Affiliations: [a] SMART Lab, Institut Supérieur de Gestion de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie | [b] Institut Supérieur des Arts du Multimédia de Manouba, Université de Manouba, Manouba, Tunisie
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Kalthoum Rezgui, SMART Lab, Institut Supérieur de Gestion de Tunis, Université de Tunis, Tunis, Tunisie. E-mail: kalthoum.rezgui@gmail.com.
Abstract: During last years, several competency management systems (CMSs) have been proposed to support the acquisition, allocation, and improvement of competencies. However, competency information and associated proofs are still not tracked and shared in a trustworthy and immutable way. In this context, blockchain technology provides a prominent manner to keep track of competencies and achievements and to ensure their sharing in a secure and transparent manner. Particularly, given the decentralized nature of immutable and distributed ledgers enabled by blockchain, the potential for using this revolutionary new technology for lifelong competency tracking and assessment is tremendous. In this paper, a functional architecture using smart contracts and blockchain is proposed to support competency tracking and assessment in learning networks. Thus, by implementing the proposed architecture, all the different stakeholders involved can be connected, namely, learners, authors, and assessors. Besides, a full traceability of acquired proofs of competencies and competency profiles is warranted, while ensuring their authenticity and integrity.
Keywords: Blockchain, lifelong learning, learning network, competency validation, competency assessment, proof of competency, proof of competency profile
