Publication Type

Conference Proceeding Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

12-2021

Abstract

In institutes of higher learning, most of the time course material development and delivery follow a centralized model which is fully lecturer-controlled. In this model, engaging students as partners in learning is a challenging problem as: 1) students are usually hesitant to contribute due to the fear of getting it wrong, 2) not much incentive for them to put in the extra effort, and 3) current online learning systems lack adequate facilities to support seamless and anonymous interactions between students. In this work, we propose EtherLearn, a blockchain based peer-learning system to distribute the control of how course material and formative assessments could be developed and delivered over the set of stakeholders in the particular course. EtherLearn leverages features of the rising blockchain technology, e.g., decentralization, anonymity, transparency and security to address the aforementioned concerns in university learning environments. To this end, we have successfully implemented a proof of concept for EtherLearn based on the Ethereum blockchain network. We have also conducted preliminary evaluations to demonstrate that it can be useful in decentralizing learning resource creation and student sharing in an encouraging teaching and learning environment.

Keywords

blockchain, Ethereum, learning resource development, formative assessment, decentralization

Discipline

Software Engineering

Research Areas

Software and Cyber-Physical Systems

Publication

Proceedings of the IEEE TALE 2021, Wuhan, China, December 5-8

First Page

1

Last Page

6

Publisher

IEEE

City or Country

Wuhan, China

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