Introduction to Blockchain Technologies from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

The Second Era of the Internet

The Internet connects billions of people around the world, and is great for communicating and collaborating online. However, because it was built for moving and storing information, and not value, it has done little to change the way we do business. Now, for the first time in human history, two or more parties anywhere in the world can transact and do business peer to peer using the blockchain. In this module we introduce blockchain as “the trust protocol,” and explain how it represents the second era of the Internet. We describe how blockchain technology establishes trust—not through powerful intermediaries, but rather through collaboration, cryptography and clever code.

Blockchain Design Principles

We believe that the next era of the digital economy can be shaped around a set of blockchain design principles, which can be used for creating software, services, reinventing business models, markets, organizations, and even governments. This module frames the blockchain revolution around seven design principles. For each principle we describe a current problem to be solved, identify “blockchain breakthroughs” to these problems, and discuss the implications of these breakthroughs on the digital economy. We hope that these design principles will assist learners in contemplating their roles and their futures in the blockchain revolution.

Public and Private Ledgers

The advent of blockchain technology forces us to reconsider the upside and downside of public revelation of transactions and contracts. The implementation, application, and possible regulation of distributed ledgers involve choices that will critically affect information disclosure and economic interactions. Whether the ledger is public and permissionless, such as the Bitcoin or Ethereum blockchains, or private and permissioned, such as the Ripple or Hyperledger implementations, in principle transactions on a blockchain have a high native level of transparency. In this module, you will learn how privacy can can be protected in both public and private ledgers using both procedural and technological methods.

The Blockchain Ecosystem

Although blockchain technology emerged from the open source community, it quickly attracted many stakeholders, each with different backgrounds, interests, and motives. In this module, you will explore the roles and perspectives of nine categories of stakeholders within the blockchain ecosystem, including industry pioneers, venture capitalists, developers, governments, regulators, leaders, and end users.

Blockchain Implementation Challenges

Like every revolutionary technology, the blockchain has its upside and its downside. In this module we discuss ten implementation challenges which must be overcome as we transition to the second era of the Internet. For each challenge, you will also learn about potential solutions and what we can do to ensure the fulfillment of the blockchain’s promise.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Perfect for beginners, this course introduces blockchain concepts from the ground up

Covers key blockchain concepts and principles

Taught by experts in the blockchain field

Course materials include videos, readings, and discussions

Suitable for anyone interested in understanding blockchain technology

No prerequisites required

Reviews summary

Blockchain revolution

learners say this is a largely positive course that comprehensively covers blockchain principles, applications, and challenges. students say the course has engaging assignments that build a balanced understanding of blockchain including the technology, its potential, risks, and challenges. Don Tapscott and Alex Tapscott are highly experienced instructors who are praised for their passion for the subject and their accessible presentation of complex topics. The content is up-to-date with references from 2017-2023. Some learners note that the reading material can be repetitive and that the estimated reading times are inaccurate. Others note the instructors frequently promote their book.

Blockchain Revolution has many practical insights and a good mix of theory and storytelling

"Excellent introduction to key concepts of blockchain, hollistic approach, good mix of theoretical facts and story telling!"

Great, organic introduction to the main principles of blockchain. Thank you!

"Great, organic introduction to the main principles of blockchain. Thank you!"

"The materials were engaging and I ended up learning a lot more than I was expecting."

Excellent introductory course to Blockchain. Excellent professors Tapscott.

"Excellent introductory course to Blockchain. Excellent professors Tapscott."

"Love the way Mr.DON explains the topics, He teaches everything very clearly."

great course that provides whole picture of blockchain technology

"It is a great course that provides whole picture of blockchain technology."

"Brand new view of transactions has been launched with this technology. "

Some of the reading material can be repetitive

"The reading lists needs to be updated."

"The reading material can be repetitive"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Blockchain Technologies with these activities:

Prepare a comprehensive review guide of blockchain concepts

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Reinforce understanding by compiling key concepts and resources

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Gather notes, assignments, and resources from the course
Organize and categorize the materials
Create a structured review guide
Include summaries, diagrams, and practice questions

Complete 'Blockchain 101' on Coursera

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology through guided tutorials

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Enroll in the 'Blockchain 101' course on Coursera
Watch all video lectures
Complete all quizzes and exercises

Host a study group on 'Blockchain Design Principles'

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Collaborate with peers to explore and discuss blockchain design principles in depth

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Prepare discussion topics and questions on blockchain design principles
Invite classmates to join the study group
Facilitate the discussion and encourage active participation
Summarize key takeaways and insights from the session

Four other activities

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Attend a 'Blockchain for Business' workshop

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Gain practical experience and insights into blockchain applications in business

