Blockchain as Security Solution (EDUC 639)

Blockchain is an emerging technology that developed out of the use of Bitcoin.  Blockchain technology is based on a decentralized system.  This means that no third party must conduct the transaction; most transactions operate in a centralized system, meaning a third party is needed to complete the transaction.  The goal is to create integrity in the transactions by providing security and anonymity.  Blockchain technology was introduced with Bitcoin cryptocurrency and has evolved to different industries, including education (Harthy et al., 2019; Yli-Huumo et al., 2016).
 
According to Harthy et al. (2019), blockchain is secured data divided into blocks. These blocks are secured databases meshed to form a chain of data.  As blockchain grows in popularity,  various industries are looking for innovative ways to use the technology, and education is no different.  Some creative ways higher education administration is looking to use blockchain is for transactions that deal with certificates/degrees, data, and money transactions.  Also, they are looking to use the technology to secure students' records and profiles (Harthy et al., 2019). 
 
Blockchain can be used to transfer paper certificates to digital certificates.  Additionally, blockchain can be used for securing student records.
 
Currently, there are a few universities worldwide experimenting with this technology.  It is sure to continue to grow as higher ed leaders, and administrators look for ways to implement blockchain security features  into operations and academics (Harthy et al., 2019; Yli-Huumo et al., 2016).
 
 
References
 
Al Harthy, K., Al Shuhaimi, F., & Al Ismaily, K. K. J. (2019, January). The upcoming Blockchain adoption in Higher-education: requirements and process. In 2019 4th MEC international conference on big data and smart city (ICBDSC) (pp. 1-5). IEEE.
 
Yli-Huumo, J., Ko, D., Choi, S., Park, S., & Smolander, K. (2016). Where is current research on blockchain technology?—a systematic review. PloS one, 11(10), e0163477.
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