# Challenges of Using Blockchain in the Education Sector: A Literature Review
## 1 Introduction  
Blockchain is a decentralized, immutable database made up of a series of \"blocks\" that hold data, including transaction dates, timings, amounts, and/or participants [1]. When a user initiates a transaction with another user through a peer-to-peer network, a cryptographic identification mechanism is used to uniquely identify the participants. The transaction is then sent to the blockchain network storage pool and waits for verification. The new block will be created by reaching a particular number of authorized nodes; this is referred to as reaching a consensus. After consensus, a new \"block\" will be created, and every node updates its corresponding blockchain ledger copy. A consensus algorithm is used to complete the consensus phase. This process is called mining. The common consensus mechanisms include proof of work (PoW) and proof of stake (PoS) [2]. Blockchain technology offers various attractive features [3] such as decentralization, transparency, immutability, and traceability. Decentralization refers to the fact that the technology does not require a centralized node to record, store or update data on the blockchain; instead, data can be recorded, stored, and updated in a distributed manner [3]. Therefore, instead of centralized organizations, mathematical methods are used to build trust among the distributed nodes. Since blockchain is a distributed ledger that is maintained by thousands of nodes, blockchain is immutable. This is due to fact that tampering can only succeed if 51% of the ledgers are changed through the network [3]. In addition, blockchain is transparent, as data recording is transparent for each node on the network, even when updating data [1]. Furthermore, blockchain is traceable as all blockchain transactions are sorted chronologically, and a block is associated with its two adjacent blocks using a hash function. Thus, by checking block information, each transaction may be tracked [2]. The advantages of blockchain technology in education are varied, from handling information to the verification of data, without sacrificing accuracy [4]. Because blockchain-based solutions speed up and simplify administrative work when a validation process is needed, blockchain could streamline and simplify student activities associated with the validation of issued credentials, such as degrees, transcripts, and students' qualifications, successes, and professional ability [4]. In addition, blockchain solutions keep ownership and control over obtained credentials on students, thus avoiding the need for an intermediary to verify them [5]. Furthermore, as explained in the same study, \"blockchain could mainly facilitate management and operational activities of higher educational institutions for payment management (e.g., receipts of students' payments), international collaboration management (e.g., automatic recognition of awarded points), accreditation processes (e.g., a certificate issued by the government that the higher education institution is licensed to carry out specific tasks), etc.\" [5]. Educational institutions can also benefit from blockchain technology in a variety of ways. For example, the procedure of internationalization of higher-education institutions via student exchanges or joint programs can be simplified by eliminating time-consuming and expensive processes. One more example is the \"blockchain-based gamification of learning\" [5], which would make managing the issued certificates easier. Additionally, blockchain can be used as an academic publication platform. Furthermore, processing tuition fees, grant funding, simplifying diploma verification and the virtual Lifelong Learning Passport are some instances where the blockchain is used [5]. Therefore, blockchain helps educational institutions to minimize their administrative costs and bureaucratic procedures [4].