LEARNING ENVIRONMENT DESIGN USING ETHEREUM BLOCKCHAIN SMART CONTRACTS

Zimina D.V., Mouromtsev D.I. Learning environment design using Ethereum blockchain smart contracts. Scientific and Technical Journal of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics, 2019, vol. 19, no. 6, pp. 1162–1168 (in Russian). doi: 10.17586/2226-1494-2019-19-6-1162-1168

Subject of Research. The paper considers the process of generating reports in electronic learning systems. The aim is to optimize learning process management in generating reports using blockchain technologies. The paper analyzes existing learning management systems and their tools for generating and analyzing reports. Blockchain technology is reviewed in terms of educational opportunities. Method. The process of generating reports in the learning management system is presented as a mathematical model. It has been proven that the use of blockchain technology simplifies this process, since blockchain tools automatically register network events. A model for generating reports in the learning system using blockchain transactions has been developed. The model is implemented in a test version of the Ethereum blockchain using the smart contract mechanism. A smart contract records heterogeneous data of learning events to the blockchain without using special data structures. The blockchain stores data in a unified registry and registers event timestamp and event author’s address by itself. Event data is available through the geth console oriented for the Ethereum blockchain. Main Results. A method of learning process documenting using blockchain technology has been developed. The method does not require any special data model for storing learning events data, as well as special mechanism for recording event timestamp and event author’s address. Practical Relevance. Research results show that blockchain application provides for optimization of the learning process management.

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