In 2024, technology continues to evolve rapidly, introducing us to new terms like blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse. Alongside these emerging technologies, many are already integrating tools like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) into our classrooms and daily lives.
As educators, it's critical to stay ahead of these changes in order to prepare students for a tech-centered future. Understanding and incorporating these concepts, even if they don't directly relate to the current subject matter or grade level, is essential.
A recent Jobs of Tomorrow report highlights a significant rise in job opportunities requiring expertise in emerging fields. The landscape of work and education is shifting, and as we transition to Web 3.0, or Web3, embracing these changes and preparing students for the new digital era is more impactful than ever.
Key takeaways
Here’s what you can expect to learn in this Web3 resource:
- Understand web evolution: Recognize Web3 as the new chapter of tech, advancing from Web 1.0's static content to Web 2.0's interactive capabilities to a decentralized, blockchain-based Web3 with greater user control.
- Embrace decentralization: Note how Web3 reduces centralized control, enhancing privacy and user autonomy compared to Web 2.0.
- Transform educational journeys: Learn how Web3 enables learning in the metaverse, provides digital twins for teachers, and stores academic records on the blockchain, enhancing accessibility and interactivity.
- Expand access: Break geographical and financial barriers with Web3 to provide quality education regardless of location or cost, and ease rising higher education expenses.
- Prepare educators at every level: Stay informed about emerging technologies, join communities like Ed3 DAO, and further support Web3’s integration to education.
What exactly is Web3?
Web3 is the next phase of the internet. It amplifies everything we can now do online by bringing in additional technologies and functionalities.
Unlike predecessors, Web3 emphasizes decentralization and gives users more control over their data and interactions. This new process can be beneficial when working with cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). Overall, Web3 has the potential to transform how we interact, learn, and collaborate online.
Web 1.0
The first version of the Web was limited to having a static page where you could review content, download files, and print information. It lacked the possibility of personal interaction.
Although Web 1.0 was an improvement from earlier computers and programs, it was limited in scope. Like many technologies, as new features were introduced, the programming gradually improved as new options became available.
Web 2.0
Building on the capabilities of the first version of the web, the second version, Web 2.0, added the ability to interact with others.
Rather than just being a “read only” experience, it was more of a “read and write” experience. Through Web 2.0, we saw the inception of social media networks, communication channels and chat platforms, online shopping and banking, and new educational opportunities.
Many large corporations– such as Amazon, Apple, Google and even Facebook–were deeply involved in crafting this version of the web. It’s in this version that businesses and individuals began to connect globally in a matter of seconds.
Web 3.0
Now, as we begin to experience this third phase, we have all of the components of the prior version but with many exciting and emerging technologies.
Unlike Web 2.0 which has been actively monitored and regulated, the new version is set to become a decentralized space available on blockchain.
Now, Web3 is being referred to as a “read, write, own” version of the internet, rather than simply the “read” or “read and write” from versions past.
How is Web3 different from previous versions?
In Web3, the focus is on having more freedom to create and interact without the centralized control of a single service provider. It relies on feedback and input from multiple users.
Unlike past versions, Web3 uses blockchain technology to distribute power and data ownership among users. This shift is what empowers enhanced privacy, security, and transparency. It also allows innovators to use tech like cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) to reshape how people interact online.
What is the impact of Web3 on education?
When it comes to the web, educators rely on many technologies and digital tools. Right now, these providers are making their content available in the centralized space of Web 2.0. With Web3, companies could start to provide unique content that reshapes educational delivery.
Attending classes in the metaverse
For instance, some schools could host classes in the metaverse. In addition to having a physical classroom space, teachers could have a digital twin, an avatar that can go into digital spaces.
A digital avatar could possibly help students to feel more connected to the teacher while learning outside the classroom. Students would also have a digital wallet on the blockchain where academic information is stored throughout their K-12 experience.
Making education more accessible for students
Depending on the location of schools, course availability, or students’ financial needs, there are many potential benefits of the metaverse and increased opportunities through Web3. More students would gain access to schools and learning environments outside of their own region. If there were cost-prohibitive barriers in place, Web3 would also solve for those.
