[TEX] EduChain: Education management system applying blockchain technology on the Cardano platform

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Minh Le

[GENERAL] Are you delivering this project as an individual or as an entity (whether formally incorporated or not)

Entity (Not Incorporated)

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

8

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language

Yes

[GENERAL] Summarize your solution to the problem (200-character limit including spaces)

Our system will increase transparency in student data management system including: scores, NFT certificates, related documents, and enhance system security, anti-fraud during the learning process.

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

No

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

No dependencies.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] Please provide here more information on the open source status of your project outputs

EduChain is committed to fostering an open source environment, where all project outputs, including code, documentation, and resources, will be publicly available. This approach encourages transparency, collaboration, and community engagement. Developers, educators, and stakeholders will have access to the project's source code, enabling them to contribute, review, and improve the platform. Through this open source ethos, EduChain aims to create a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and continuous improvement in education management.

[METADATA] Horizons

Education

[SOLUTION] Please describe your proposed solution

EduChain is an innovative, blockchain-based platform designed to revolutionize the way educational institutions manage student records, credentials, and course management. Built on the Cardano blockchain, the solution leverages decentralized technologies to ensure data security, transparency, and immutability, while providing a seamless user experience for students, educators, administrators, and external stakeholders. Below is a detailed description of the system and the proposed solution.

System Overview

EduChain aims to digitize and decentralize key elements of the educational process, making student records, credentials, and course management more secure, efficient, and transparent. The system serves various users, including students, educators, administrators, and external verifiers (e.g., employers or other academic institutions). These users interact with the platform through a web-based interface, with all sensitive data stored and verified on the Cardano blockchain.

The platform’s core features include decentralized identity management, credential issuance and verification, secure student record management, course creation and management, feedback collection, and reporting tools. By integrating blockchain technology, EduChain eliminates the risks associated with traditional centralized databases—such as data tampering, unauthorized access, and fraud—while providing a trustless environment for managing educational data.

Proposed Solution

The proposed solution for EduChain consists of several components and functionalities designed to address current issues in the educational ecosystem, such as inefficiencies in record management, lack of transparency in credential issuance, and the inability to verify academic records across institutions easily.

Key Features

Decentralized Identity Management (DID)

• Problem: Traditional systems for managing student and staff identities are prone to identity theft, data breaches, and unauthorized access.
• Solution: EduChain provides decentralized identity management using Cardano-based DID protocols. Each user (student, teacher, or administrator) is issued a decentralized, cryptographic identity. Users can own and control their identity without relying on third-party services. This ensures privacy and prevents unauthorized access while enabling secure, trustless interactions between users and the platform.

Blockchain-based Credential Issuance and Verification

• Problem: Paper-based or centralized digital certificates are vulnerable to fraud, loss, and tampering. Additionally, credential verification processes are slow, especially when validating international degrees.
• Solution: EduChain issues tamper-proof digital certificates on the blockchain. When a student completes a course, the system generates an immutable record of achievement in the form of a blockchain-verified certificate. Third parties (e.g., employers or other educational institutions) can verify these certificates quickly and easily without needing to contact the issuing institution, providing a trustless environment for credential verification.

Student Record Management System

• Problem: Managing student records (e.g., enrollment status, grades, attendance) in centralized databases poses risks related to data tampering and unauthorized access. In addition, traditional systems are not always transparent or easy to audit.
• Solution: EduChain stores student records (e.g., grades, attendance, course progress) securely on the blockchain, making the data immutable and auditable. Educators can update records via smart contracts, ensuring that each update is securely logged and cannot be altered once recorded. This also provides full transparency for administrators, students, and external stakeholders, who can view records in real-time.

Course Management System

• Problem: Managing courses, updating content, and tracking student progress can be a time-consuming process, particularly in large institutions.
• Solution: EduChain offers a comprehensive course management system that allows educators to create and manage courses, assign materials, track progress, and issue grades—all within the platform. Teachers can organize lessons and distribute educational content securely to students, while tracking their engagement and progress in real time. The system will also support peer evaluations and feedback mechanisms to enhance collaboration and participation in learning.

Secure Payment System with ADA Integration

• Problem: Tuition payments and other educational fees often face issues such as slow processing times and high transaction fees.
• Solution: EduChain integrates a secure payment system that allows students to pay for courses, materials, and other educational expenses using ADA, Cardano’s native cryptocurrency. This system will provide a fast, secure, and low-cost method of payment while ensuring transparency in financial transactions. The smart contract infrastructure ensures that payment data is stored securely on the blockchain and is auditable.

