Edtech meets crypto: Is blockchain finally delivering real-world utility?
Learning is evolving, and it’s taking a few pages from the crypto playbook.
Millennials know two things: the education system is a slog, and paper certificates are as outdated as dial-up. What if the tech powering crypto could actually solve some of that pain? That’s where blockchain in edtech (yes, the same tech behind NFTs) comes in.
What’s edtech, even?
Education technology is all the tools that make learning suck a lot less, like apps for online courses, platforms for certifications, and even micro-learning sites. It's the learning side of your screen time, and millennials are more interested in it because it’s accessible, mobile-first, and fits between work, side hustles, and whatever else is on your plate.
Forget blackboards and lecture halls. Edtech is built for the people checking course progress between emails and Netflix.
Credentials that don’t vanish in a Dropbox abyss
Here’s the problem: you complete a course, get a PDF certificate, and then poof, it's lost in your downloads folder. With blockchain, certificates are recorded to a digital ledger that can’t be tampered with, deleted, or misplaced.
Someone checks your cred by scanning a link or QR code without extensive admin, or “can you resend?” BS; just proof you actually did the thing. It’s already in use in certain African upskilling platforms, like AltSchool Africa.
Learning that pays you back (kind of)
Some edtech platforms like LeewayEdu are experimenting with wallets that record your progress (literally). You get tokens for finishing modules or engaging with content. Those tokens might unlock more material or mentorship.
Progress is stored, tracked and rewarded. Welcome to education that logs effort instead of locking you out.
It’s not about getting rich, but about rewarding progress in a way that replaces clunky login systems or payments. If you’re into micro-learning or mobile-first content, this could be perfect.
It’s not huge yet, but it’s happening
Yes, most of this is pilot mode, but interest is real, and it’s backed by research. Studies show blockchain’s security, decentralisation, and data integrity could reshape everything from credentialing to transparency in edtech.
There is an urgent demand for adult-oriented blockchain education. Proper, accessible courses are still rare, but platforms are starting to fill the gap.
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