Brief description of the characteristics and advantages of Blockchain technology.

Blockchain technology is one of the most important innovations of the 21st century. After a few years since its appearance, this technology has spread globally and influenced various fields in the economy and society of numerous countries. The great advantage of this technology, which has consolidated the position of Blockchain technology in the IT industry, comes from the characteristics as below:

• Distributed database: Blockchain’s data is stored in a large number of nodes. In case a node displays an error message, the data will still be secured in other computers of the network, then the user can minimize the risk of data loss.
• Transparency: All information kept in the Blockchain is public to all members of the entire network. This data also cannot be replaced and deleted while it has been confirmed and stored in the system, therefore the user can ensure the integrity and transparency of information.
• Efficiency: Blockchain technology has eliminated the involvement of third parties, such as banks or intermediaries. Instead of them, Blockchain’s transaction data is validated by a real-time consensus mechanism. In addition, this technology also increases transaction speed when applying a smart contract mechanism and being completely automated.
• Decentralization: The authority of all nodes in the entire network is the same, every computer has equality in voting to validate transactions. No individual or organization can interfere with or be able to change data stored in the Blockchain without the consent of over 51% of network members.

In the era of information expansion, the above advantages of Blockchain technology have quickly become the core of many management systems, for example in the higher education system. In this article, we will analyze the application aspect of blockchain technology as well as the difficulties and challenges of this technology. Based on these challenges, we will come up with solutions and development directions for the future.

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Applications of blockchain technology in the higher education system

Protecting copyright and security for educational materials

When the term “Blockchain technology” is mentioned, perhaps the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is the ability to secure and store data of this technology. In the past, lesson plans and learning materials were stored on paper or the school’s internal computer in common. Therefore, in the case that there is a malfunction in the computer system, or a security incident occurs in the school library, the above important documents are at risk of being compromised. Another common problem in the Vietnamese education system is plagiarism. The sense of copyright protection is not properly perceived by a majority of university students, for that reason, the copyright of learning materials is not guaranteed. At that moment, not only the author or the work but also those who use the information without consent will have to deal with serious consequences.

The appearance of Blockchain technology has solved both of the two problems above. On the one hand, decentralization ensures the safety of data when the information is stored on many computers in the system. Except if one day all the computers on the network crash, all documents will be safe even in case problems occur in the data source. Transparency, on the other hand, protects the copyright for the creator of the document. Information about the author, year of publishing and related data are clearly described and transparently published in the system. In case hackers are about to access the network and change the author’s information, they have to achieve the consent of the majority of computers in the network, which is impossible with the huge number of computers in the blockchain system.

Managing student and teacher information

Currently, most universities and colleges provide students’ and teachers’ ID cards to allow them to use physical or non-physical resources in the school, avoiding the case of intruders breaking into the school and using the property without permission. In addition, information about students and teachers such as grades, degrees, and certificates have to be stored on the school’s computer system as well to improve the management system. These two demands have forced universities to have copies of documents of staff and student’s personal information on hundreds of devices. When applying Blockchain technology to this system, schools will avoid being infiltrated, counterfeiting, and stealing information. Negative situations such as using fake student or teacher information to cheat, take exams or trade will also be prevented. In addition, Blockchain technology will also become a bridge between schools and businesses. Through this technology, organizations will have the opportunity to find potential candidates from the university, thereby creating many job opportunities for students and promoting the university’s brand.

Developing automated learning apps and digital libraries

Blockchain technology is the key to developing automated applications of the new age. Blockchain’s transparent information network can allow students to access learning materials anywhere or take online classes through personal devices. This technology also verifies student identity and manages access rights in case schools develop automated learning apps or digital libraries. In this way, the school has created a vibrant, open, and transparent knowledge-sharing community; while at the same time ensuring the security of the data.

Making tuition payment

The appearance of Blockchain technology has eliminated the participation of third parties such as banks or financial institutions. This technology can create an efficient and not time-consuming tuition payment system, a direct connection between schools and students. Therefore, problems such as barriers to cross-border payment of tuition fees or a malfunctioning banking system will be eliminated. The wrong submission of money or mismatched transaction information will also be limited because the transaction is verified and verified by the computers in the system in just a few seconds. In addition, the school can also build an automatic scholarship awarding mechanism for students who meet the requirements, reducing the burden of paperwork or review time.

Challenges occurred when applying blockchain technology

Through the above examples, we can see the potential of Blockchain technology in the higher education system. However, there are still barriers that prevent this technology from being widely applied.

Problems occured when applying Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology is still in its beginning stage of development and still has a long journey to go in the future. Currently, the application of this technology in data management systems has to face a cost barrier. Blockchain platforms also do not meet all the requirements for storage capacity and scalability. This network requires a large number of nodes to ensure the security of the system, as a consequence, it will be operated by a huge structure. To solve this problem, universities need to pay high costs to use the services which Blockchain provides. In addition, the network is also in need of building a complete cooperation ecosystem to link the parties.

Solutions

To be able to solve the above operational and cost problems, we recommend universities find reputable skillful service providers to optimize the system at a reasonable cost. As one of the leading names in the field of technology and digital transformation, Coming.io will be a suitable choice in case schools are looking for a reliable partner to cooperate with and create values in the future.

Conclusion

Currently, in Vietnam, many universities such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education, Hoa Sen University, and International College of Ho Chi Minh City have successfully applied blockchain technology to their management system and have been successful. It shows the evidence which proves that this technology will become the future of information technology in the higher education industry. Becoming a partner of Coming.io, an IT service and solutions provider specializing in blockchain-based products, your university will have an opportunity to become one of the leading players in the field building a modern and exhaustive education system to satisfy the demand  in future.