Bitcoin Forum

Wondering what I'm doing here? To give a little back story, I have been assigned to a secondary school (high school for those in the United States) for my national youth service as part of the  mandatory one-year programme for graduates of tertiary institutions. I have been assigned as computer science teacher for the senior class in a school where there are no computers. I guess the students are expected to learn only theory and let their imagination do the rest. I want to give the students a different experience other than the one they are used to. I'm a Bitcoin guy, I wear a Bitcoin shirt to work. I'm practical about bitcoin and want to integrate Bitcoin and crypto as topics in my teaching practice. I am preparing a course outline and borrowed some beginner topics from bitcointalk. I will be borrowing computers from nearby centers for class projects when the time comes. I don't know what to expect from the students, any suggestions will be appreciated.

There is nothing bad to let them know (and know more) about bitcoin, but what matters most is your job which you were assigned for. I do not see it as a problem to be practical about bitcoin and let the students know about it, about how it is money, how they can not get scammed which is necessary, how to buy and hold on noncustododial wallet and what to avoid. But this would be better appreciated if you let them know about bitcoin like after classes which should just be a means of you devoting extra time for them. Lastly, you should not make it compulsory but encourage them about it and let them know how the world are now using bitcoin for payment of goods and services and for investment and profit making means.

You have been assigned too teach or lecture them on Computer science, you shouldn't shift focus too something else if you're to do anything else, you have too tell and teach them about the basics of programming that's if you're a programmer or inclined.
Get them aware about the types of programming languages and privacy I think you should focus on this both.
But if you really want too tell and teach them about Bitcoin you can and can only be done during break or leisure time as not every students will be fully interested in learning about Bitcoin. Don't forget too groom them about the types of programming languages in this generation, builder's a d creators are the major benefiters.

Actually you are supposed to work under the command of the colleague curriculum to impact perfect knowledge to the offsprings, but since they don't have a preferable device to educate students and you choose to use the knowledge of bitcoin to impact on them....so from my perspective, it's should be good when the heads of the college permit you to educate their students with cryptocurrency related knowledge. But from another angle it's nice for students to know the basic things of bitcoin.

Then don't expect something in return, as least you have done your part and let those students understand what bitcoin is and let their imaginations run wild. You might hear questions that you might find interesting, and take note of the name of the students asking. Maybe in the future, those are the ones going to be crypto enthusiast and who knows, become CEO of crypto projects. Anyhow, good luck to you and hopefully it will really excite majority of them on the subject of bitcoin and crypto in general.

The school management will not be pleased with you if they find out that you deviated from your primary assignment of coming to the school for your service that is teaching the student computer, I would suggest you teach them computer during school hours then set out an hour or two for extra moral lesson.You can use this time to teach them about bitcoin any student who is interested will not be absent in your class again.

In my experience the school system does not provide "perfect" education and graduates still have a lot of unlearning and relearning to do after exiting that system.

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Op, do you plan to teach the technical aspect of Bitcoin (as much as the students can understand) or the area of financial literacy and independence? Or perhaps a combination of both.
You'll have limited time to impact knowledge as this would fall under extra curricular activities, so the beginner courses you talked about and some follow up lessons should be alright for now.

Well, you have a nice gesture and you meant well for the students.
IMO, with the picture you provided, those students are under 18 years, bitcoin is a volitile asset, anyone who is to venture into cryptocurrencies should be upto 18 years so as to ensure they can manage the consequences of their financial decisions.
Just like gambling, the clause is there. If you negelect this, those students could use their school fees and invest in bitcoin and if it eventually dips, it will fall back to their parents.

If you want to create awareness of bitcoin, you can say that after classes and pass it as information and not mandate them or make them believe bitcoin is a get rich quick scheme.

I see no problem with the teaching approach to them, just explain everything first the pros and the cons of Bitcoin because it's very crucial to them that might they become confused about this very volatile asset.  Just only give the awareness either on the good side or on the bad side, don't force them to adopt it, as you've said, let their imagination do the rest and if they are interested they will find a way for sure.

Even though you have no computers, you can do it maybe on your mobile phone or tablet, a short video explaining Bitcoin's basic information will give awareness to them.

Here's a simple video on youtube that will enlighten them about Bitcoin and Blockchain and how it works.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSo_EIwHSd4

Good luck with that.

You can insert that to the syllabus that will be given to you by the school administration. I've been into theoretical class and it's really hard to imagine what's actually happening.

