# Challenges of Using Blockchain in the Education Sector: A Literature Review
## 3 Results
### Challenges of Blockchain in Education
#### 3.2.1 Technological Barriers
The issue of a lower number of educational applications, it was argued, is related to the challenge of proof-of-work, which problem would be worsened as the number of blockchain nodes grows. However, there is no typical example of a vast and worldwide education blockchain on a scale equivalent to that of cryptocurrencies (which is in the millions) [8]. There is no clear and convincing inducement or motivation for executingits proof-of-work, although this condition may change with the forthcoming merger of Ethereum 1.0 and Ethereum 2.0, which will use a new verification mechanism, named \"proof-of-stake\" [8]. However, there are a few promising solutions to the scalability problem. The Lightning Network, for example, involves adding a new layer to the main blockchain system to speed up transactions [58]. Sharding is another solution that sets subgroups of nodes into smaller networks called \"shards,\" each of which is responsible for its own set of transactions [59]. However, different blockchain systems, including Hyperledger, Ethereum, and Multichain, have varied capabilities and features that may or may not be appropriate for all sorts of applications. For example, blockchain systems allow a variety of consensus algorithms, which has an impact on the types of applications that can use it. Therefore, in blockchain-based applications in the education sector, blockchain platforms must not be thought of as a one-size-fits-all solution; proper settings may be necessary to ensure optimal performance [18; 52]. Although blockchain provides a set of features, including tamper-proof storage and transparency, scalable blockchains bring a new aspect to the efficiency estimation process, namely the DSS trilemma, which comprises decentralization, security, and scalability. Therefore, to get the best solution, an application design for the education sector should consider the trade-off between these three features [52]. * _Limited interoperability and standardization_ Another substantial concern is the lack of interoperability between the numerous blockchain networks. Interoperability is the capacity of various systems, individuals, or entities to properly collaborate, in order to exchange and share data in a format that is accessible and convenient to the users of both interoperating systems [60]. This review identified two articles [16; 27] that reported the interoperability issue in blockchain-based solutions in the education field. [PERSON] et al. [33] proposed a blockchain-based conceptual paradigm for integrating e-learning systems. For engaging in learning activities, a learning reward system is suggested, where all nodes in the peer-to-peer network can share the learning resources. All learning records are integrated into a single block that can be examined easily, to track learners' interactivity and interoperability development. However, the current lack of a clear standardization for blockchain is due to the fact that there is no single dominant ledger technology in the first place but, rather, a proliferation of platforms and technologies. Thus, most projects use a variety of blockchain platforms and solutions, with different protocols, programming languages, consensus methods, and data protection measures [19]. Additionally, [PERSON] et al. [61] argue that the distributed nature of blockchain offers great freedom for blockchain programmers and developers. Therefore, due to the absence of common standards, different blockchain platforms cannot collaborate and communicate well with each other without translation software that realizes and facilitates this process. Therefore, due to a lack of common standards that would enable multiple networks to interact with each other, the blockchain environment is in a \"state of disorder\" [61]. In addition, the absence of uniformity among blockchain protocols compromises the consistency of basic processes such as security, making adoption nearly impossible [61].