Chef Dr. Allison Leggett: Cizzling Corn Cakes and Distributive Ledgers

Dr. Allison Leggett oversees the teacher preparation program at the University of California, Los Angeles Extension, and her sous chef, Edrick Leggett joined CIDDL’s Christine Parsons in the CIDDL Cizzle’s kitchen to discuss distributive ledgers and make her grandmother’s Southern Corn Cakes. Distributive ledgers allow us to securely share information, such as transcripts, courses, and individual education plans (IEPs). In order to make a distributive ledger, three areas must be met. First, there must be peer-to-peer networking, which Dr. Legget referred to when participants share their tasks, like co-planning a lesson. Next is the authentication methodology, which uses an e-signature to validate, like a registrar would a transcript. Finally, there needs to be a transaction verification methodology, which is when there is consensus on the ledger, like when a school agrees on a textbook. One advantage of blockchain technology is that it improves access to education and education records, which furthers inclusion and equity for all students. Distributive ledgers can potentially increase learning outcomes for all students, just as artificial intelligence (AI) does. Both are seen as disruptive technologies that have the ability to transform education. 

Though it may not be making headlines like AI, distributive ledgers have the potential to improve how we handle credentialing, transcripts, IEP’s and other important electronic comprehensive records. Using a Blockchain will provide secure information that students and teachers can keep for a lifetime. And, it allows a central place to store all of a student’s learning experiences, which in teacher preparation could include things like practicums and other hands-on learning. The US Department of Education reports that blockchain technology increases integrity, transparency, and democracy. Basically, it allows information to be shared without a middle person. Interested in learning more, check out Dr. Leggett’s presentation she shared during the Cizzle! 

Dr. Leggett said that her recipe for corn cakes was a way of opening the door to start the conversation between schools, school districts, and Institutions of Higher Education to “break bread” and understand that this technology is a real possibility at improving equity of the system. Christine pointed out the sound of the sizzling corn cakes went perfectly with the title of our show.