A blockchain education expert believes that learning about blockchain is crucial for the safe and effective use of Web3 technology.
Blockchain Education: Fragmented and Inconsistent
According to Pauline Cohen Vorms, co-founder of the Polkadot Blockchain Academy, blockchain education is essential for the adoption of Web3 technology. Vorms, a veteran educator, added that the growing list of blockchain use cases translates to increased responsibilities. She argues that it is only through proper education can the risk of misuse or underutilization of the technology be pre-empted.
However, Vorms asserts the education program needs to be comprehensive enough to ensure that the true promise of blockchain is realized. Regarding the current state of blockchain education, the Polkadot Blockchain Academy co-founder lamented the fragmentation that presently defines the space. If left unresolved, it results in an educational industry that delivers inconsistent learning outcomes.
To overcome this, Vorms said learning programs must combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications using the latest technologies. In her written responses sent to Bitcoin.com News, Vorms also highlighted the importance of ethics in blockchain education. Without it, the industry risks being overshadowed by exploitative behavior, eroding trust in blockchain technology, Vorms argues.
She also touched on why it is important for blockchain focused academies to partner with formal learning institutions. Below are Vorms’ answers to all the questions.
Bitcoin.com News (BCN): Bitcoin (BTC) rallied and reached new all time high just after Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election. Such BTC rallies help raise awareness of the crypto industry. No doubt, many new investors, traders, and users will enter the space in the coming months. With this trend in mind, could you illustrate why blockchain education is crucial and how it helps prepare individuals for the future of technology?
Pauline Cohen Vorms (PCV): Blockchain education is essential, not just due to the rising interest and investment in crypto assets, but because of the broader implications of web3 technology, which will touch every industry and transform every sector it intersects with. In a world where institutions such as banks, hospitals, and government bodies often mishandle private data, blockchain offers a decentralized, trustless alternative that has the potential to radically alter the way we transact, interact, and recreate.
Gaining a blockchain education is as vital a skill as being able to use a smartphone or browse the internet. First, it equips individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions, whether as investors, developers, or users. But it’s particularly beneficial for developers, to whom it opens doors to new career opportunities in a rapidly expanding field. There’s a surfeit of jobs and a shortage of devs. Even if you’re not in it for the tech, you should be in it for the professional advancement that a blockchain education grants.
As blockchain use case possibilities grow, so do the responsibilities of those developing and using it. Without proper education, we risk misusing or underutilizing the potential of this powerful and diverse technology. Comprehensive education ensures that the true promise of blockchain, underpinning a decentralized, equitable, and efficient internet, is realized.
BCN: What is your assessment of the current quality and standardization in blockchain and crypto education programs? And what changes would you want to bring to them?
PCV: The current landscape of blockchain education is fragmented. There’s a wide variety of programs, each differing in content, depth, and delivery, resulting in inconsistent learning outcomes.
On one end, we have university programs from institutions like MIT, Cornell, and Oxford. These offer comprehensive theoretical insights into blockchain protocols, security, decentralization, and more. While they stimulate curiosity, their content often lacks practical application and struggles to keep pace with industry advancements.
At the other end, there are vocational programs that provide more technical, hands-on training for individuals with some prior knowledge. However, even these programs fall short when it comes to preparing learners to contribute to cutting-edge blockchain development or integrate seamlessly into existing teams.
To improve, we need quality benchmarks and clearer learning outcomes. Programs must blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications using the latest technologies. Combining evergreen foundational content from rapidly evolving industry specifics is also crucial to ensure learners stay relevant.
BCN: As an experienced educator in the field, what would you say are the initial first steps for novices looking to enter the crypto space?
PCV: For anyone new to the crypto space, a strong foundation in Web3 principles is essential. Start by understanding the technology’s building blocks and cultivating curiosity and an open mind.
Follow reputable news sources and thought leaders to stay updated on trends and developments. Dive into whitepapers and technical documents, even if they seem complex – they offer valuable insights into the design decisions and priorities of specific blockchains.
Joining blockchain communities on platforms like Discord and Telegram can provide a hands-on understanding of governance and decentralization. For developers, contributing to open-source projects and exploring blockchain roadmaps are excellent ways to gain practical experience.
Then, once you’re ready to move from theory to practice, sign up for hackathons. Apply to grant programs. You don’t need to be a super coder or rockstar dev to get involved in these sorts of initiatives: a solid idea and corresponding work ethic will go a long way.
