November 21, 2022
By Anjali Kochhar
Gone are the days when the only option parents had to utilise the vacation of their little ones was to enrol them on singing and dancing classes. Today, parents want their children to learn about new-age technologies, for example, Non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
Education around blockchain is the need of the hour as people confuse blockchain technology with cryptocurrency and those two with non-fungible tokens. However, all three of them have different meanings.
According to Investopedia, NFTs are cryptographic assets on a blockchain with unique identification codes and metadata that distinguish them from each other. Unlike cryptocurrencies, they cannot be traded or exchanged at equivalency. This differs from fungible tokens like cryptocurrencies, which are identical to each other and, therefore, can serve as a medium for commercial transactions.
To bridge the gap between the present and the future and given the growing applications of technology and the predictions of jobs in this domain in the decades to come, parents, today are intrigued by the idea of enrolling their kids in blockchain-related courses.
While a lot is already happening around educating the youth about NFTs, the interest has now shifted to introducing the technology to young kids as old as five years old. Educational institutes have started introducing short-term courses for the little ones to understand this technology at an early age, which was a rare thing in the past.
Why? Because reports show that NFT-related jobs are on a rise globally.
A report released by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, the number of jobs posted related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has increased since December 2021.
GlobalData’s Jobs Analytics database reveals that, for over 300 companies tracked during the last two quarters, NFT-related jobs open for application (active jobs) increased by 127%, from 172 in December 2021 to 390 in March 2022. The job roles were focused around developing NFT online stores and digital assets.
The database identified NFT-related job roles. For example, Reddit is developing digital tools for users to create and sell their own NFTs on its platform. Its ‘Group Product Manager of Future NFT Marketplace’ looks to train product managers on go-to-market strategies, for increased product adoption and engagement.
NFT courses for kids
A Hyderabad-based educational institute BrightCHAMPS trains students as old as five years in financial technology. Their three courses-beginner, foundation, and certification cover money mantras, introduction to money and finance management, and cryptocurrency and teach kids about investing and early entrepreneurship, insurance and more.
Students are taught about the latest developments in banking and innovative financial instruments, such as NFTs and Decentralized Finance, or DeFi.
Kartik Sharma, Director of Curriculum and Learning Experience at BrightCHAMPS, says, “Needless to say, in the years to come, knowledge of blockchain will open up numerous job opportunities – both direct and indirect. The right foundation and skill set can help kids adapt to this evolving wave in a much smoother and swifter manner.”
Many other institutions, including Udemy, and Lavner Education, among others are coming up with short-term courses and online crypto camps for kids.
The education system in India has evolved over the years. From open-air classrooms to the introduction of smartboards and the use of techniques like Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, things have taken a new shape over the years. And in the years to come, it is expected to change even further.
Ashish Kulkarni, co-founder of education in metaverse project ClassAvatar, believes while the classes are conducted in an online or in-person format at the moment, going forward, even blockchain will be taught in a gamified immersive state through the Metaverse.
“That is akin to learning chemistry in a chemistry lab rather than in a conventional classroom. In simple words, children will learn about Web3 in Web3,” he says.
Parents and kids speak
Hemadri Saha, the parent of a Grade 3 student enrolled in a new-age tech course, says, “Now as parents, the onus is on us to provide them with the right information and teach them the importance of saving and investment, and how to be financially prudent. I feel a sound knowledge of finances will help children grow into responsible adults and also enjoy a carefree retirement.”
Bukola Taiye Ehimatie, a parent of a Grade 8 student who has been enrolled in a new-age tech course with BrightCHAMPS, says, “I am certain that knowledge of these technologies will open up a plethora of opportunities for my daughter in the future. In my opinion, armouring them with knowledge and skills that they can use to think for themselves and navigate through the future is the biggest gift that we can give them – one that they will cherish forever!”
Kids enrolled in the course are equally excited about their learnings.
Asked about their experience with online blockchain classes, Lander Shaun C. Masipag, Grade 5, Philippines, says, “My teacher told us how blockchain can help me greatly in the future especially by helping remove control and making access to so many things in the world possible without any people or companies acting like gatekeepers. I don’t completely understand this concept yet, but I read about it now and discuss it in our global houses. I have started feeling excited about technology and the future, and now I have started understanding how so many things in the world can become better with the help of technology.”
However, if the child doesn’t adapt to the learning environment, then they shouldn’t be forced to take such classes, believes Professor Aamod Sane, Computer Science, Flame University says.
“As for what parents should do regarding blockchain courses, it is much more important to ensure you are not overloading children and where possible encourage a child to explore in a stress-free manner. If they enjoy something, well and good, otherwise just skip it — teach them that they can pick up these ideas later if they develop their expertise in mathematics and programming,” Professor Sane says.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
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