What you'll learn

Know why the 3 core building blocks of blockchain are fundamental to its power.

Understand the key differences between Web 2 and Web 3.

Learn about decentralisation and why Bitcoin changed the game.

Identify the 4 main blockchain protocols and the 4 principle types (public, private etc.)

Delve into how to set up and secure a web 3 digital wallet to start interacting with cryptocurrencies, NFTs and all things Web 3.

Requirements

No previous blockchain experience required however an understanding of the key Web 2 tools like email, web search, online conference platforms like Zoom and Meet would be useful.

Description

The Blockchain Fundamentals course is designed for complete beginners to blockchain so the language used is easy to understand without technical jargon and I take time to explain the key concepts giving real examples where possible to bring to life this often abstract subject. My aim is that you finish the course inspired about what blockchain is and why it is a world changing technology that is here to stay and moreover, how it can change the world for the better!Learn about the fundamentals of blockchain including:Web 2.5 as the bridge from a web 2 to web 3 world: A change of mindset is an essential part of this transition and I take time to explain why this is important and how you can start to do this today. With empowerment comes responsibility.Bitcoin and the birth of decentralization: Bitcoin is the first and most successful use-case of blockchain technology and it is all because the creator(s) solved the so-called 'double-spend' problem. This changed everything. Blockchain evolution from Bitcoin to NFTs to the Metaverse and beyond: Bitcoin started this revolution but a lot has happened since 2009 and many people and companies have been building many fascinating and useful projects on top of it and things aren't slowing down anytime soon. Industries ripe for disruption: We look at a few powerful use-cases across a selection of industries. The aim here is to get you thinking about the bigger picture of what blockchain is disrupting and how in many cases, it removes the 3rd party in a transaction. Think about that for a minute…4 key protocols to arrive at consensus: Blockchain means nothing without consensus (common agreement) and there are 4 main types that we'll look at all with pros and cons for each.4 main types of blockchain: Bitcoin is a public blockchain which means the ledger is completely transparent but there are 3 other types which have powerful use-cases in a wide array of sectors including finance, retail, NGOs and many more.Cryptocurrencies and digital wallets - your access to the wonderful web 3 world: Cryptocurrencies are a popular use of blockchain so we'll look at what they are and can be used for plus most importantly, how they are secured and managed using a digital wallet. These are a fundamental elements that facilitate access to our web 3 world and securing them is of paramount importance when it comes to securing our digital assets which also can include NFTs.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Welcome

Lecture 2 What you'll learn - the journey

Section 2: Web 3 : The Big Picture

Lecture 3 Web 2.5

Lecture 4 The Trust Protocol

Lecture 5 Decentralisation

Section 3: Bitcoin Is Not Blockchain

Lecture 6 Bitcoin - The First Blockchain

Lecture 7 The Double-spend problem solved

Lecture 8 Bitcoin's monetary policy

Lecture 9 Bitcoin Ownership

Lecture 10 Hallmarks of Blockchain

Section 4: Blockchain Evolution

Lecture 11 Overview: From Bitcoin to the Metaverse

Lecture 12 Ethereum & Smart Contracts

Lecture 13 The 3 Pillars of Blockchain

Section 5: Industries Being Disrupted

Lecture 14 Overview

Lecture 15 Shaken up: Finance

Lecture 16 Boosted: Supply-chain

Lecture 17 Empowered: Creative Economy

Section 6: Arriving at Consensus: The Key Protocols

Lecture 18 What is consensus & why is it important?

Lecture 19 Proof of Work (PoW)

Lecture 20 Proof of Stake (PoS)

Lecture 21 Delegated Proof of Stake (DPoS)

Lecture 22 Consensus Byzantine

Lecture 23 Summary of the 4 key protocols

Section 7: Blockchain Types

Lecture 24 Different blockchains, different uses

Lecture 25 How they compare

Section 8: Cryptocurrencies

Lecture 26 Crypto Asset vs Token

Lecture 27 5 Types of Tokens

Lecture 28 Utility Wins

Section 9: Digital Wallets | Security

Lecture 29 Digital Wallets as Your Gateway to Web 3

Lecture 30 Public & Private Keys

Lecture 31 Digital Wallets | Safe Storage

Section 10: Connect & Interact

Lecture 32 Access to Your Web 3 World

Lecture 33 Connect & Interact with the Blockchain

Lecture 34 Blockchain Trends & Predictions

Section 11: Thank You & Next Steps

Lecture 35 A brief outro message of thanks and inspiration

People who have heard about blockchain, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and are curious to know how to get involved whether for personal or professional reasons.,Consultants and educators who would like to know the basics.,Entrepreneurs who are curious to know how to leverage blockchain for their business.