Mehmet Fırat, a researcher from Anadolu University in Turkey, has proposed a comprehensive solution called the "Smart Open Educational Ecosystem" (SOEE) to address challenges faced by traditional education systems. The research combines blockchain, decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), non - fungible token (NFT), multimodal learning analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an independent educational ecosystem. Fırat's research paper, published on July 25, highlights the importance of equity and accessibility in education worldwide. The proposed system aims to democratize learning and provide personalized educational experiences for all learners.
The SOEE envisions an "open education" system that operates on a blockchain and employs generative artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, to interact with students and customize their learning experiences. Courses, learning resources, and certificates will be transformed into NFTs, and the entire process will be managed by a DAO. Fırat emphasizes that while existing structures, such as Open University, support the philosophy of open education, they have yet to integrate artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data to achieve the ultimate goal of democratized and personalized lifelong education .
The research acknowledges that blockchain-based open education projects have been explored before, but the SOEE stands out as one of the most ambitious attempts. Fırat sees the convergence of these technologies as potentially leading to an educational singularity, where techno logy surpasses human control over its evolution. However, before reaching this distant goal, the SOEE is expected to bring 12 significant benefits, including accessibility, personalization, quality of education, security and transparency, democratic governance, and support for student success and career planning. Fırat emphasizes the need for Further study to educate stakeholders and policymakers about the potential benefits of the SOEE.
