Web 3.0 has revolutionized the internet with its salient features of decentralization, trustful and permissionless, artificial intelligence and machine learning, connectivity, and ubiquity. Although the idea of Web 3.0 gained much popularity in 2021, the term was coined in 2014 by Gavin Wood. The advent of Web 3.0 has ushered in a new era of blockchain technology, and this chapter is an attempt to unleash the tremendous potential of this technology with a prime focus in the education sector. Although the fields in which this technology has contributed are wide and diverse, the innovative potential of Web 3.0 in the education field is explored in this chapter and its future implications are assessed and analyzed. There has been a profound impact of Web 3.0 in education services and the amalgamation of Web 3.0 technologies has altogether transformed the education sector and its contribution to society is undeniably important. In adherence to this, this chapter unravels the transformations caused by Web 3.0 in the teaching-learning process.
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Education plays a crucial role in facilitating societal transformation. The absence of education hinders progress and development. Competent individuals are required to manage the system effectively. In the past, education was confined to the classroom, where teachers interacted with students. However, at present, education has transcended geographical boundaries. With the advent of online teaching, students are no longer solely reliant on their school teachers for learning. This has led to a more open and flexible learning experience. From the comfort of their homes, students can now acquire knowledge on a wide range of subjects using technology. Technology has revolutionized education by providing an engaging, creative, and immersive learning environment for learners (Benito et al., 2013).
The introduction of Web 3.0 technology as the “future of the Internet” is poised to bring about a revolution in the field of education (Hew et al., 2013). The COVID-19 crisis forced us to retreat indoors and severed our ties with society. Attending school in a traditional setup was no longer viable due to the new norm of social distancing. Consequently, we transitioned from in-person teaching and learning to online methods (Robin, 2011).
Web 3, a cutting-edge technology, embraces this transition and promotes a fresh teaching and learning experience for all (Dominic et al., 2014). Web 3.0 envisions a decentralized Internet built on blockchain technology. This concept has gained widespread attention in recent years, with companies like Microsoft and Meta investing heavily to gain a competitive edge in the field.
Currently, the education system primarily relies on traditional pedagogical techniques that are largely teacher-centric. However, Web 3 development aims to disrupt this approach and enhance educational outcomes. The technology holds significant potential for empowering the education industry, offering student-friendly, experiential learning and goal-oriented teaching (Firat, 2020).
Often referred to as the “semantic web,” “spatial web,” or “the 3D web of the future,” Web 3 represents a user-centric version of the Internet that revolutionizes the way we create, interact with, and exchange digital content. Web 3 is a decentralized Internet powered by blockchain technology, offering advanced security, transparency, and immutability. Given its early stage of development, Web 3 lacks a single, definitive definition. Nonetheless, experts view it as the next generation of the Internet, encompassing various concepts such as blockchain, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Metaverse technology, spatial technology, 5G, cryptocurrencies, and more (Miranda et al.,2014).
By leveraging Web 3 technology as a resource, we gain access to decentralized clusters and digital tools. In a Web 3.0 ecosystem, a network of interconnected computers functions as validators, verifying data without relying on central authorities like banks or government regulators. A Web 3 expert designs projects that fulfill user requirements to the best of their ability (Giannakos & Lapatas, 2010).
Within the semantic web realm, information proactively reaches users instead of users actively searching for it (Allison et al., 2015). The decentralized interface analyzes user activities and interests to determine how data should be delivered to them. It also considers the format in which users prefer their data and facilitates its display through their chosen channels.