Why the Blockchain Will Revolutionize Credentials

Thursday, October 27, 2016 | 4:30PM–5:20PM | Ballroom A, Level Three
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Interactive Presentation
The MIT Media Lab Learning Initiative and Learning Machine are building an open-source ecosystem for creating, sharing, and verifying blockchain-based educational certificates. These digital certificates are registered on the Bitcoin blockchain, cryptographically signed, tamper proof, and shareable. Our goal is to enable a wave of innovation that results in learners having the capacity to possess and share official records of achievement. This technology will create a new infrastructure of trust for the 21st century and add veracity to academic claims such as badges, alternative credentials, diplomas, and eventually transcripts. We invite feedback, contributions, and general discussion.


Outcomes: Understand the blockchain technology * Learn how digital certificates can provide secure validation of credentials * Understand how this open-source project can be used by schools and graduates and trends from the registrar's point of view

Presenters

  • Kim Duffy

    Principal Engineer, MIT Media Lab, Learning Machine
  • Dan Hughes

    COO, Learning Machine
  • Chris Jagers

    CEO, SlideRoom.com
  • John Papinchak

    University Registrar, Carnegie Mellon University
  • Natalie Smolenski

    Head of Business Development, Hyland