Optimizing Token Distribution in Reward Schemes: A Simulation-Based Case Study

By exploring the potential of blockchain technology in educational settings, this study delves into the implementation of token economies in online learning platforms aiming to enhance student motivation and address educational inequalities. The research focuses on how token reward schemes can be formalized and implemented within blockchain-based educational systems. A significant gap identified in literature is the lack of strategies for the formalization and consistent distribution of token rewards in educational contexts. The case study addressed in this work focuses on a Learning-to-Earning platform in South Africa, attempting to tackle issues of educational inequalities. The research methodology involves the use of simulations of different token reward schemes over a 30-day period, assessing their potential impact on student engagement and learning outcomes. The results show that each token reward scheme can be designed to cover specific course contents. This allows for the optimization of student incentives to not only encourage course completion but also to improve their academic performance. These findings play a crucial role in the application of blockchain-based token reward systems in online educational platforms, that allows equal learning opportunities.