Increasing access to higher education opportunities
To combat rising educational costs at post-secondary institutions, metaverse experiences would also facilitate more affordable opportunities for students.
Already, a few higher education institutions have announced the plan to open ten metaversities. Additionally, companies like Proof of Learn (a new Web3 platform) focus on making high-tech education accessible to students through blockchain. Their vision is to ensure that everyone who can connect to the internet has the ability to unlock online educational pathways. Learning via the metaverse, students will also have NFT credentials and potentially receive rewards through cryptocurrency.
Open and accessible learning
Web3 is also revolutionizing education by promoting openness and accessibility through decentralized tech. Unlike traditional, centralized platforms, Web3 supports open-source educational resources that anyone can access and contribute to.
Here are a few examples of what those platforms look like:
- Open-source platforms: Web3’s open-source nature allows platforms like OpenEdX and Coursera to offer free courses and materials globally, removing traditional barriers to quality education.
- Emerging resources: New Web3 initiatives like Proof of Learn leverage blockchain to provide accessible educational experiences and credentials, while platforms like Khan Academy explore Web3 to expand their free resources.
- Decentralized communities: Web3 fosters decentralized learning communities, such as Ed3 DAO, where educators and students collaborate without institutional constraints, creating a global knowledge-sharing network.
These Web3 innovations promise a more inclusive educational landscape, enabling greater access to learning opportunities worldwide.
Read more: What’s the point of NFT in education and why should teachers care?
What are Learn2Earn models?
Another factor in the Web3 transition is Learn2Earn. This concept is reshaping education by combining learning with financial incentives through Web3 technologies. The model motivates students by rewarding them with digital assets, such as cryptocurrencies or tokens, for engaging with educational content.
- Incentivized learning: Programs like impactMarket’s Learn & Earn use blockchain to offer cryptocurrency rewards for completing educational tasks, enhancing motivation and introducing practical uses for digital assets.
- Transformative approach to education: Learn2Earn makes learning interactive and rewarding, encouraging consistent engagement with tangible benefits.
- Motivation for the future: As Web3 evolves, Learn2Earn models will likely expand, linking education more closely with economic rewards and bridging the gap between learning and real-world applications.
What are decentralized learning communities?
Decentralized learning communities use Web3 technologies to create open, collaborative spaces for educational content. These communities are known for their distributed networks and peer-to-peer interactions. They provide:
- Rich collaboration – Emphasizing collaborative learning where participants share knowledge and resources freely
- Open access – Promoting expanded access to educational materials and opportunities
- Great flexibility – Allowing users to engage with and contribute to the community based on their interests and expertise
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are a specific type of decentralized organization governed by smart contracts on the blockchain. They operate without a central authority, with decision-making power distributed among members who hold tokens or voting rights.
These communities leverage Web3 technologies to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and provide educational resources in a more open and democratic way. Check out these examples:
Dream DAO
Dream DAO operates as a decentralized network where educators and learners collaborate to create and share educational content. By using blockchain technology, Dream DAO ensures transparency in contributions and rewards, creating a community-driven platform for continuous learning.
Ed3 DAO
Ed3 DAO is a DAO specifically designed for educators, allowing them to engage with Web3 technologies, collaborate on educational projects, and share resources in a decentralized manner. Ed3 DAO provides a platform where educators can experiment with new teaching methods and tools to better foster innovation and community-driven learning.
By removing traditional barriers and promoting transparency in a highly-connected world, these communities are illustrating what it means to build a more inclusive and dynamic educational landscape.
What can educators do to prepare for Web3 in education?
As educators, staying informed about emerging technologies and their impact on the future of work and student skills is vital. Exploring new resources and understanding these technologies will enhance both teaching and professional growth.
If you’re an educator looking to grow, start engaging in conversations about Web3. Involve students in learning about these advancements, and ask critical questions about how the changes could impact their futures.
Together, we can navigate a changing educational landscape and prepare our students for better, more equipped futures.
