Watching this video on how the 18th-century battery was made reminded me that everything has a starting point. Learning the basics and understanding how things began is not only fascinating—it’s crucial. It helps us appreciate the journey of progress and lays the foundation for new ideas.
I used to teach art to kids aged 3-14, guiding them through creative journeys and helping them explore the world through shapes, colours, and imagination. Now, as I step into online education, I find myself crafting a course on Web3—a completely different canvas. The shift has me reflecting deeply on how best to teach, especially in a digital-first world.
While researching approaches to education, I stumbled upon the fascinating history of the battery. It got me thinking: How did those pioneers teach themselves in an era without the Internet, globalized knowledge-sharing, or tutorials? They relied on curiosity, experimentation, and persistence. Could these principles apply to teaching Web3?
Teaching art to children was never about mastering the perfect brushstroke; it was about giving them the freedom to explore. Similarly, introducing Web3 is less about the technology itself and more about encouraging learners to question, experiment, and imagine new possibilities.
In my art classes, I designed a course called Build Your Monster. The idea was to spark creativity and allow the kids to express themselves without limitations.
- Lesson 1: We began with a pencil sketch. The challenge was to draw their monster and imagine its world—where it might live or where it loves to go. This step was all about storytelling and laying the foundation.
- Lesson 2: Next came the colours. Using watercolour, oil pastel, or coloured pencils (or mixing all of them!), they brought their monsters to life. It was about experimenting and discovering new textures and techniques.
- Lesson 3: Finally, they received five brightly coloured magic clay pieces to create a 3D version of their monster. This hands-on activity helped them visualize their idea in a new dimension and added a tactile element to their creativity.
The joy came from seeing each child interpret the same goal in wildly different ways. One monster might live in a volcano, while another might love lounging on a fluffy cloud. By the end, they weren’t just creating—they were learning to think critically, adapt, and push their imaginations.
Reflecting on my art classes, I see clear parallels in how Web3 can be taught. Just as creating monsters encouraged children to explore their imaginations, teaching Web3 should empower learners to question, experiment, and create their own digital landscapes.
- Lesson 1: Start with the Story
Web3 begins with understanding the “why.” Learners can explore the history of blockchain, decentralization, and the evolution of the Internet, much like sketching the foundation of their monster. By framing it as a story—how Web3 started, the problems it solves, and its potential—they can see the bigger picture and imagine its possibilities. - Lesson 2: Experiment with the Tools
In art, blending materials brought their monsters to life. Similarly, hands-on activities like creating a wallet, interacting with a decentralized application (dApp), or exploring Ethereum’s blockchain can demystify Web3. Encouraging learners to experiment with tools like MetaMask, Solidity, or IPFS fosters curiosity and builds confidence. - Lesson 3: Build Something Tangible
Just as moulding clay made the monsters real, Web3 learning can culminate in creating something meaningful—a basic dApp, a simple smart contract, or even a token. This step solidifies their understanding and gives them a sense of ownership and accomplishment.
By weaving creativity into Web3 education, we can transform complex concepts into an exciting learning playground where the goal isn’t perfection but discovery. In this way, we prepare learners to embrace the future with curiosity and confidence.
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