurs outside of traditional institutions. It envisions a model where students, teachers and peers have more ownership over learning and qualifications are no longer just managed by institutions. An example scenario is described where lifelong learners earn smart badges stored on the blockchain to validate skills, and receive personalized recommendations about jobs and further studies matching their skills. The QualiChain project is investigating verification and management of decentralized qualifications on the blockchain.

1. Blockchain
technology for the
lifelong learner
Dr. Alexander Mikroyannidis
The Open University, UK

2. Agenda
• Introduction
• Group activity
• Discussion
• Closing

3. Motivation
The centralised education model is no longer sustainable:
– Learning happens increasingly outside the brick-and-mortar
lecture halls of schools, colleges, and universities on online
platforms, within communities of like-minded individuals, or by
contributing to projects and initiatives in the real-world.
– Learning is far more international than it used to be: key
education players open campuses abroad, while students travel
to different countries to improve their employability prospects.
– In the networked, digitally empowered world of the 21st century,
education providers often do not have remit or the means and
capacity to cover the range of activities learners engage with,
which attest their achievements, knowledge, and skills.

4. Vision
We envision an education model in which the
awarding and validation of qualifications no longer
occur exclusively under the management of an
education institution or an employer.
Individual students, teachers, and peers take more
ownership of the learning experience and its
outcomes without compromising on safety, security,
and accessibility.

5. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-UYHvPKt9E
What is a blockchain?

6. QualiChain
H2020 research and innovation project investigating the verification
and management of decentralised qualifications on the blockchain.

7. Scenario: Smart Badges
• Lifelong learners earn Smart Badges
stored on the Blockchain, thus
ensuring the validity of the awarded
accreditation and eliminating the risk
of fabricated qualifications.
• Smart Badges include data about the
key skills that learners have
acquired.
• Learners receive personalised
recommendations about job offers
that match their skills. They also
receive recommendations about what
to study next.
Lifelong Learner Educational Institution
Smart Badge
Course recommendation
Job recommendation
Studies
Receives
Receives
Receives
Offers
Awards
Personal ePortfolio
Online course
Mikroyannidis, A., Domingue, J., Bachler, M. and Quick, K.
(2018) Smart Blockchain Badges for Data Science Education,
IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference (FIE), San Jose,
California, USA, IEEE Education Society Publications.

8. Questions?

9. Group activity
Build your learning scenario:
http://bit.ly/blockchain-altc2019

10. qualichain-project.eu
blockchain.open.ac.uk
Thank you for your participation!