Tamper-proof Certificate System (UTCert Integration)

• Problem: Traditional certificates are often paper-based and prone to tampering or loss, and verifying these certificates requires manual processes.
• Solution: EduChain integrates with UTCert, a tamper-proof certificate system, ensuring that every certificate issued by the platform is securely stored on the blockchain. This allows real-time verification of certificate authenticity and ensures that no certificate can be modified or duplicated fraudulently.

Prototype Testing and User Feedback Collection

• Problem: Launching untested platforms can result in poor user experience and potential system failures.
• Solution: EduChain will undergo rigorous prototype testing with real users, including students, educators, and administrators, to ensure the platform is user-friendly, scalable, and reliable. Feedback will be collected through integrated surveys and direct feedback mechanisms to iterate and improve the platform based on user needs.

Data Transparency and Auditability

• Problem: Traditional educational systems often lack transparency, particularly when it comes to grading and record changes.
• Solution: Using blockchain’s immutable ledger, EduChain ensures that all transactions (e.g., record updates, certificate issuance) are stored transparently and can be audited at any time. This provides confidence for students, teachers, and external stakeholders that data is accurate, transparent, and tamper-proof.

Comprehensive Dashboard for Administrators

• Problem: Managing a blockchain-based educational platform can be complex, especially without clear, real-time oversight of key metrics.
• Solution: EduChain offers a comprehensive dashboard for administrators, providing real-time data on student enrollment, course completion rates, certificate issuance, and financial metrics (e.g., payment history). The dashboard will feature customizable widgets to help administrators monitor system performance and make data-driven decisions.

Reporting and Analytics

• Problem: Educational institutions need data to measure performance and improve their services but may lack robust reporting tools.
• Solution: EduChain provides detailed reporting and analytics tools to allow institutions to track student performance, course effectiveness, and user engagement. These insights can be used to refine educational content, improve course delivery, and enhance the overall learning experience.

Technology Stack

• Blockchain: Cardano, for decentralized data storage, smart contracts, and secure transactions.
• Smart Contracts: For automating processes such as issuing certificates and updating student records.
• Decentralized Identity (DID): To provide secure, cryptographic identities for all users.
• Frontend: A web-based interface that is intuitive and easy to use for students, teachers, and administrators.
• Backend: A robust backend infrastructure that integrates with Cardano blockchain nodes for secure data handling.

Conclusion

The EduChain solution leverages the unique capabilities of blockchain to offer a transparent, secure, and efficient platform for managing education records, issuing credentials, and tracking student progress. By decentralizing data management, automating certificate issuance, and integrating smart payment options, EduChain will address key challenges in the educational ecosystem, reduce inefficiencies, and provide a higher level of trust, transparency, and security for all stakeholders involved.

[IMPACT] Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community

The positive impact of EduChain on the wider Cardano community is multifaceted:

1. Adoption of Cardano Technology: EduChain serves as a practical application of Cardano's blockchain technology in the education sector, showcasing its versatility and potential beyond financial transactions. This adoption enhances the reputation and credibility of Cardano as a leading blockchain platform.
2. Community Engagement: EduChain fosters community engagement within the Cardano ecosystem by involving developers, educators, students, and institutions in the implementation and enhancement of the platform. This active participation strengthens the Cardano community and encourages collaborative innovation.
3. Economic Growth: As EduChain gains traction and becomes widely adopted, it creates opportunities for economic growth within the Cardano ecosystem. Developers may build additional tools and services around EduChain, leading to the creation of new jobs and businesses within the Cardano community.
4. Education and Awareness: By introducing blockchain technology into the education sector, EduChain raises awareness and promotes education about blockchain within the wider community. As more individuals and institutions engage with EduChain, they gain insights into the potential applications and benefits of blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrency.
5. Global Reach: As EduChain expands its reach to educational institutions worldwide, it extends the influence of the Cardano community to a global scale. This broader impact strengthens Cardano's position as a global leader in blockchain technology and promotes its adoption in diverse industries and regions.

In summary, EduChain's positive impact on the wider Cardano community includes technology adoption, community engagement, economic growth, education, and global reach. By leveraging blockchain technology to revolutionize education management, EduChain contributes to the growth and advancement of the Cardano ecosystem as a whole.

[CAPABILITY & FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

Our team comprises two experienced instructors in the Blockchain field, who have successfully raised capital in rounds 10 and 11 of Cardano. We also have three team members with extensive knowledge of Blockchain through various courses and hands-on experience in building Cardano-based systems. Our diverse skillset includes proficiency in programming languages such as Haskell, Python, Java, .Net, React, and expertise in developing a range of applications including web, and mobile games.

With this project, we achieved first prize in the school-level scientific research competition.

