C21U developed several prototypes using a variety of blockchain technologies.
We worked on researching and developing a secure information infrastructure to issue educational credentials without the need for third parties or central authorities. With blockchain credentials, learners can record digital credentials that document achievement into a global digital transcript, where records are consumed by employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders in the higher education system.
Blockcerts Pilot
During the Summer of 2018, the Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U) embarked on a journey to introduce Blockcerts at Georgia Tech. Blockcerts are blockchain-powered academic credentials housed on a mobile application that is decentralized, secure, and verified.
C21U’s intention when introducing Blockcerts was to create value for various user groups, including students, faculty, student services, and employers. Blockerts could benefit these user groups in a variety of ways.
- Once perfected at scale, students could avoid processing fees, obtain their academic credentials in real time, and have a one-stop shop for all their academic credentials across universities and other education providers.
- Faculty could assess students’ competence holistically and have quick reference information about each student’s past academic performance.
- University student services could reduce the time it takes to process student academic credentials.
- Recruiters could ensure credential accuracy and detect fraudulent credentials.
Next steps
The research and development on Blockchain Credentials informed and inspired the current research on Digital Credentials through the W3C.
