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Alex Tapscott and Don Tapscott

Today, large intermediaries establish trust in our economy and control the movement, storage, and allocation of money and assets. The status quo, however, is rife with inefficiencies. In this course, we’ll address the many challenges of the status quo and discuss how cryptoassets, smart contracts, new identity systems, and new financial business models can help overcome them. You’ll learn how blockchain technology empowers individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses with the tools they need to help level the playing field and to participate in the value they create. By the end of this course, you’ll learn how and why transacting on the blockchain can help us bring about a future that is faster, fairer, and more distributed than the world we inhabit today.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Digital Assets
Blockchain is the first native digital medium for value. Consequently, we are witnessing one of the largest transformations of wealth in human history—from paper-based analog assets to digital ones. In this module, students will learn about nine different kinds of cryptoassets, including cryptocurrencies, protocol tokens, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), stablecoins, securities tokens, governance tokens, exchange tokens, natural asset tokens, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Introduces learners to emerging digital assets and decentralized financial systems
Taught by Alex Tapscott and Don Tapscott, both having published thought leadership titled "Blockchain Revolution" which explores the impact of blockchain on business
Designed for individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses to enhance their understanding and adoption of blockchain technology and its applications
Examines blockchain concepts like smart contracts, digital assets, decentralized identity systems, and distributed financial models
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and web3

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Reviews summary

Broad business introduction to blockchain

According to students, this course provides a solid foundation and overview of the blockchain ecosystem, cryptoassets, smart contracts, and decentralized finance. Learners appreciate the clear explanations of complex concepts, making it particularly suitable for non-technical professionals, managers, and those in strategy or finance roles looking to understand the strategic implications and new business models. While many found it highly relevant and a great starting point, some reviewers noted it can feel surface-level and lacks the technical depth or practical 'how-to' detail needed for implementation roles. The course is largely seen as a broad introduction from a business perspective rather than a technical deep dive.
Generally relevant, though parts may feel dated.
"The discussion on CBDCs and security tokens was timely."
"Decent overview, but feels a bit dated given how fast the space moves."
"The core concepts are explained well, but the relevance needs periodic updates."
Complex topics explained simply.
"The instructor explains complex topics clearly."
"Fantastic course! It demystifies complex concepts..."
"The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material clearly."
"It explains complex financial concepts related to DeFi clearly for a non-technical audience."
Well-suited for professionals and strategic roles.
"Loved the identity module! ... Definitely aimed at a business audience."
"Good course for understanding the potential disruption and business models. It's not overly technical, which is good for managers."
"Excellent course for building a solid foundation in blockchain and cryptoassets from a business perspective."
"Perfect for non-technical professionals needing to grasp this space."
Provides a wide-ranging introduction to the field.
"An excellent overview of the blockchain ecosystem... Highly recommend for anyone in business or finance looking to understand the landscape."
"The course provides a solid foundation. It covers a lot of ground..."
"Very broad introduction. Useful for getting the terminology and key concepts right across various areas of blockchain and crypto."
"Provides a comprehensive overview of the digital asset landscape and decentralized finance concepts. It's a good starting point..."
Theoretical focus, not enough practical application.
"The course provides a solid foundation... not for deep technical expertise."
"Too theoretical and not practical enough. Doesn't go deep into how to *do* things, just *what* they are."
"Not what I expected. Too much theory, not enough practical application or technical detail."
"Felt like a long lecture series without much interaction or practical assignments."

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 Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance with these activities:
Find a mentor who can provide guidance on blockchain development
This will provide you with access to an experienced professional who can provide you with guidance and support.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Attend blockchain meetups and conferences
  • Network with other blockchain professionals
  • Ask for referrals
Join a blockchain study group
This will allow you to connect with other students and discuss the course material.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Find a blockchain study group
  • Attend the study group meetings
  • Participate in the discussions
Follow a tutorial on blockchain development
This will provide you with a structured approach to learning blockchain development.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on blockchain development
  • Follow the tutorial
  • Complete the exercises
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Solve blockchain-related coding problems
This will help you improve your problem-solving skills and reinforce your understanding of blockchain technology.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Find a list of blockchain-related coding problems
  • Solve the problems
  • Review your solutions
The Blockchain Revolution
Read this book by the same authors as this course for a deeper understanding of the blockchain and its potential applications.
Show steps
  • Read the book
  • Take notes on key concepts
  • Summarize the book in your own words
Write a blog post about a blockchain-based application
This will help you refine your understanding of blockchain technology and its potential applications.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Choose a blockchain-based application
  • Research the application
  • Write a blog post about the application
  • Publish your blog post
Develop a blockchain-based prototype
This will provide you with hands-on experience with blockchain technology.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Choose a project idea
  • Design the project
  • Develop the project
  • Test the project
  • Deploy the project
Contribute to an open-source blockchain project
This will provide you with hands-on experience with blockchain technology and contribute to the blockchain community.
Browse courses on Blockchain
Show steps
  • Find an open-source blockchain project to contribute to
  • Read the project's documentation
  • Make a contribution to the project

