Outcomes
By the end of this course, learners will be able to:
• Explain the evolution from Web1 to Web2 to Web3 and what changed at each stage
• Define blockchain using clear terminology and simple analogies
• Describe how blockchain works at a high level (transactions, blocks, wallets, networks)
• Understand why cryptography and consensus matter (conceptually, without math/programming)
• Compare major blockchain types (public, private, consortium) and when each makes sense
• Explain what smart contracts are, how they operate, and why they are important in Web3
• Identify common smart contract and Web3 risks (scams, key safety, permission risks)
• Evaluate whether a blockchain/smart contract is appropriate for a given use case
Target Group
Complete beginners (business, students, professionals, non-technical learners)
Contents
Session 1 — Web1 → Web2 → Web3 (3 hours)
Session Code: W3BCSC-S1 Description: Introduces the history and evolution of the internet: static web (Web1), platform-driven web (Web2), and ownership-oriented web (Web3). Learners understand the “why” behind Web3: digital ownership, decentralization, and reduced reliance on intermediaries. Key Topics:
• Web1: read-only web (static sites)
• Web2: social platforms, user-generated content, centralized data ownership
• Web3: decentralization, digital ownership, tokens, identity concepts
• What problems Web3 aims to solve (trust, ownership, intermediaries, platform control)
Session 2 — Blockchain Fundamentals (3 hours)
Session Code: W3BCSC-S2 Description: Defines blockchain in an accessible way and explains the basic components of a blockchain network and ledger model. Key Topics:
• What is a blockchain? (shared ledger concept)
• Transactions, blocks, and chain concept (high-level)
• Nodes and distributed networks
• Immutability and transparency (what they mean in practice) Suggested Activities:
• “Shared notebook ledger” analogy workshop
• Simple transaction-tracing exercise (conceptual journey)
Session 3 — How Blockchain Works in Practice (Conceptual) (3 hours)
Session Code: W3BCSC-S3 Description: Explains how blockchains maintain trust at scale through cryptography and consensus—without technical deep-dives—plus introduces wallets and addresses conceptually. Key Topics:
• Public vs private vs consortium blockchains (with examples)
• Consensus basics (why confirmations exist; PoW vs PoS at a concept level)
• Cryptography basics: public/private keys (as concepts)
• Wallets & addresses: custodial vs non-custodial (tradeoffs and risks)
• Fees and confirmations (why they happen)
Session 4 — Introduction to Smart Contracts (3 hours)
Session Code: W3BCSC-S4 Description: Introduces smart contracts as programmable agreements deployed on blockchains. Focuses on how they work, where they are used, and what risks beginners must understand. Key Topics:
• What smart contracts are (and what they are not)
• Smart contract lifecycle: deploy → execute → events → limitations
• Examples (conceptual): escrow, crowdfunding, tokens, NFTs
• Core risks: bugs, admin permissions, upgradeability, scams, fake contracts Suggested Activities:
Session 5 — Real-World Use Cases, Evaluation Framework & Safety (3 hours)
Session Code: W3BCSC-S5 Description: Learners explore real-world applications and learn a practical framework to evaluate whether blockchain and smart contracts are truly needed. Ends with a capstone discussion and safety checklist. Key Topics:
• Real-world use cases across industries (finance, supply chain, identity, tokenization)
• Use case vs hype: when blockchain makes sense / when it doesn’t
• Governance and ecosystem basics (stakeholders, communities, regulation overview)
• Safety-first practices: scams, key security, phishing, “too-good-to-be-true” patterns
• Next steps learning roadmap (paths for business vs technical learners) Suggested Activities:
Mini-capstone: teams choose a use case and justify (Why blockchain? Why smart contract?)
• Short quiz + safety checklist review