Most importantly, align your entry into the space with your genuine interests. Whether you’re drawn to DeFi, NFTs, or infrastructure development, understanding your motivations will help guide your learning and career path.
BCN: Most early blockchain and crypto adopters were self-educated. They studied the Bitcoin whitepaper and coded away to create the early blockchain solutions and chart the path for the crypto industry. In your opinion, what are the most significant skill gaps in the blockchain and crypto industry that educational platforms like yours are trying to address?
PCV: While programming skills like writing smart contracts are crucial, they are just one piece of the puzzle. A well-rounded blockchain education must include an understanding of cryptography, game theory, governance, and the impact of various design decisions.
Bootcamps and hackathons are great for acquiring technical skills, but they often lack the depth needed to comprehend the broader Web3 ecosystem. For instance, understanding blockchain requires starting with its foundations—just as a deep understanding of computer science begins with binary.
Educational programs must go beyond teaching isolated skills. They should focus on how blockchain principles interconnect, enabling learners to grasp the opportunities and challenges within different ecosystems. This approach ensures participants are prepared to make informed decisions and make meaningful contributions that will advance not just their own career, but the quality of the ecosystems they’re building for.
BCN: How do you see the evolving regulatory landscape impacting blockchain and crypto education, especially in terms of compliance and legal considerations?
PCV: As regulations become clearer and more standardized, blockchain education will formalize and become geared towards advancing enterprise adoption. Professionals working in the sector will need recognized industry certifications, which will become critical for compliance and legal considerations.
By incorporating regulatory frameworks into curricula, educational programs can prepare individuals to navigate the complexities of compliance, and grant them the knowledge to develop solutions that are compatible with this essential blockchain component.
BCN: As you may already know, the industry is no longer just about bitcoin, blockchain, and crypto. Things artificial intelligence (AI), Web3, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse all form a robust and continuously evolving ecosystem. In your views, are existing educational programs keeping up with developments in the blockchain sector?
PCV: Currently, most existing educational structures struggle to consistently keep up with the rapid pace of innovation in the blockchain and Web3 sector. Universities, while offering foundational knowledge, often face challenges in adapting their curricula to reflect the latest developments in areas like AI, NFTs, and the Metaverse. The time required to design and approve new courses often lags behind the speed of technological advancements.
However, industry-specific training programs for developers are better suited to addressing this gap. These programs are developed and delivered by practitioners actively building and evolving the technology, ensuring that learners receive up-to-date, practical knowledge.
Bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications ensures that learners are equipped not only to understand the current state of the industry but also to contribute meaningfully to its future. Industry-run courses ensure learners gain up-to-the-minute knowledge, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This dynamic approach is critical in a field as fast-evolving as blockchain.
BCN: What do you think are some of the ethical considerations that should be integrated into blockchain and crypto education?
PCV: Blockchain engineers wield significant influence, and their work can profoundly shape how people interact in society. This power comes with great responsibility. Education should emphasize ethical considerations, guiding learners to use their skills for good, whether by creating resilient networks or pursuing projects with positive societal goals.
A well-principled education is a safeguard against bad actors and unethical practices. Without it, the industry risks being overshadowed by exploitative behavior, which could erode trust in blockchain technology. Like any software, blockchain protocols can be leveraged to create chaos or to solve real-world problems that will tangibly improve lives. The onus is on all of us to steer developers towards the latter path.
BCN: Is the Polkadot Blockchain Academy affiliated with any formal academic institution? If not, are you open to such partnerships, and what would you bring to the table?
PCV: The Polkadot Blockchain Academy has collaborated with universities like Cambridge, Berkeley, and NUS (Singapore) from its inception. After a recent cohort in Singapore, one of our lecturers has been invited back to teach Polkadot in their blockchain courses.
We see great value in partnering with universities. By bringing cutting-edge industry knowledge to academic institutions, we help them stay up to the minute with industry developments. Our recently launched PBA-X online program is part of this mission, and we’re actively exploring collaborations to expand the reach and impact of blockchain education.
It’s a symbiotic relationship, with universities incubating the next generation of blockchain developers, and training schools such as PBA providing the next step in their journey: the hands-on training that moves them from theory to practice, allowing developers to attain rewarding lifelong careers within what is one of the most exciting tech industries in the world.
