Intro to Blockchain: Metaverse for Education Newsletter Issue #7
Hello Educators & Friends,
The world of web3 is evolving rapidly. So far, we’ve introduced specific topics like NFTs, DAOs, XR, and tokenomics because understanding the utility will enable you to take action fast. Luckily, the concept of blockchain, where all of this utility lives, is becoming easier to understand. And understanding blockchain will help you better utilize and leverage it for education. This newsletter issue is an introduction to blockchain, layers 1 & 2.
Blockchain is a digitally distributed, decentralized, public network of transactions. Here are my own key takeaways:
public blockchains allow individuals to own stuff & data
there are many different blockchains & each of them is optimized for different activities
blockchains have evolved into more efficient derivatives
not all blockchains are permissionless & decentralized, which can actually be good for use cases that require security (like education)
education can leverage blockchain for academic identity ownership, unbundling learning, incentivizing outcomes, equity & access, & probably way more than we can imagine.
One thing I struggle with in web3 is access. For schools and students who don’t yet have access to the internet and web1, how will they keep up with web3? Cost is inhibiting but the actual infrastructure for building network towers is quite difficult. A few months ago, I discovered a project trying to solve the problem at the root.
The Helium 5G network, in short, is incentivizing people to create decentralized public hotspots on blockchain, in their homes, so that neighbors can gain access to the internet.
So imagine if the most resourced among us could share our internet and earn crypto to do so? I’m feeling really optimistic because blockchain allows people to reimagine how the world could work. If this solution doesn’t work, there will be many more.
Happy reimagining.
Yours,
Vriti & k20 Educators
Learn about the Metaverse for Education
📹 What is blockchain, how does it work, & what problems does it solve?
Why blockchain is important
📹 What are layer 1 & 2 blockchains?
The four different types of blockchain technology
The blockchain trilemma: fast, secure, and scalable networks
📹 A blockchain solution to scalability: sharding
What are the environmental effects of blockchain technology?
What is "proof of work" or "proof of stake"?
📹 A blockchain-based decentralized university (must-watch)
📹 How blockchain will transform the education industry
📹 A series of workshops from the world bank to create an open architecture for the learning economy
🔊 Web3 utility for education
🔊University curriculum for the workforce
The emerging blockchain trends in 2022
34 blockchain real-world use cases disrupting the status quo
Get technical: main components of different blockchain layer solutions
Do Something in the Metaverse
Since this issue is about blockchain itself, it's hard to take action if you're not a programmer. We recommend visiting our previous issues to do something with the utility of blockchain! And remember, we are not offering financial advice.
The best ways to invest in layer-2
📹 Layer 2 Scaling Solutions Explained
Top Layer-1 Chains
Top Layer-2 Chains
📅 Events
Bigger than Blockchain episode 2 live recording (Feb 8, 2022; free)
Introduction to blockchain webinar (Feb 15, 2022; free)
Join us for a social hour co-hosted by k20 & Learning Economy Foundation at Eth Denver (Feb 20, 2022; IRL, free)
Untangling Blockchain with Women in Tech webinar (Feb 23, 2022; free)
Join us at SXSW Edu to talk NFTs & blockchain in education (Mar 10, 2022)
🚨📣 We've launched contest #2 (of 4) for virtual map building in education! Win a $41,000 subscription to a metaverse platform. Anyone can apply. Rules here.
This week’s Metaverse for Education newsletter was an intro to blockchain layers 1 & 2. More to come on NFTs, DAOs, cryptocurrency, tokens, & more. We’re excited to bring education into the Metaverse & help you leverage the opportunities in the new world.
Join our community of innovative educators in the Eduverse.