Therefore, we understand the business, the technology to develop the website, how the Cardano blockchain works, how to create NFT... as well as the collaboration between the members. The next stage is to develop more features and optimize the website, so we are completely confident that we will bring the project to the goal.

As proof of knowledge and research skills, some of our current proposals funded are attached:

• Proposal funded 1: “Tamper-proof Certificate System”
• Proposal funded 2: "Study guide for Marlow"
• Proposal funded 3:"CareBlock: Empowering secure healthcare transactions by Cardano"
• Article 1: "Sinh viên Nghiên cứu khoa học với Blockchain Cardano"

To ensure effective money management, we implement the following strategies:

• Budget planning: We carefully allocate funds to different project areas, considering development, operations, and marketing expenses.
• Transparent expense tracking: We maintain a clear record of all expenditures, promoting accountability and providing visibility into our financial transactions.
• Periodic reports: We generate regular reports to evaluate our financial performance and make informed decisions.

These practices help us maintain financial stability, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall financial management.

Transparency and communication are key principles of our project. We prioritize open and honest communication with all stakeholders, providing regular updates and fostering a collaborative environment. This ensures that everyone is well-informed and actively engaged in the project's progress and decision-making process.

To validate the feasibility of our method, we will use both quantitative and qualitative measures.

Quantitative validation:

• Number of upgraded and added modules via GitHub.
• Report the number of users on the system.

Identity verification:

• Conduct user satisfaction surveys.
• The level of excitement when introducing the project to users.

[PROJECT MILESTONES] What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Research and Planning (1 months)

Outputs:

• Comprehensive research document on blockchain applications in education management.
• Detailed project scope, objectives, and requirements document.
• Project plan with timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Research document covers all key aspects of blockchain technology and its potential applications in education.
• Project scope, objectives, and requirements align with stakeholder needs and industry best practices.
• Project plan is detailed, realistic, and approved by key stakeholders.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Completed research document.
• Approved project scope, objectives, and requirements document.
• The project plan has been completed.

Platform Design and Development (2 months)

Outputs:

• Architectural design and user interface mockups for the EduChain platform.
• Developed smart contracts and backend infrastructure on the Cardano blockchain.
• Implemented key features: student record management, credential verification, and decentralized identity management.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Architecture and UI designs meet usability and stakeholder requirements.
• Smart contracts and backend systems are functional and secure.
• Key features are implemented and operational.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Finalized design documents and UI mockups.
• Functional smart contracts and backend codebase.
• Demo of implemented features.

Prototype Testing and Feedback (2 months)

Outputs:

• Prototypes of the EduChain platform.
• Feedback collection documents from students, educators, and administrators.
• Updated platform based on user feedback.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Prototypes are fully functional and cover all core features.
• Feedback is collected from a diverse group of users.
• Platform revisions address key usability and functionality issues identified in feedback.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• EduChain website for users.
• Compiled feedback reports.
• Documentation of revisions made based on feedback.

Integration with Tamper-proof Certificate System and Comprehensive Deployment (2 months)

Outputs:

• Integrated EduChain platform with Tamper-proof Certificate System.
• Deployed EduChain system in collaboration with the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain Club.
• Community guidelines and outreach campaign materials.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Successful integration with UTCert, verified by test cases.
• The EduChain system is deployed and operated in a blockchain club environment.
• Community guidelines are clear and outreach campaigns are effective.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Integration test results.
• Deployment reports and user testimonials.
• Copies of community guidelines and outreach campaign reports.

Evaluation and Conclusion (1 months)

Outputs:

• Performance assessment report of EduChain.
• User satisfaction survey results.
• Comprehensive project documentation.
• Lessons learned report.
• Final project report summarizing objectives, accomplishments, and impact.

Acceptance Criteria:

• Performance assessment shows EduChain meets speed, scalability, and reliability benchmarks.
• User satisfaction surveys indicate overall positive feedback.
• Documentation is thorough and useful for future reference.
• Lessons learned identify actionable insights for improvement.
• Final report is comprehensive and approved by stakeholders.

Evidence of Milestone Completion:

• Performance assessment report.
• Compiled survey results.
• Complete project documentation.
• Lessons learned document.
• Final project report signed off by stakeholders.

