The growing number of applications of blockchain technology across various sectors presents a broad range of implemented solutions, and the field of education is one of those as well. Although still in a relatively early adoption stage in educational settings, blockchain, alongside other disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), is rapidly revolutionizing traditional educational systems, thus modernizing educational processes.

Blockchain-based solutions present numerous benefits for learners – students, educational institutions, and employers. Most noticeably, blockchain technology facilitates the improvement of the educational process by providing secure digital credentials and certificates for students. These digital assets are easily stored on the blockchain, ensuring their integrity and making it easier to share student's achievements with employers or other educational institutions. Furthermore, smart contracts automate administrative tasks within academic institutions, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing manual errors.

One of the most common applications of blockchain in education leverages its immutable ledger feature to store unalterable academic records, such as transcripts and diplomas. These records are verified in real-time, thus providing a fast, secure, and robust solution for credential verification. This approach not only streamlines the credential verification process but also empowers students and alumni with ownership of their academic records. They can share their credentials easily and securely, eliminating the risk of loss or fraud inherent in traditional record-keeping. Its immutability ensures that academic achievements are permanently recorded and easily verifiable, enhancing trust and transparency within the educational ecosystem.

Another promising application of blockchain technology in education is the gamification of learning processes with the goal of increasing student engagement. By rewarding students with cryptocurrency tokens for their academic achievements, blockchain not only promotes learning but also boosts student motivation and accountability. The gamification approach transforms the traditional education model by introducing elements of competition and rewards, which can enhance student participation and performance.

This research investigates the real-world practical applications of blockchain technology in education, focusing on existing working implementations within education systems and their adoption and efficiency. By examining these use cases, we can gain a deeper understanding of how blockchain can potentially enhance the whole educational sector if these solutions become widely adopted. Our exploration of blockchain implementations focuses on evaluating their transparency, streamlining of administrative processes, ability to provide secure and verifiable records, and creating a more engaging and motivating learning environment through incentives such as tokens or rewards.

Overall, this paper presents the current state and impact of existing blockchain-based implementations of real-world solutions in the educational sector, demonstrating their ability to modernize and improve the educational experience for students, academic institutions, and employers.

Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Real-World Applications, Education Systems, Digital Credentials, Academic Records.