Learning of Tomorrow Learning of Tomorrow: ‘Blockchain × Online Verification of Educational Credentials'” Event Held Learning of Tomorrow Online Lunch Symposium. I hadn't posted the episode on blockchain.
If we use blockchain technology to record learning histories, wouldn’t that eliminate the need for one-time entrance exams? From now on, we will no longer live in a society based on academic credentials but rather one based on learning histories; isn’t it important to continue learning throughout one’s life and maintain a portfolio that demonstrates that learning?
Although this has been discussed for quite some time, it has been difficult to see concrete services emerging in Japan. LasTrust is a startup specializing in so-called “digital credentials”—digital badges that utilize blockchain technology to visualize an individual’s qualifications, degrees, learning history, and achievements.
Traditional paper certificates involved high costs, such as incorporating watermarks to verify their authenticity. However, by leveraging the characteristics of blockchain—which makes tampering extremely unlikely—certificates can be issued at a low cost.
Going forward, the company plans to offer a service that centrally manages study logs and life logs and compiles them into a portfolio, and I can really sense their enthusiasm for contributing to digital transformation (DX) in the education industry! By using AI to analyze digitized learning histories, the service can suggest optimal career paths or even offer partial scholarship waivers based on that data—the potential applications are vast.
When new technologies emerge, they won’t catch on unless the benefits of using them are clearly communicated. I have high hopes for LasTrust’s services.
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
