MIT Graduates Will Receive Blockchain Diplomas This Month

The blockchain is giving graduates at MIT digital control of their academic records.

Learning Machine, a Cambridge-based software company, partnered with MIT’s Media Lab and Registrar’s Office to give students the option to download a blockchain wallet that allows them to securely store and share their diplomas.

After an initial pilot program was declared a success, the university decided to offer the wallets to all new graduates starting this month, reports the MIT Technology Review.

“I don’t believe in one central body having ownership over the digital record of people’s learning,” says Philipp Schmidt, the director of learning innovation at the Media Lab.

The idea is centered on giving students reliable, instant access to their credentials so that prospective employers no longer need to call the school to confirm academic records.

New graduates who want a digital diploma just have to download an app to get on board.

“Before graduation, MIT sends the students an invite email, which says ‘Hey, go download the Blockcerts Wallet App, accept the passphrase, and add MIT as an issuer,'” says Learning Machine CEO Chris Jagers. “When MIT issues the diplomas, the students get an email with a digital file, which they can then import into the app.”