the world's first https://cointelegraph.com/news/oxford-profs-plan-launch-of-world-s-first-blockchain-based-decentralized-university
That's likely because it's 'the Airbnb of degree courses.' Living year-round in Airbnb sites is expensive. In living accommodations, you can usually lease something - anything - for a longer term considerably cheaper - unless you live in NYC or Tokyo, perhaps. I think the same holds true with education. Darn expensive way to get a degree that's from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. They'll have to do better than that. I was sort of hoping that the heading referred to a degree program in Blockchain technology. That could have pretty good payback, job-wise ...
I actually think a truly decentralized approach would be cheaper, since lecturers would essentially be competing against one another. But this isn't that, despite some self-description to the contrary. Well, the University of Nicosia offers an MSc in Digital Currency, although unfortunately a friend who adjuncted for them told me that he doesn't think it's all that great. And a number of schools offer non-credit stuff in this area.
I suppose - but I'd imagine you have to be careful which non-credit stuff you take, if you're looking to get employed. Digital Currency is the original Blockchain use, but it's obviously not the last. I'm thinking it's riding a wave often taken advantage of by new technologies - "If it's Blockchain, it has to be good!" Remember the early-days computer maxim "GIGO - Garbage in, garbage out?" Somehow, people got mesmerized by computers (and computer people) into believing in anything that could be shown on those old green CRTs and the mantra got changed to "Garbage in, Gospel out." I think for the next while, we should beware of being similarly mesmerized into GIBO - Garbage in, Blockchain out! I've read that some Universities are Blockchain-registering all their diplomas, to counteract any attempts at fraud. However, the day may even come when the fakers, like Axact, protect the sanctity(?) of their "degrees" with Blockchain technology - and tell people that makes their diplomas unassailably "real" - which it doesn't, of course. (It would just mean it's a real fake, not a fake fake.) In such an instance, Blockchain could be the "new improved" Apostille.
Absolutely, there's a ton of that happening. VCs seem keen not to miss the blockchain boat and are funding a lot of projects that to me don't seem to need a blockchain at all. Junk patents are part of this as well: "Like [previous well known thing], but with a blockchain!" Now that is extremely plausible sounding. Folks, we heard it here first!
totally random ~ i was reading through this thread and 2nd tabbed facebook and suddenly i see Steve's face appear 'celebrating Nigeria's win in the world cup' that was some freaky stuff
Heck of a lot of questionable (or worse) stuff gets done in the Blockchain craze. Like Long Island Iced Tea changing its name to Long Blockchain Inc. The stock went up 500% in one day! Tulip-mania lives! Some good warnings, etc. here: https://techcrunch.com/2018/01/25/sec-warns-against-public-companies-adding-blockchain-to-their-name/ Maybe the technology might, in time, acquire a less-than-stellar name and companies eventually gain points for being "blockchain-free." There are quite a few articles out there about wide Blockchain reliance possibly diminishing skills and ability to interact - and causing certain workers to be less productive, rather than the reverse.
Woolf University seeking accreditation http://www.universityworldnews.com/article.php?story=20180901070641651
Blockchain university? Is that where you keep bidding up the price of a degree from a school that's nothing more than an internet meme? In any case, Dr. Joshua Broggi has a PhD in theology and philosophy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-broggi
On the one hand, there's a lot more to blockchain than memes: there's definitely too much hype, but it's not all hype. On the other hand, these guys may be going overboard. Just because it's a new tool with some interesting applications, including higher ed, doesn't mean it's a tool that's best for every job:
Much of this info is a repetition of previous articles but a bit of it is new https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-10-25-academics-propose-a-blockchain-university-where-faculty-and-algorithms-rule
Here's a new Masters program in Blockchain Technology out of an Irish university https://cointelegraph.com/news/irish-university-to-offer-blockchain-masters-degree-following-new-partnership
University of the Cumberlands is offering one now too: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/news/cumberlands-first-kentucky-offer-blockchain-degree
another blockchain thing. this one is from Wharton https://cointelegraph.com/news/us-ivy-league-university-rolls-out-online-course-in-blockchain-and-cryptocurrency
