Blockchain Awareness Among Computer Science Students: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

The main goal of research was to investigate to what extent computer science students are familiar with blockchain technology (BC). The survey was conducted among the students of Cracow universities. In order to analyze deeply the results of the survey, indicators of the knowledge factor and the usage factor were developed to assess knowledge and usage of BC respectively. The main findings point out to the popular internet portals and conversations with other people as the main sources of information on BC for students. Students are less likely to obtain their information from university classes and lectures, television, radio, and other media. The percentage of active BC users almost doubles the percentage of respondents having specialized knowledge, therefore the relationship between knowledge and usage of BC is rather weak. Traditional banking and trade are the most frequently indicated areas of BC applications by the respondents. The conducted research also shows that BC may be perceived as a tool for social/technology evolution and revolution. The survey results have important implications for universities as they confirm that university curricula are not updated sufficiently quickly to keep up with the emerging technologies.