Career center

Learners who complete Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Blockchain Developer
A Blockchain Developer designs, builds, and maintains blockchain-based applications and systems. Graduates of this course will have an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of blockchain technology, cryptoassets, and decentralized finance. This knowledge will enable them to successfully develop and deploy blockchain solutions that address real-world problems. This course covers a range of topics that are directly relevant to the role of a Blockchain Developer, including digital assets, smart contracts, identity, and distributed business models.
Cryptocurrency Trader
A Cryptocurrency Trader buys and sells cryptocurrencies in order to make a profit. Graduates of this course will have a comprehensive understanding of the cryptocurrency market, including the different types of cryptocurrencies, the factors that affect their prices, and the risks and rewards of trading them. This knowledge will enable them to make informed trading decisions and to develop successful trading strategies. This course covers the topics that are relevant to success in this job, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and identity management.
Blockchain Analyst
A Blockchain Analyst evaluates the potential of blockchain technology for a particular organization or industry. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of the technical and business aspects of blockchain technology. This knowledge will enable them to make sound recommendations about how to use blockchain to solve business problems and to create new opportunities. This course covers a variety of topics that are relevant to the role of a Blockchain Analyst, including digital assets, smart contracts, identity, and distributed business models.
Cryptocurrency Lawyer
A Cryptocurrency Lawyer provides legal advice and representation to clients who are involved in the cryptocurrency industry. Graduates of this course will have a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape surrounding cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology. This knowledge will enable them to provide valuable guidance to their clients on a wide range of issues, including cryptocurrency transactions, smart contracts, and ICOs. This course covers the topics that are essential to success in this role, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and identity management.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer
A Decentralized Finance (DeFi) Developer builds and maintains decentralized financial applications. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the principles of DeFi and the different types of DeFi applications. This knowledge will enable them to develop innovative DeFi solutions that can help to improve the efficiency and accessibility of financial services. This course covers the topics that are crucial to success in this role, including cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.
Venture Capitalist
A Venture Capitalist invests in early-stage companies that have the potential to grow into successful businesses. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the venture capital industry and the factors that drive investment decisions. This knowledge will enable them to identify and invest in promising blockchain startups. This course covers the topics that are relevant to this role, such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.
Investment Banker
An Investment Banker provides financial advice and services to corporations and governments. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of the financial markets and the different types of investment products. This knowledge will enable them to provide valuable guidance to their clients on a wide range of issues, including mergers and acquisitions, debt financing, and equity offerings.
Financial Analyst
A Financial Analyst provides financial advice and analysis to individuals and organizations. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of financial markets and the different types of investment products. This knowledge will enable them to make informed investment decisions and to develop successful financial plans. This course covers the topics that are relevant to this role, such as cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized business models.
Economist
An Economist studies the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Graduates of this course will have a deep understanding of economic principles and the different factors that affect economic growth. This knowledge will enable them to make informed decisions about economic policy and to forecast economic trends.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates and reports on news and current events. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of the news industry and the different types of journalism. This knowledge will enable them to produce high-quality journalism that informs and engages the public. This course covers the topics that are essential to success in this role, such as digital assets, smart contracts, and identity management.
Marketer
A Marketer develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of marketing principles and the different types of marketing channels. This knowledge will enable them to create effective marketing campaigns that reach their target audience.
Sales Representative
A Sales Representative sells products and services to businesses and consumers. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of sales techniques and the different types of sales channels. This knowledge will enable them to build strong relationships with customers and to close deals.
Customer Service Representative
A Customer Service Representative provides support to customers who have questions or problems with products or services. Graduates of this course will have a strong understanding of customer service principles and the different types of customer service channels. This knowledge will enable them to provide excellent customer service and to resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently.
Administrative Assistant
An Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to a team or organization. Graduates of this course may have the opportunity to learn about the different types of administrative tasks and the different types of software that are used to complete them. This knowledge will enable them to provide efficient and effective administrative support.
Data Entry Clerk
A Data Entry Clerk enters data into a computer system. Graduates of this course may have the opportunity to learn about the different types of data entry software and the different types of data that are entered into computer systems. This knowledge will enable them to enter data quickly and accurately.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance.
Provides a historical and economic perspective on cryptocurrencies, covering topics such as the origins of Bitcoin, the rise of altcoins, and the potential impact of cryptocurrencies on the global economy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the business applications of blockchain technology, covering topics such as supply chain management, healthcare, and digital identity.
Provides a detailed look at the Ethereum blockchain, covering topics such as the history of Ethereum, the Ethereum Virtual Machine, and the development of decentralized applications.
Provides a historical account of the early days of the cryptocurrency industry, covering topics such as the creation of Bitcoin, the rise of altcoins, and the initial coin offering (ICO) boom.
Provides a practical guide to investing in cryptoassets, covering topics such as different types of cryptoassets, market analysis, and risk management.
Provides a practical guide to adopting blockchain technology for business, covering topics such as blockchain use cases, implementation strategies, and risk management.
Provides a beginner-friendly introduction to cryptocurrency investing, covering topics such as different types of cryptocurrencies, market analysis, and risk management.

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