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Research and identify relevant blockchain workshops
Register for the workshop
Attend the workshop and participate actively
Connect with experts and professionals in the field
Apply the knowledge and skills gained to real-world scenarios

Read 'Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World'

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Review foundational concepts in blockchain technology and its revolutionary potential

View Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology... on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-5
Make notes on key concepts like blockchain design principles
Discuss the implications of blockchain technology with a classmate

Write a blog post on 'Blockchain for Beginners'

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Enhance understanding by explaining blockchain concepts to others

Browse courses on Blockchain

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Research and gather information about blockchain technology
Outline the key concepts in a logical order
Write a draft of the blog post
Edit and proofread the blog post
Publish the blog post on a platform like Medium

Develop a blockchain-based solution for a real-world problem

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Apply blockchain concepts to solve a practical problem and enhance innovation skills

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Identify a problem that can be addressed using blockchain technology
Research and design a blockchain-based solution
Develop and test the solution
Evaluate the effectiveness of the solution
Present the solution to the class or a wider audience

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Blockchain Technologies will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Developers are coders who specialize in developing, testing, and maintaining blockchain-based solutions. This course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles, implementation challenges, and the roles of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem. This knowledge is essential for Blockchain Developers to create and manage secure, efficient, and scalable blockchain applications. With the rapid adoption of blockchain technology across industries, the demand for skilled Blockchain Developers is growing rapidly.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Developer

Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Architects design and build blockchain solutions that meet the specific needs of organizations. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, including its design principles, implementation challenges, and the roles of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem. This knowledge enables Blockchain Architects to design and implement scalable, secure, and reliable blockchain solutions that align with the strategic objectives of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Architect

Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Analysts evaluate and assess the feasibility and potential impact of blockchain technology for specific use cases. This course provides a solid understanding of blockchain technology, including its design principles, implementation challenges, and the roles of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem. This knowledge enables Blockchain Analysts to make informed recommendations on the adoption and implementation of blockchain solutions that align with the business objectives of their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Analyst

Blockchain Consultant

Blockchain Consultants advise organizations on the adoption and implementation of blockchain technology. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of blockchain technology, including its design principles, implementation challenges, and the roles of stakeholders in the blockchain ecosystem. This knowledge enables Blockchain Consultants to provide expert guidance to organizations on how to leverage blockchain technology to achieve their business goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Blockchain Consultant

Cryptocurrency Trader

Cryptocurrency Traders buy and sell cryptocurrencies on exchanges to make a profit. This course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including the principles of cryptocurrency mining, hashing, proof-of-work, and public key cryptography. This knowledge is essential for Cryptocurrency Traders to understand the underlying mechanisms of cryptocurrencies and make informed trading decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cryptocurrency Trader

Data Scientist

Data Scientists analyze and interpret data to extract insights and make predictions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to specialize in blockchain data analysis. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Data Scientists to develop new methods and algorithms for analyzing blockchain data and extracting valuable insights.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Investment Analyst

Investment Analysts evaluate and recommend investment opportunities to clients. This course may be useful for Investment Analysts who want to specialize in blockchain-related investments. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Investment Analysts to make informed decisions about investing in blockchain companies and projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Investment Analyst

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts assess the financial performance of companies and make recommendations to investors. This course may be useful for Financial Analysts who want to specialize in blockchain-related financial analysis. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Financial Analysts to understand the financial implications of blockchain technology and make informed recommendations to investors.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who want to specialize in blockchain development. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Software Engineers to develop secure, efficient, and scalable blockchain applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Manager

Product Managers manage the development and launch of new products. This course may be useful for Product Managers who want to specialize in blockchain products. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Product Managers to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology and develop successful blockchain products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to specialize in blockchain technology. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Business Analysts to understand the potential benefits and challenges of blockchain technology and make informed recommendations for its adoption in organizations.

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Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise organizations on strategy, operations, and technology. This course may be useful for Management Consultants who want to specialize in blockchain technology. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Management Consultants to provide expert guidance to organizations on how to leverage blockchain technology to achieve their business goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to specialize in blockchain marketing. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Marketing Managers to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology and develop effective marketing campaigns for blockchain products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Sales Manager

Sales Managers lead sales teams and develop sales strategies. This course may be useful for Sales Managers who want to specialize in blockchain sales. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Sales Managers to understand the unique challenges and opportunities of blockchain technology and develop effective sales strategies for blockchain products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create documentation for software, hardware, and other technical products. This course may be useful for Technical Writers who want to specialize in blockchain technology. The course provides a foundation in blockchain technology, including its design principles and implementation challenges. This knowledge enables Technical Writers to create clear and concise documentation for blockchain products and services.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer