Cryptocurrencies, NFTs, metaverses, blockchains and more: what we now call “web3”, can be a challenging and complex proposition at the best of times.
There is a lot to learn for would-be investors, and for a long time - years in fact - a lack of “accessibility” was seen as a major obstacle to crypto going mainstream.
Thankfully, various people, projects, and other change-makers have committed to publishing paid and free educational resources to address this accessibility challenge and make crypto easier to understand for people like you and me.
Below we’ll highlight some of the best educational resources for anyone seeking to learn more about crypto.
Coinbase's "Learn and Earn" program is a great way for beginners to learn about different cryptocurrencies and earn small amounts of free crypto in the process. Here's an overview:
How it works:
Coinbase Learn & Earn is free to participate in: No upfront investment required. It is easy to understand with simple learning materials suitable for beginners across a variety of cryptocurrencies. The rewards are typically small, but can help holders learn and can add up over time.
The success of the Coinbase model has seen many other learn and earn programs pop up:
Some of these programs offer larger rewards but may require more complex tasks, while others offer smaller amounts for simpler participation.Many programs are temporary, so keep an eye out for new opportunities.
Outside of free learn and earn programs, interested individuals can consider paid courses:
Paid courses:
Udemy offers a wide variety of crypto courses, ranging from beginner-friendly introductions to more advanced technical courses. Prices vary depending on the course.
Coursera offers a few specialized crypto courses, such as "Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Fundamentals" from the University of Pennsylvania. Prices vary depending on the course.
Books
There are many great books available on crypto, such as "The Bitcoin Standard" by Saifedean Ammous, "Mastering Bitcoin" by Andreas Antonopoulos, and "Digital Gold" by Nathaniel Popper.
Podcasts
Unchained: Hosted by Laura Shin, this long-running podcast features interviews with prominent figures in the crypto industry, covering diverse topics like Bitcoin, Ethereum, DeFi, and NFTs.
The Pomp Podcast: Anthony Pompliano, a renowned investor, interviews leaders in business, finance, and crypto, offering valuable perspectives on market trends and investment strategies.
Bankless: Hosts Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman explore the future of finance through DeFi, DAOs, and the potential of crypto to disrupt traditional systems.
Events
Consensus (New York, June): Organized by CoinDesk, Consensus attracts thousands of attendees and features renowned speakers, discussions, and demonstrations across various crypto verticals.
The North American Bitcoin Conference (Miami, August): A long-standing Bitcoin-focused event with technical presentations, educational workshops, and a strong community atmosphere.
ETHDenver (Denver, February): A developer-centric event focused on Ethereum and Web3 innovation, drawing developers, builders, and enthusiasts worldwide.
Blockchain Expo (Multiple locations throughout the year): A series of global events showcasing blockchain technology and its applications across various industries.
TOKEN2049 (Singapore, September & Dubai, April): A premier event in Asia focusing on digital assets and financial markets, attracting investors, institutions, and industry leaders.