How Blockchain is Changing Campus Experiences for 2020 and beyond

How Blockchain is Changing Campus Experiences for 2020 and beyond

By Ryan Dennis

The future of blockchain technology looks bright, if the extent to which the next generation is using it can be any indication.

Students that may not have a cryptocurrency account are becoming increasingly familiar with the blockchain as it enters conversations among their peers. Suddenly, it’s not just something for computer nerds, but is instead finding mainstream attention. Even more significant perhaps, the blockchain is being weaved into the new college experience, especially by institutions who are looking to showcase their progressive nature.

Student Records on the Blockchain

Having to collect and organize transcripts, health records and the numerous other documents students are required to submit can be a hassle for both administrators and the students themselves. Arizona State University is among campuses looking to ease such burdens in recordkeeping. ASU has partnered with SalesForce to use distributed ledger technology to securely make transcript data freely available between institutions.

A representative from ASU noted that often a student might have five to seven transcripts by the time they graduate from a four-year college, including those from high school and community colleges. If one of these documents are missing or not processed correctly, a student may end up having to take a class again, or get blocked from enrolling into a course he needs. Instead, campuses are attempting to alleviate these barriers to learning by mainstreaming their records with the blockchain.

Curriculum on Blockchains on the Rise

According to a Coinbase survey, the number of students who have attended a blockchain-related course in 2019 has doubled since the previous year. This is less surprising when you consider that now more than half of American universities offer at least one class on blockchains or cryptocurrency. Cornell University leads the way, with a total of 14 different courses on offer.

The creation of student-led blockchain clubs on campus is also a healthy indication that the blockchain is going to outlast all doubters. Often these organizations seek the help of current university faculty to help bring more opportunities to the campus for students to learn about the technology.

Industry is Providing Opportunities for Students

There are exponential employment opportunities in the blockchain sector as more companies use the blockchain. To make sure there is ample workforce to fill these positions some firms are working with college campuses to administer resources to students.

IBM has launched its Blockchain Academic Initiative to provide training to both educators and students, making sure they have access to market-ready skills. Students are granted free enrollment in the IBM Blockchain Platform Starter Plan, which allows them to deploy a blockchain network and get used to its actual application. Teachers can also have access to the necessary tools to help deliver a course on the blockchain.

The rise of student interest in the blockchain is partly due to the next generation’s mistrust of the current banking system, and perhaps also stems out of a desire for greater social justice. College campuses are increasingly finding ways to allow students to pursue education and applicable skill sets, as well as promote the institution itself as progressive by engaging blockchain technology.

Ryan Dennis a cryptocurrency and fintech writer based in Western Ireland. When not following the latest blockchain news, Ryan is playing on one of the few softball teams found on the island.

For sons of chicken enthusiasts everywhere: bringing back this Milk House classic. https://t.co/4ROagcAaVm

— Ryan Dennis (@PenOfRyanDennis) September 5, 2019

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