Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1498955
4 NEWS 11.5.2023 IGOR Dvorskiy is a former director of a private school in Los Angeles, who was involved in a massive scandal that saw wealthy parents pay bribes to secure admission for their children in elite uni- versities. Dvorskiy was also accused of meddling with test scores after they were taken, in order to improve the chances of the students being admitted to top colleges. With so many students pursuing their studies with diverse international in- stitutions and online, confirming the veracity of educational credentials and academic accomplishments is a big task for different entities such as universities, employers, evaluators of applications for government or EU-funded projects among others. Addressing Transform-ed, a training symposium hosted by the Permanent Representation of the European Com- mission to Malta, blockchain guru Al- exander Pfeiffer highlighted how ledger technology can offer solutions to this dilemma. Expressing disappointment at how the term blockchain has often been mistak- enly associated only with failed projects or risky currency transactions, Pfeiffer showcased how database technology can be used for good, since blockchain can verify every single transaction. e core functionality of blockchain technology is its ability to offer a safe and decentralized method of recording and verifying transactions without the need for an impartial broker. is is ac- complished by linking up huge sources of data that collaborate to keep track of a shared ledger of transactions that is protected by sophisticated cryptograph- ic procedures. A transaction that has been added to the blockchain cannot be eradicated or altered after this has been done, offering a high level of transpar- ency. Because of this, blockchain tech- nology may be applied to a variety of processes, including voting systems, supply chain and logistics management, as well as financial transactions. Pfeiffer, who is a post-doctoral fellow on blockchain technologies and their impact on game-based education and learning assessment argued that block- chain technology can serve to potential- ly fight deception in education through the creation of fraud-proof, uneditable record of educational achievements that are difficult to tamper with. By using blockchain, educational in- stitutions can create decentralized re- cords of student achievement which are stored in a distributed ledger that can- not be tampered with. Blockchain technology can help the educational system become more transparent and accountable by mak- ing it simpler to track the movement of school credentials and confirm that they are only being used for authorized reasons. In a research paper he co-authored in 2020, Pfeiffer argued that one of the most significant advantages of blockchain is the ability, or rather the non-ability of retrospectively altering data which is stored on the blockchain. Added to that, the open nature of pub- lic blockchains supports decentralised data verification, making it independ- ent of any central authority and con- sequently valid across different pro- grammes, departments, institutions and countries. As a result, it can offer solutions in a range of policy areas, including health- care, real estate and identity manage- ment, which depend on significant amounts of data and at the same time require higher levels of confidentiality safeguards. Transformed-ed, organised as part of the European Commission's #Eu- ropeanYearofSkills, initiative sought to facilitate collaboration and knowl- edge-sharing between educators, in- dustry experts, thought leaders, and trainers on the future of education in Europe. Blockchain as a tool to combat fraud in education STARGATE Studios Malta has launched a new academy which will start offering courses to give students specialised knowledge and skills in visual effects. e courses are intended to shape students into industry-ready hires. Referring to this new initiative, Star- gate Studios Managing Director Mat- thew Pullicino said that an academy within the walls of the studio is unique. "It will not only be designed and Star- gate-branded, but will also take place in our facility, giving students a taste of the real-world experience and first- hand knowledge of what the VFX in- dustry is all about," Pullicino said. He added that the Stargate Studios team, who will be teaching, are per- fectly poised to provide excellent guid- ance and relevant mentorship. e first course which will be offered by the Stargate VFX academy will be one for entry level compositing. Stargate Studios General Manag- er Reuben Sciberras said the course is very industry-specific within a re- al-world learning environment geared for those who want to dip their toes in the vast world of visual effects. "It will allow participants to expe- rience the magic of the movie busi- ness and enable them to take the first steps of their journey in this wonderful world. We hope that applicants will be as excited as we are to embark on this journey." e course, spread over four months, includes a 12-week tuition programme and a further four weeks dedicated to the final project - the development of a polished and professional show-reel and portfolio. e course offers an opportunity for individuals to enter the high-demand field of compositing, with a compre- hensive introduction to 2D, covering essential skills such as seamless layer compositing, rotoscoping, prep work, keying, camera tracking, and colour correction. rough practical learning, partic- ipants will become familiar with in- dustry-standard software like Nuke and gain insights into real studios and pipelines. For further information about the course and online application go to stargatestudios.com.mt/learn. Alternatively, interested parties are to send an email to learn@stargatestudi- os.com.mt. Stargate Studios launch VFX Academy Alexander Pfeiffer