Being in a computer class and then there's no computer, it's hard for the students to cope up with the lesson. I remember that when I've been into a computer class during my elementary level, although we've used computer but only for a few times.

Bitcoin will be spread all over the world in such a way that every human being will have a touch of Bitcoin at their doorsteps.However, the kind of thinking that you have done is actually a very good step. If every human being has such thoughts then Bitcoin will definitely move to a better position.A good education about Bitcoin will definitely increase the value of Bitcoin.

Let them know about Bitcoin and crypto are okay, but don't make it a student's obligation and even make it as a project to be done by students. Remember that they are not university students, they may be not ready to know Bitcoin or crypto deeply. What we can do, is only let them know the existence of Bitcoin and crypto.

You also need to consider that Bitcoin or crypto topics do not deviate from the fundamental principle on the subject. You are a computer science teacher, make sure everything is still working as it should. Prioritize to teach what they should learn, Bitcoin or crypto topic is just a little additional knowledge.

over the years i have spoken to many people in africa trying to teach others about bitcoin.. here is what they found:
1. remember the difference between bitcoin and other things pretending to be bitcoin.
if you going to teach people about bitcoin ensure its about the bitcoin network stuff.. and not about CEX(centralised custodial exchange deposit databases balance). nor other networks that pretend to be bitcoin but dont have blockchains, mining, standard bitcoin transaction fee's, confirmation times
EMPHASIS: ensure your teaching them about bitcoin when doing a lesson about bitcoin. dont confuse them with other things that pretend to be bitcoin but dont have the bitcoin benefits, features and limitations.

truly understand africans utility of daily life and what possible things actual bitcoins can bring to them as benefits/limitations. give an honest lesson about bitcoin. no fluff, no subterfuge, no utupian hopes/dreams. in short be honest and accurate

2. you WILL if your educating them on bitcoin come into the debates with students about fee's/confirmation times and the comparison to things with less fee's like altcoins, altnets and their current african currency experiences like m-pesa and fiat that have less local transaction fee's

3. when showing them the actual bitcoin network they soon learn trying to get 30 students to do 30 transactions on the bitcoin network where they see confirmations happen within the same lesson time(meaning adequate fee for quick confirm) they soon learn that they have just witnessed a payment each that cost them EACH enough value on just the fee's that could have bought them several school books and even their lunch per student.., just in fee's per payment alone

4. due to this many gave up educating students about bitcoin being a plausible option of using bitcoin as a 'digital cash for the unbanked to spend on daily stuff' EG comparing it as a second option to using m-pesa/fiat as a daily spend network. and just advised them of using bitcoin as a possible savings /wealth hoarding (store of value) without all the banking bureaucracy.

there is a big big reason why in the last 12 years. we have not seen the likes of africa's 1billion population, india's 1 billion population and asias 1 bill population adopt bitcoin en-mass. and why it seems that only the developed countries like US/EU/UK/RU(combined sub 1bil population) have delved into adopting bitcoin somewhat.


pre-empting the obvious typical boring replies of certain people on this forum:
..
i know i know. im going to see the same clan of idiots reply and want to say how the fee's can be cheaper if you just pay less/ use other networks/coins/use centralised exchanges as bank accounts/custodial services . but then the kids will be:
a. waiting more then an hour to see a confirm if paying less than adequate fee's on bitcoins network.. (not a great experience to wait around and not see money move in a class that suppose to show money move).
or
b. not even experience bitcoin.. if you are just demonstrating centralised exchange balance/altnets/altcoins
..
i know i know. im going to see the same clan of idiots reply, argue, insult and want to advertise their other network as the 'bitcoin' they would want to see you teach the kids. and argue how somehow i turned this topic into a discussion about their preferred network.. (even though i obviously told you above that you should be trying to teach them about the actual bitcoin network not the idiots preferred network)
..
but heck you will see the certain idiots advertising their other networks, show off their desires/happiness that they helped suck up to certain coders to stifle bitcoin scaling and stifle low fee possibilities. and watch them same idiots scream and shout out insults while they try to explain that their vision of bitcoin is not to serve the unbanked and not to be used by those that only have say ~$5 of value a day to spend(basically they want africans exempt from using bitcoin daily)

(maybe by highlighting their screams and shouting and insults they do in other topics. this might actually make them not reply. in which case my pre-emptions have worked)

Spontaneity is a wonderful thing when it is taught, I am sure that something like bitcoin is not in the curriculum at the course, so the pedagogy required to teach bitcoin must be accompanied by spontaneity to make a difference teaching.

