Blockchain, Cryptoassets, and Decentralized Finance

Instructor: Don Tapscott , Alex Tapscott

Beginner Level • 2 weeks at 10 hours a week • Flexible Schedule

What You'll Learn

  • Describe seven types of cryptoassets, and explain what it means to “tokenize” an asset
  • Explain what a smart contract is, as well as various applications of smart contracts
  • Explore the features of a distributed, self-sovereign identity system
  • Describe eight core functions of the financial services industry and explain how blockchain will disrupt each of these functions

Skills You'll Gain

Digital Assets
Business Transformation
FinTech
Distributed Computing
Transaction Processing
Financial Systems
Identity and Access Management
Emerging Technologies
Blockchain
Business Modeling

Shareable Certificate

Earn a shareable certificate to add to your LinkedIn profile

Outcomes

  • Learn new concepts from industry experts
  • Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
  • Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
  • Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

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).

In this module, you will learn what smart contracts are and how they work. We will discuss how blockchain-based smart contracts can enable individuals and organizations to reduce transaction costs, minimize the need for third-party intermediaries, and improve productivity, security, and privacy.

Accessing large, centralized systems such as email, health insurance, or a bank account requires the provision of various identifiers—for example, government-issued ID cards, self-selected passwords, or biometric data. However, identifier-based systems are problematic—both administratively and philosophically. In this module you will learn about five problems with identifier-based systems and explain how a distributed self-sovereign identity system, deployed on the blockchain, can resolve many of these issues.

There are countless opportunities for blockchain to disrupt or displace traditional centralized business models. In this module, we explore how blockchain technology can support “open networked enterprise” business models through the inclusion of native payment systems, reputation systems, uncensorable content, trustless transactions, smart contracts, and autonomous agents.