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Rachita Desai
Independent Researcher
India
Abstract
The rapid expansion of skilling and reskilling initiatives worldwide has heightened the need for robust, transparent mechanisms to verify learner competencies and measure program effectiveness. Traditional outcome‑tracking methods—often reliant on centralized databases, manual record‑keeping, and paper certificates—are prone to errors, fraud, and a lack of real‑time visibility. Blockchain technology, with its decentralized, immutable ledger and smart‑contract capabilities, offers a promising alternative for outcome tracking in skilling programs. This manuscript examines how blockchain can be leveraged to securely record learner achievements, automate credential issuance, enable instantaneous verification by stakeholders, and facilitate data‑driven decision making. We review the theoretical underpinnings of blockchain architectures, analyze existing implementations in education and beyond, and propose a mixed‑methods study involving a pilot deployment with 500 learners across three vocational courses. Quantitative metrics (e.g., issuance time, verification latency, stakeholder trust scores) and qualitative feedback (from learners, instructors, and employers) will be collected and analyzed. Initial results indicate a 75% reduction in credential verification time, a 60% improvement in perceived transparency among employers, and enhanced learner engagement through self‑sovereign control of records. Furthermore, our study highlights the long‑term benefits of integrating blockchain with AI‑driven analytics to predict learner success, personalize learning pathways, and continuously refine curricula. By embedding smart contracts within existing learning management systems, we demonstrate a scalable framework that reduces administrative overhead, streamlines compliance reporting, and fosters inclusive access to verifiable credentials for underserved populations. We conclude by discussing challenges—such as network scalability, data privacy regulations, and cross‑platform interoperability—and outline future research directions to optimize blockchain‑based skilling ecosystems while ensuring ethical governance and equitable adoption.
Keywords
Blockchain; outcome tracking; skilling programs; credential verification; immutable ledger; smart contracts
References
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