The eLearning Revolution Brought By Web3
Do you remember when Web1 was more popular? People from all over the globe were linked during the advent of the internet age, enabling us to work together and learn from one another like never before. But it was just the start. Traditional modes of living, including shopping, gaming, and education, have started to change due to the growth of digitalization. We are now entering the Web3 era. The recent internet generation is changing how we study, communicate, and engage online. Web3 has the potential to be the next big thing in eLearning, thanks to blockchain technology and decentralized applications.
In this article, we’ll examine the development of learning platforms from Web1 to Web3. Our examination of these interesting new horizons is likely to interest and enlighten everyone, whether they are digital natives or nostalgic baby boomers. So let’s explore how the internet alters how we learn and develop.
The Origins Of Web1: The Development Of Learning Management Systems
The advent of Web1 altered the landscape of education, particularly one new technology called the Learning Management System (LMS). LMSs served as the building blocks for learning platforms, giving teachers a new channel for communication with students and opening up a world of opportunities for online education.
Early LMSs had drawbacks, too, making the development of dynamic and engaging platforms challenging. But upon closer inspection, FirstClass resembles a Web1 version of Slack. So, despite these drawbacks, teachers discovered that LMSs enabled them to connect with students in novel and engaging ways. In contrast, the ability to study from the convenience of their homes relieved students of the need for a long and tiresome trip to school (for some of them).
- WebCT
A 1996 LMS release was WebCT. The platform was designed to make it easier for instructors to run a virtual classroom and construct online courses. - Blackboard
Established in 1997, this LMS was used by several educational institutions in a highly centralized manner to administer and provide course materials, monitor student development, and ease communication between students and teachers. WebCT was also bought. - FirstClass
Introduced in 1990, FirstClass was a pioneering LMS platform. Email, chat, and bulletin boards were largely utilized for communication and teamwork.
The Evolution Of Web2 Towards Interactivity
Learning platforms for Web2 signified a substantial transition from Web1 by providing increased accessibility and engagement. Web2 platforms, in contrast to static Web1 websites, promote user interaction with interactive elements, including discussion boards, chat rooms, and quizzes. Since these platforms are intended to be user-friendly, everyone may take part in online learning.
Web2 learning platforms are centralized systems accessed through a web browser and housed on a single server. They are characterized by interactive group activities that promote learners’ active engagement. These platforms have changed the online learning environment by enhancing the accessibility, collaboration, and engagement of learning. Despite being centralized, Web2 learning systems’ greater interaction and accessibility have greatly enhanced online education delivery.
- Coursera
A platform founded in 2012, provides 7,000 courses and specializations from renowned universities and organizations across the globe. - Udemy
Established in 2010, Udemy provides 155,000 courses on various subjects, such as Web3 business ideas, IT, design, marketing, and personal development. Lessons on the site are provided by individual educators, not by institutions. - LinkedIn Learning
In 2015, Linkedin Learning purchased Lynda (established in 1995). Linkedin Learning is a for-profit membership service that provides 16,000 courses on various topics, including business, technology, creative skills, and more. Users’ attractiveness while applying for employment is increased by the ability to highlight finished courses on their LinkedIn profiles.
The Future Of Web3 In eLearning: Community-Driven, Decentralized Education
The most recent development in online education is using Web3 in learning systems. They enhance Web2 systems’ accessibility and interaction by introducing decentralization, tokenization, and gamification. These platforms are intended to provide users greater control over their data, recognize and thank them for their engagement, and build fun, game-like learning experiences.
Decentralization, or the absence of a central authority or server, is a crucial characteristic of Web3 learning systems. Alternatively, they use blockchain technology to build a distributed network of nodes that give students ownership and control over their data. Another aspect of Web3 eLearning systems is tokenization, which uses electronic tokens as incentives and rewards for students’ involvement and contributions.
Gamification also enhances the learning experience by including game-like aspects that motivate students to advance through the material. These developments might transform online learning and open new options for students and teachers. Web3 learning systems are still in their infancy, but there will undoubtedly be more development.
Some Of The Leading Web3 eLearning Systems Available Now
1. BitDegree
BitDegree is a blockchain-based platform that promises to provide students access to the information and skills employers seek. Learning is made enjoyable and engaging by the platform’s gamification tactics, and students may earn tokens for passing courses that can be exchanged for products and services.
2. ODEM
On-Demand Education Marketplace, or ODEM, is a blockchain-based network that links students and instructors directly without intermediaries. It enables students to personalize their education and access it anywhere globally.
3. Studyum
Studyum is a blockchain-based eLearning platform integrating NFTfi trading, AI face recognition, and 3D volumetric avatars. To motivate instructors, students, and institutions, Studyum employs its own token (STUD).
More Equitable Education For All
Virtually every societal area may be favorably disrupted by Web3 with the right tools. The most recent incarnation of the internet offers students a method to study that is more individualized, collaborative, and effective. As a result, education may become fairer, allowing individuals access to the learning route they need to succeed rather than one prescribed by institutions. This has significant implications for society as a whole.
