SAIT Graduates are First in Canada to Receive Blockchain-Based Certificates
Partnering with ODEM allows graduates to validate their education on the Ethereum blockchain
Zug, Switzerland (June 11, 2019) — ODEM, the premier blockchain-based education marketplace, has partnered with the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) to bring digital certificates and diplomas to over 4800 graduating students. The 2019 graduates will receive a cryptographic record of their certificate on the Ethereum blockchain, along with their traditional parchment.
ODEM’s platform leverages blockchain technology to ensure the security and immutability of academic records. “Education is one of life’s most valuable assets,” said ODEM CEO Richard Maaghul. “We believe that students should have control over their own records, and blockchain technology makes that possible.”
The partnership with SAIT began as a successful pilot project in December to text the issuance of digital credentials. The pilot included 25 grads from the Pre-Employment Automotive Service Technician program — the first Canada post-secondary graduates to receive their academic credentials on a blockchain. The June convocation marks the largest ever number of graduates that a Canadian institution has recorded certificates for on the blockchain.
The Ethereum blockchain provides students with a central record of their academic experiences and certifications, granting digital ownership of their achievement. It also makes it easy for students to transfer or share their diploma and instantly verify their graduate status with future employers and recruiters. Most importantly, blockchain technology creates a unique, tamper-proof record of the diploma that only the student has authority over.
“SAIT graduates are well-positioned for success with employers in today’s rapidly
changing digital landscape,” said SAIT Exec. “By making valued SAIT credentials accessible through blockchain, our graduates and employers will continue to benefit from this innovative technology that is responsive, authentic and widely accessible.”
The technology extends a significant benefit to employers as well; the validity of academic credentials can be easily and efficiently verified. Background checks become an instant confirmation of on-chain records and ensuring against fraudulent education claims.
“We’re thrilled to partner with SAIT to bring this technology to students,” Maaghul explained. “Education should last forever, and blockchain technology helps to make that possible.”
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About ODEM
ODEM (On-Demand Education Marketplace) is a platform for seeking and providing education and employment. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, the Platform offers a variety of courses and the opportunity to earn credentials, showcase skills, and connect with employers. The Ethereum blockchain is a distributed, public network and ledger that secures data records, securing and validating records of academic achievement. Passionate about effective higher learning, ODEM is working to make education and employment more affordable, accessible, verifiable, and transferable. /c/
ODEM contact
Ashley Chen,
Director, Marketing
[email protected]
[email protected]
Bahnhofstrasse 10
6300 Zug, Switzerland
About SAIT
Established in 1916, SAIT was the first publicly funded technical school of its kind in North America. Today, SAIT is a global leader in applied education, serving 50,000 students annually through more than 100 career programs and 1,300 part-time courses. Action-based learning, solution-focused research and enterprising collaborations with industry partners ensure SAIT students are career-ready when they graduate. SAIT is honoured to be selected by Mediacorp Canada Inc. as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2019. Sait.ca
SAIT contact
Chris Gerritsen
Associate Director of Communications
Direct: 403.284.8473 / Cell: 403.975.6366
[email protected]
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