Perhaps an important point is not to confuse being a disseminator with teaching, bitcoin may be your passion but it does not have to be that of your students and that is where pedagogy and spontaneity do the magic.

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^{I don't think it's necessary to add photos of your students or anyone involved with your environment.}

First of all you will have to create an excellent mindset for those students and then understand who is really interested in the technological stuff like blockchain and crypto space as whole.
I mean there wont be a point to keep the whole class engaged with the bitcoin lectures. There are students who love arts, who love history or geology! Not all of them are really into maths and coding stuff.

The choice is theres. There is no point in creating unwanted distractions to such students.
However, loving the way you working towards this. Hope so your management will also agree upon the same.

You have a very outstanding idea. From this you can be able to raise another Satoshi. But ensure that you make the bitcoin class very simple so that the students can understand it at their level. For me you don't need a special class for the lessons because you don't need to go into the complex aspect of bitcoin except they show much interest.

But it is important to note that the subject you are assigned to teach is a very important one. Most student have not even touched the computer before and some know nothing about the internet. And this computer skills are needed for them to be exposed to bitcoin. Hence, I suggest you concentrate on the computer class. Use the computers you are getting for practical computer classes. Organise extra classes for the computer lessons and just use the bitcoin class as a spice.

My goodness! Teaching computer science without computers wouldn't do much good, I hope you can borrow those computers you say. Where you live, do the students have a mobile phone with an internet connection? I think everyone has one nowadays. I say this because for them to get an idea of what bitcoin is, they should have experience with the internet.

You want students to learn about bitcoin and it's backend technology is good approach and one step ahead benefit is you are assigned as Computer science teacher to them so I think it would be easy for them to learn about it and you can explain them in much better way.But the problem with the school is they are not focusing on expanding students knowledge about bitcoin and just burdening them with the regular stuff showing the best in their written books.Will the school be offended if you go off the tracks alongside with your course?

I remember there was one member on the forum who was giving some technical bitcoin projects to the students like creating a Lightning Channel payment system as assignment and have a thread for the same on the forum so is the case with you but don't have clarity on the restrictions by the school or how children react to it.But you could explain them about bitcoin usage and let them be familiar with the real usage of bitcoin in much creative way or showing some practical exposure through your cell phone if you can in some free time.

You have already your plans like buying computer and integrating courses so choose some variety of topics on different aspects like keys,wallets, security and usage as technical aspects and also the economic concept and how bitcoin can help in it through decentralisation.This will take efforts but if you can it will be good for the students.

Agree, I know it is a ton of effort to demonstrate it but still difficult. I just remember the post in social media that there was a teacher teaching how to use microsoft word which he draws the MS Word in black board and start explaining it tools, we are amazed with the effort and eagerness of the teacher but if we think the student i think they would having difficulties on gaining or learning it because they havent experience it and also havent really touch and do it by themselves. So if you have a chance to have a computer , learning curve would be easier

Wow, op, I think it's great that you got an opportunity to work with kids. I'm really sorry, though, that the conditions are so dire, I can't imagine learning computer science without computers (we always had them at my school, and everyone else I knew also had them, even though I'm from a third-world country). Do they have smartphones, then, these kids? If they do, they can learn some things via them, so that borrowing computers isn't required all the time. If it's high school students, they aren't likely to be as loud and openly disrespectful as younger kids (in terms of ruining the discipline to the point where it's impossible to conduct a lesson). But it's important to show them something they can relate to. If it's a very generic course about computers, why not talk about things like building one's own setup, the GPU craze and things like that. I'd suggest Linus Tech Tips for the inspiration on that part. Also, why not card about cyberattacks, even something very simple like DDoS attacks, and show them how it's done? And when talking about GPU craze, you can bring up mining, and thus cryptos. I'd try to do it that way, at least. Then again, if they don't have computers and aren't likely to build their own systems any time soon, it's probably not the best choice of topic. But you can talk about cyberattacks, and how they're a part of contemporary wars now. Also, if these children completely don't know how to use computers, maybe you should start with the very basic things like how to turn them on, paint, write texts etc. It strongly depends on the context, and I have no idea which country this is, which level of digitalization is has etc.

