In 2018, Pointful Education took a pioneering step by introducing the first high school level courses on Bitcoin and Blockchain Technologies. These cutting-edge courses not only set a precedent, but also highlighted the necessary recognition of the growing importance of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Since then, the landscape of crypto and blockchain has both grown and evolved dramatically, further underscoring why this topic remains vital for young learners today.
The Evolution of Crypto and Blockchain Since 2018
Over the past five years, the cryptocurrency and blockchain arenas have seen significant developments. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have experienced remarkable volatility, drawing global attention to their potential as both investment assets and technological innovations. The price of Bitcoin, as the first and flagship cryptocurrency, increased from $13,657.20 on January 1, 2018, to over $58,267.68 on the date of this blog post. Meanwhile, blockchain technology has expanded beyond its initial financial applications. Governments and industries worldwide are now exploring and implementing blockchain for various uses such as supply chain management, digital identity verification, and secure voting systems.
This period has also witnessed the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), Bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), and an increasing focus on scalability and sustainability within blockchain networks. These advancements demonstrate the technology’s flexibility and its potential to revolutionize multiple sectors.
Why Bitcoin and Blockchain Education is Crucial
- Fostering Financial Literacy and Innovation: Learning about cryptocurrencies and blockchain can equip students with a deeper understanding of digital finances and the underlying technologies that drive innovation today. As digital currencies potentially move towards mainstream acceptance, being literate in digital finance will be invaluable. This is why Pointful Education has also included information about cryptocurrencies in its financial literacy course. Any personal finance course that ignores or avoids educating students on crypto is doing students a disservice!
- Developing Future-Ready Skills: Blockchain technology is poised to be a fundamental tool in the future digital economy. By understanding blockchain, students can acquire skills in areas like cryptography, economics, and network security, making them more versatile and employable in a technology-driven world.
- Encouraging Critical Thinking and Ethical Understanding: The fluctuating nature of cryptocurrencies and the ethical questions surrounding blockchain implementations (like privacy concerns and energy consumption) provide fertile ground for developing critical thinking. Students can explore complex, real-world issues in a classroom setting, preparing them for informed decision-making and ethical reasoning.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship Opportunities: The blockchain space is ripe with entrepreneurial opportunities. Educative initiatives can inspire students to devise innovative business ideas and solutions, fostering a spirit of entrepreneurship oriented towards cutting-edge technology.
Why Schools Should Offer Blockchain as an Elective
Introducing courses on bitcoin and blockchain as an elective in high schools or CTE programs can provide students with several benefits. It offers a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting with subjects like mathematics, technology, economics, and ethics. This not only enriches the educational experience but also helps in attracting a diverse group of students with varying interests and strengths.
Moreover, the dynamic nature of blockchain and its ongoing development make it an continually relevant topic that keeps course content fresh and engaging. Schools that adopt such forward-looking programs demonstrate a commitment to preparing their students for a rapidly changing world.
Conclusion
Since Pointful Education first introduced courses on Bitcoin and Blockchain, the significance and application of these technologies have only grown. By continuing to offer and expand upon such courses, educational institutions, including high schools, play a crucial role in preparing the next generation of innovators and thinkers. For students, gaining knowledge in this field is more than just learning about a technology — it’s about understanding a phenomenon that is shaping the future of how we interact with the world around us.
Check out our Pointful Education blog today to learn more about the best strategies to prepare your students for high school, college, and beyond.