Odem Steps Up Amid Pandemic Disruption
In a bold move to ensure education continues in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Odem has announced it will provide access to its online integrated learning platform free of charge. This initiative, aimed at schools and universities suffering from significant disruptions, was publicly unveiled in a press release dated March 9. The goal? To keep the academic wheels turning when students can’t set foot on campus.
Educators Can Breathe Easy
Odem’s CEO and co-founder, Richard Maaghul, emphasized the importance of educational continuity, stating, “The coronavirus is a big concern for us. We want to make sure that we do everything possible to assist in keeping the education doors open, even if it has to be virtual.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the ethos behind this initiative—keeping the spirit of learning alive, even amid chaos.
Tracking Progress with Blockchain
One of the unique selling points of Odem’s platform is its ability to track students’ activities remotely. Co-founder Johanna Maaghul noted that this tracking ensures that when students return to campus, educational institutions can see what students have accomplished. Moreover, this data, recorded on a blockchain, can seamlessly integrate into traditional accreditation systems, safeguarding academic integrity.
A Marketplace for Education
Odem is more than just a platform; it’s an on-demand education marketplace. Maaghul describes it as a space where students, educators, and institutions converge to access and verify educational credentials and skills. This marketplace has piqued interest internationally, with inquiries pouring in from countries like Italy, Ireland, Germany, and even Cairo. Notably, a United States-based university is considering uploading a whopping 500 courses onto the Odem blockchain.
Blockchain Innovations in Crisis Management
The use of blockchain technology isn’t just limited to education during the pandemic. It has found a prominent place in crisis management. As reported in mid-February, China’s government forayed into deploying blockchain for various applications to combat the pandemic effectively. For instance, major platforms like Alipay have rolled out blockchain solutions to enhance transparency and efficiency in charity programs, tracking the distribution of relief and medical supplies. In Xi’an, blockchain has even lent a helping hand in managing patient records.
The Future of Blockchain in Education
As educational institutions adapt to new challenges, the role of blockchain technology will likely expand further. With ongoing conversations surrounding integration and deployment of platforms like Odem, we can only expect to see innovations that bridge gaps and enhance access to education globally.
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