I have some suggestions as someone who already did some teachings at my university for a few months about bitcoin and investment skills. Since the students can have different levels of knowledge of bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, there can be some students who don't know a word about it. So, You can start with the basics of investing and why we need to invest, and then you can start with different investment options and markets and why we chose bitcoin. I suggest you do not get into the technical-related stuff like understanding the mempool and hashing algorithms because this can be boring for the students.

Although the facilities are still very limited, the lecturer only provided materials and explanations for us to visualize when we learned about the programming language Pascal, C +, and although it was difficult to understand, everyone was very serious with the knowledge from the teacher. the test takes place on paper, and if you make a mistake in a certain symbol, the test will not be accepted, I think the difficult physical conditions also make the motivation to study more attentive, so feel free to convey what you already know to those students.

I think it will be bitcoin would fit in well if you were an economics teacher. You can talk to the economics teacher at your school if he/she is interested in introducing bitcoin as a currency in her class, but then again if the teacher doesn’t understand what bitcoin is, there may be misleading information taught to the students. A better idea would be for you to be invited to speak to the class.

This will be a better idea. Doing it as an extra curriculum activity.
When I was in high school, there's a day set aside as a social activity day, usually Fridays. This day, the students come up with different activities as debates, dramas, poems presentation, paper presentations. If such a day exists in your school, it will be a nice opportunity to lecture the students about bitcoin. This time it will not be only your class but the whole students and also your fellow teachers who are interested, that will benefit from it.

It's great to hear you have time to educate them on bitcoin. I recommend that you do that in your spare time since, based on what I've read, you've been assigned as a computer science instructor. I believe that you should educate them more about computers or, if you have any spare gadgets or laptops that represent computers, show them how to run them. So that pupils do not fall behind in technological usage. What you have to do is make them familiarize themselves with bitcoin and provide the basic information that they need to know. I believe that if they are trained and learn how to use the technology or computer, that's the time that you are going to explain all the benefits on how you can earn or make a profit through the use of bitcoin.  :)

It's a noble idea to want to integrate a bitcoin teaching plan in your educating curriculum. This is surely an innovation that isn't very much seen and for a reason. As someone that have been schooled in Africa and have been part of the formation process of students in the past, its not always in the best interest of the schools board to divert from the scheme to a scheme of your own. Curriculums for different classes are always designed based on what is expected of students in certain  grades to be thought and I'm pretty sure bitcoin haven't featured yet, looking at the fact that, cryptocurrency isn't accepted in many African nations yet but, they might allow teachings on blockchain technology.

As much as I admire the plan, it would to some extent disrupt the intent of the system but in some way, it might aid the students not to be so traditional on a system that is being out dated. New information have to be brought in the schools system and pulling this off means, you've got to go the extra length of not disrupting normal lecture time or curriculum but still, find the time to inform these students of the cryptocurrency or bitcoin innovation around them. Most of us are behind in these because we never knew, it wasn't thought in our schools and as such, you would be opening there minds to new developments and being aware of there societies.

Perhaps an extra class or lesson plan could be used to design a lecture period and using of projectors with pointers could fill in for the absence of computers. You have to see a way of being more practical about it and I'll advice yiu start from the basics, perhaps a summary of the history of money and how bitcoin came into the picture to mitigate for certain difficulties. Then, you could start explaining what bitcoin truly is, stands for, how it's used, the networks involved and how it has evolved over the years. Just take things slowly enough and ensure they get to digest the informations in each lesson before moving over to a new lesson.

I'll like to see some progress on this!

Yes, the same when I was in secondary school we had jet clubs which was an extracurricular activity but was something students took pride in and participated wholeheartedly. They even organized events and competitions. If OP can make the subject interesting and fun enough for the students to enjoy then he can be able to succeed.

Why would you emphasize on investment when teaching about bitcoin?

Why not tell the students about blockchain technology and teach them how to develop smart contracts and how does stuff like staking, and mining work. Let's not ask students to invest in the crypto as then their focus will be only on earning and not on learning.

The best initiative so far. Bitcoin technology is somehow related to the computing system, so it's a part of computer science. If you teach your students about Bitcoin technology then it's fine and you are helping Bitcoin adaption. Your student would learn everything related to Bitcoin from the beginning perfectly. It will be a good focus on Bitcoin technology and how cryptocurrency works, storing crypto and crypto scams as well. Just give them a better experience and introduce with the forum.

