Education 4.0: How Web3 technologies can promote sustainable and inclusive global learning

Education 4.0 represents a shift from teacher-centered instruction to learner-centered, competency-based systems. Its goal is not just to prepare students for the digital economy but to ensure education becomes a driver of sustainable development. The study points out that while existing centralized learning management systems have facilitated some progress, they suffer from structural weaknesses including data monopolization, vendor lock-in, privacy risks, and uneven global accessibility.

Traditional centralized models are increasingly seen as inadequate for the challenges of accessibility, equity, and long-term sustainability in the education sector. A group of researchers recently examined how the integration of Education 4.0 and Web3 technologies could reshape the future of learning.

Their study, "Towards Sustainable Education 4.0: Opportunities and Challenges of Decentralized Learning with Web3 Technologies," published in Sustainability, explores how decentralized infrastructures such as blockchain, decentralized identifiers, smart contracts, and peer-to-peer storage can build more inclusive, secure, and resilient education systems that align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

How decentralization reinforces the education 4.0 model

Education 4.0 represents a shift from teacher-centered instruction to learner-centered, competency-based systems. Its goal is not just to prepare students for the digital economy but to ensure education becomes a driver of sustainable development. The study points out that while existing centralized learning management systems have facilitated some progress, they suffer from structural weaknesses including data monopolization, vendor lock-in, privacy risks, and uneven global accessibility.

The research highlights how Web3 technologies can directly address these limitations. Blockchain enables secure and verifiable credentialing, ensuring learner achievements are portable across borders. Smart contracts provide transparency in agreements between learners, educators, and institutions, streamlining certification and assessment. Decentralized identifiers (DIDs) return ownership of digital identity to learners, reducing reliance on centralized authorities. Finally, peer-to-peer storage systems make educational resources accessible in regions with unreliable connectivity, strengthening education resilience during crises.

By integrating these tools, the researchers argue, decentralized education can reduce inequalities, protect personal data, and create a trust-based ecosystem where learners and communities are active participants rather than passive users.

Opportunities for sustainable and inclusive global learning

According to the study, Web3-enabled education is a powerful enabler of sustainable development. It identifies key areas where decentralized systems can accelerate progress toward SDGs:

• Expanding access in underserved regions: Peer-to-peer infrastructures lower entry barriers for communities with limited institutional support.
• Promoting social inclusion: Portable and verifiable credentials ensure students’ achievements are recognized across borders, boosting mobility and employability.
• Supporting lifelong learning: Decentralized record-keeping allows individuals to own and update their learning histories, aligning with fast-changing labor markets.
• Strengthening resilience: With decentralized storage and governance, education systems can continue functioning during natural disasters, political instability, or cyber disruptions.

The paper also examines emerging decentralized learning platforms such as EtherLearn and DeLMS. These systems experiment with token-based incentives, decentralized voting, and community-driven governance to enhance participation and sustainability. The researchers argue that such models highlight the potential for education systems not only to deliver content but also to operate as self-sustaining ecosystems where value and decision-making are distributed among stakeholders.

Notably, the study proposes a layered framework that combines pedagogical principles, sustainability imperatives, and technological innovation. This framework positions Education 4.0 as both a response to and a driver of sustainable economic and social transformation.

Challenges hindering the path to decentralized education

Despite its promise, decentralized education faces significant barriers that the researchers carefully outline. Usability is a major concern, as many Web3 applications require technical expertise that could exclude the very learners they aim to empower. Simplifying interfaces and building user-friendly platforms will be essential for adoption.

The environmental impact of blockchain technologies is another critical issue. Although newer consensus mechanisms have reduced energy use, scaling decentralized systems without compromising sustainability remains a challenge. Unless addressed, this could undermine the alignment of Education 4.0 with environmental sustainability goals.

Regulation and governance also remain unresolved. The study notes that questions around the legal recognition of blockchain-based credentials, compliance with data protection laws, and interoperability across jurisdictions could slow down adoption. Without standardized policies, decentralized education risks being fragmented and inconsistent across countries.

The researchers urge interdisciplinary collaboration between technologists, educators, policymakers, and sustainability experts. Only by working together, they argue, can societies develop solutions that are technically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally responsible.