Web3's revolutionary impact on learning: A journey from Web1 to today

Remember the good old days of Web1? The dawn of the internet era connected people from all corners of the world, allowing us to collaborate and learn from each other like never before. But that was just the beginning. With the rise of digitalization, traditional ways of life such as shopping, gaming, and learning have begun to transform.

Fast forward to today, and we are entering the era of Web3. This latest generation of the internet is set to revolutionize how we learn, communicate, and interact online. From blockchain technology to decentralized apps, Web3 promises to be the next big thing in the world of e-learning.

In this article, we'll look at the evolution of learning platforms from Web1 to Web3. Whether you're a digital native or a nostalgic old-timer, you're sure to find something fascinating and informative in our exploration of these exciting new frontiers. So, let's dive in and discover how the internet is changing how we learn and grow.

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Web1's origins: The Birth of learning management systems

The emergence of Web1 was a game-changer for education, but especially one new tool — the Learning Management System (LMS). LMS was like building blocks for learning platforms, offering educators a new way to connect with students and limitless possibilities from online learning. However, early LMS had limitations, making creating truly engaging and interactive platforms difficult. But if you look closer, FirstClass sounds like a Web1 version of Slack.

Despite these limitations, educators found that LMS allowed them to reach students in new and exciting ways. In contrast, students rejoiced that they could learn from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating (for some) the need for a long and tedious commute to school.

Looking back, we can see that LMS paved the way for what was to come in the world of e-learning, setting the stage for the groundbreaking innovations and developments on Web3 that we are seeing today.

• WebCT: A LMS released in 1996. The platform was designed to help teachers create online courses and manage a virtual learning environment.

• Blackboard: Founded in 1997, this LMS was used by several educational institutions in a highly centralized way to manage and deliver course content, track student progress, and facilitate communication between students and instructors. It also acquired WebCT.

• FirstClass: FirstClass was an early LMS platform first released in 1990. It was primarily used for communication and collaboration, offering features like email, chat, and bulletin boards.

Web2's transition: A step towards interactivity

Web 2.0 learning platforms marked a significant shift from Web1 by offering more interactivity and accessibility. Unlike static Web1 sites, Web2 platforms encourage user participation with interactive features like discussion forums, chat rooms, and quizzes. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly, making it easy for anyone to participate in online learning.

Web2 learning platforms are centralized platforms hosted on a central server and accessed through a web browser. They are marked by dynamic and collaborative experiences that encourage the active participation of learners.

These platforms have transformed the online learning landscape by making education more engaging, collaborative, and accessible. Despite being centralized, the increased interactivity and accessibility of Web2 learning platforms have significantly improved online education delivery.

• Coursera: Founded in 2012, Coursera offers 7,000 courses and specializations from top universities and institutions worldwide.

• Udemy: Founded in 2010, Udemy offers 155,000 courses on a wide range of topics, including business, IT, design, marketing, and personal development. Rather than courses from universities, the platform's lessons are offered by independent instructors.

• Linkedin Learning: Linkedin Learning acquired Lynda (Founded in 1995) in 2015. A paid subscription service, Linkedin Learning offers 16,000 courses related to business, technology, creative skills, and much more. Users can display completed courses on their LinkedIn profile, boosting their appeal when applying for jobs.

Web3's future: Decentralized, community-driven education

Web3 learning platforms are the latest phase in the evolution of online education. They build upon the interactivity and accessibility of Web2 platforms by adding decentralization, tokenization, and gamification. These platforms are designed to give learners more control over their data, reward them for their participation and contributions, and create engaging learning experiences using game-like elements.

Decentralization is a key feature of Web3 learning platforms, meaning a central authority or server does not control them. Instead, they utilize blockchain technology to create a distributed network of nodes, enabling learners to own and control their data. Tokenization is another feature of Web3 learning platforms, and it uses digital tokens to incentivize and reward learners for their participation and contributions.

Additionally, gamification makes the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable, using game-like elements to encourage learners to progress through the content. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize online education and create new opportunities for learners and educators alike. While we're still in the infancy of Web3 learning platforms, there's surely much more evolution to come.

Some of today's leading Web3 learning platforms include:

• BitDegree: BitDegree is a blockchain-based platform that aims to provide learners with skills and knowledge that are in demand in the job market. The platform uses gamification techniques to make learning fun and engaging, and learners can earn tokens for completing courses that can be used to purchase goods and services.

• Odem: ODEM stands for On-Demand Education Marketplace, a blockchain-based platform that connects students and educators directly without intermediaries. It allows learners to customize their own curriculum and access education from anywhere in the world.

• Studyum: Studyum is a blockchain-based learning platform that combines AI facial recognition, 3D volumetric avatars, with NFTfi trading, all on the blockchain. Studyum uses its token (Stud) to incentivize educators, students, and institutions.

More equitable education for all

Web3 has all the tools necessary to positively disrupt virtually every sector in society. For learners, the latest iteration of the internet promises a more personalized, collaborative, and efficient way of gaining an education. That means big things for society at large, as education can become more equitable — giving people access to the learning pathway they need to thrive, not one that institutions dictate.

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