As cryptocurrency continues to disrupt traditional finance and enters the mainstream, the need for digital literacy and cryptocurrency education has never been more important. Today, we explore the rise of blockchain education, examining how teachers, students, and various educational institutions are embracing this revolution, and why “Crypto in the Classroom” might just become the new normal in education.
The Rise of Crypto Education
The world is witnessing an exponential growth in blockchain technology and its applications. Bitcoin, the pioneer cryptocurrency, has found its way into various aspects of life, raising the necessity for introduction into education. As students across the globe continue to show an increased interest in the cryptocurrency sphere, educators are finding ways to integrate it into their teaching curriculum.
According to Coinbase’s 2019 report, 56% of the world’s top 50 universities now offer at least one course on crypto or blockchain — up from 42% in 2018. This demonstrates a growing recognition of the importance and potential impact of cryptocurrency in society. [1]
Stanford University, for example, offers a program called the Stanford Blockchain Club. This program offers a variety of events including hackathons, coding workshops and networking events to train students on the technical intricacies of blockchain development. [2]
Crypto in the Classroom
There are many compelling reasons for educators to explore introducing crypto in the classroom. Firstly, it helps students better understand the global economy and financial systems. Furthermore, understanding the underlying technology of cryptocurrencies such as blockchain can instigate innovative thinking and foster future technologists. Notably, it prepares students for a potential future where crypto and blockchain could be a part of everyday transactions.
Crypto clubs, courses on cryptocurrencies, and gaming initiatives using crypto are gaining prominence in various educational institutions. TechfuZed, a pedagogical platform, uses educational games incorporating virtual currency to educate students about blockchain and financial literacy. [3]
A recent initiative by Blockchain Education Network aims to amplify this movement further. They organize Blockchain Education Month – to inspire, educate, and connect students around the world who are passionate about the blockchain industry. [4]
Crypto Entrepreneurs & Other Impact Fields
As students become well-versed with crypto, some are taking entrepreneurship paths, developing crypto start-ups from their dorm rooms.
For instance, Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, first got interested in Bitcoin while at university, and his passion for blockchain technology eventually led to him dropping out and starting Ethereum. [5]
Cryptocurrency and blockchain aren’t just a game-changer for finance or tech industries. They have broader implications for various fields including law, business, accounting, and government. Therefore, the inclusion of crypto education in classrooms could also benefit non-tech students.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the promise of crypto, its incorporation into education isn’t without challenges. Volatility, regulatory complexities and a lack of substantial teaching resources pose significant obstacles. Potential solutions include crafting curriculum with an emphasis on technical understanding rather than investment strategies and focusing more on blockchain, the underlying technology driving crypto which has broader applications across various industries.
Given the growing role of crypto in today’s world, an increasing number of teachers and institutions are integrating it into their classrooms, preparing their students for the digital future. Just like the internet revolution in the 90s, we’re at the brink of another epoch — the blockchain revolution.
Sources:
[1] Coinbase. (2019). The 2019 Leaders in Crypto Education.
[2] Stanford Blockchain Club. (n.d.). About.
[3] TechfuZed. (2020). Using Game-Based Learning to Teach Financial Literacy.
[4] Blockchain Education Network. (2020). Blockchain Education Month Series.
[5] Ethereum Foundation. (2014). About Ethereum.