[RESOURCES] Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

Mr. Tran Huy Hiep: Project Manager/Technical lead

Experiences: 

• DevOps Engineer at Samsung R&D.
• Frontend: ReactJS, Angular, NextJS.
• Backend: Java Spring Boot.
• DevOps: Aws, Docker, Azure, Jenkins, Kubernetes
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: tranhuyhiep0710@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tranhhiep

Github: github.com/TranHuyHiep

Mr. Bach Trinh: Full-stack Developer/Blockchain Developer

Experiences: 

• Software Engineer at GrapeCity
• Frontend: ReactJS, VueJS.
• Backend: .NET Core, Dapper, EF Core, SQL, Redis…
• DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Azure, Nginx…
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: txbach.11@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/trinh-bach

Github: github.com/Bachhsunkid

Mr. Minh Le: Business Analyst/Blockchain Developer

Experiences:

• Frontend: ReactJS, VueJS.
• Game: Unity, Unreal Engine.
• Backend: .NET Core, SQL, Redis…
• DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes.
• Blockchain & Sustainability Researcher.
• Two years of building and operating on the Cardano Blockchain platform.

Contact:

Email: minhld.dev@gmail.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dinhminhle

Github: github.com/dinhminhlh

[BUDGET & COSTS] Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources

Our proposal is expected to be divided into 05 milestones with the following expected budget:

(you can refer to this google sheet for more detail)

Budget Allocation for Each Milestone:

Milestone 1: Research and Planning (20,000 ADA)

• Conduct thorough research on blockchain technology and its applications in education management.
• Define project scope, objectives, and requirements based on stakeholder needs and industry best practices.
• Develop a detailed project plan, including timelines, resource allocation, and risk management strategies.

Milestone 2: Platform Design and Development (55,000 ADA)

• Design the architecture and user interface of the EduChain platform, incorporating feedback from stakeholders and usability testing.
• Develop smart contracts and backend infrastructure for secure and efficient data management on the Cardano blockchain.
• Implement key features, such as student record management, credential verification, and decentralized identity management.

Milestone 3: Prototype Testing and Feedback (38,750 ADA)

• Build prototypes of the EduChain platform for internal testing and validation.
• Conduct feedback collection sessions via Google Docs with students, educators, and administrators to gather input on usability, functionality, and performance.
• Receive feedback and make revisions and enhancements based on user input to continually improve the overall user experience.

Milestone 4: Integration with Tamper-proof Certificate System and Comprehensive Deployment (33,750 ADA)

• Integrate EduChain with the UTCert Tamper-proof Certificate System to provide certificates to students upon completion of their academic programs.
• Conduct a comprehensive deployment of the EduChain system and collaborate with the University of Transport and Communications Blockchain Club for further development.
• Develop user-friendly community guidelines and conduct outreach campaigns through university clubs to promote effective system usage within the larger community.

Final Milestone: Evaluation and Conclusion (11,000 ADA)

• Performance Assessment: Evaluate EduChain's speed, scalability, and reliability for optimization.
• User Satisfaction Survey: Gather feedback to refine user experience.
• Documentation: Compile project details for future reference and knowledge sharing.
• Lessons Learned: Identify best practices and areas for improvement.
• Final Report: Summarize objectives, accomplishments, and impact for stakeholders.

This detailed budget allocation ensures comprehensive coverage of the project's development, testing, community engagement, and contingency needs, fostering successful implementation and adoption of the EduChain platform.

[VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

The cost of our project is a strategic investment in advancing the capabilities of the Cardano ecosystem. Here's how the project delivers value for money:

1. Diversification of Use Cases:

• EduChain introduces blockchain technology to education management, expanding Cardano's use cases beyond financial applications, and attracting a wider user base.

2. Global Relevance:

• By addressing challenges in education management, EduChain demonstrates Cardano's relevance and applicability on a global scale, contributing to its adoption and recognition.

3. Community Participation:

• Integration of community governance features empowers Cardano users to actively engage in decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration within the ecosystem.

4. Technological Innovation:

• EduChain implements secure data handling, smart contracts, and decentralized identity management, contributing to the technological innovation of Cardano in education management.

5. Educational Impact:

• Outreach and educational campaigns associated with EduChain provide valuable resources, educating the community about the potential of blockchain technology in improving education systems.

6. Positive Network Effects:

• Successful deployment of EduChain can attract more developers, educators, and stakeholders to Cardano, creating positive network effects and strengthening the ecosystem's growth.

7. Ethical and Social Impact:

• EduChain addresses ethical considerations in managing student data, aligning with Cardano's commitment to responsible and transparent blockchain solutions, thereby enhancing trust and credibility.

8. Long-Term Sustainability:

• EduChain's value extends beyond its initial implementation, contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the Cardano ecosystem by fostering innovation and improving education outcomes.

In summary, EduChain not only addresses challenges in education management but also enhances Cardano's value proposition by diversifying its applications, engaging the community, and showcasing its adaptability to real-world challenges.