A good teacher is when you show your seriousness in implementing knowledge. Be creative in areas that make it easier for students to understand what you are saying. I think your efforts have been commendable because honestly I am also a teacher at a school, but the degree was not attached because the pandemic made me quit. My hope is in your current job, which is to provide students with basic knowledge regarding the world of cryptocurrencies, especially Bitcoin. Hopefully the learning process goes smoothly, let us know the progress at a later date if it has been realized.

First before start talking about any asset, including bitcoin they have to understand the basics of investing otherwise they would start doing emotional actions like panic sell or greedy buying with closed eyes which can be risky for them.
As I said this can be an option to talk about technical stuff like how the mining works, smart contracts, etc ... but you should consider the knowledge level of the students, for me when I was speaking about it in my undercity where people have a higher level of education they didn't understand most part of speech, now for the students who are in lower education level this cannot be a good idea to make it hard for them to understand.

If you can provide more details and informations about your job, the environment and the people involved on it, you could ask for donations in order to acquire new computers for the school. I think it's too problematic and maybe even expensive to borrow it, so buying is the best alternative thinking on long run. It's absurd to imagine a computer science teacher doesn't have access to computers during his classe, neither the students, as that should be the basic tool disponible for everyone for increasing the effectiveness of the content taught at its maximum. That must be a big challenge for you, Pokapoka124.

I had studied IT course and I wish my university at least gave a thought on adding blockchain programming in our curriculum. Not even CS courses in here do those, but I wish it was offered back in the days. I could have been able to build my own blockchain apps and build my portfolio in a.... unique way and not just a generic web apps that has been done by developers.
If I may suggest something to the OP, try to do a little bit of a teaching in application as well since learning just in theory is not just the only way to learn stuffs generally. You'll be borrowing computers anyway, so I think that would be possible.
Good luck to your teaching, OP!

If you can make your bitcoin teaching approach more fun and interesting, the students will certainly develop more interest too in learning from you. Bitcoin is quite broad to start but if you can teach the students in a very simple way that will make them understand and become interactive, that way you can expect that there is learning happening. It would be better to use technology to make them understand more, but since there is no computer around, then you have to be more resourceful so they can picture out and make their imagination become wild to discover new things.

It is good to have such in mind for the students. Letting the students know more about what’s outside the wall of the school is a very nice and welcome initiative. It will make them prepare for the future after school and what they are going to encounter along the way. Having the knowledge of bitcoin at this point is a plus for them to broaden their horizon. I wish you all the best as you embark on this selfless service.

Starting with investment options will be a terrible start, you’re teaching teens who are in a curious age where they want to explore. You can’t start by telling them they can make money off bitcoin, the second you do that they think bitcoin is a get rich quick scheme. They can get the wrong idea and start buying shitcoins in hopes of getting rich.

When teaching someone and specially with that kind of particular age then explain everything and you shouldnt really just focused on how to make money because that would really be able to create
false or wrong idea in its true essence of existence which we know that this isnt something in focus on how to make money but rather to be a digital currency which is decentralized
and anonymous or simply its utility would really be the important thing to be pictured out or to be explain.Of course you would need to stick with the basics for it to be easy to understand.

Also, most students will appreciate the OP's initiative to extend his teaching not only on theoretical part but at least give an example with the current scenario that we are facing today. They will be encouraged to listen to him because this is what we have today. At least, orient them for what's to come in their life. Because sooner or later, they will encounter the crypto market, maybe outside their school. So at least, they have idea on what to do when they face this market.

Their are so many things for you to introduce to them about bitcoin , atleast the basic things you need to teqch them. Make them understand that bitcoin is not a money making machine that can make one to be rich within a short time. Also, teaching them the risk behind Bitcoin and how to manage risk. It is also important to teach them how to avoid scams as young bitcoiner, their are many ways beginners can be scammed , from what you have experienced from scammers you should be able to teach them. Give them lesson how to secure wallets and how to keep seed phrase in the proper way. This are some of the important things they neeed to know about bitcoin.

This is not a bad idea since it's something you want to devote your time and self to do , but it will be nice too if you put the management of the school in the know and about you're intention to impact such knowledge to the student.

I suggest in the process of teaching the students the computer, To draw more of their attention to BTC you should find a way to reference Blockchain technology and BTC in some of your topics.

It's not bad to tell people about bitcoin in the hopes that it will be of use to them themselves. Education about bitcoin to them is a good part to spread awareness about this currency in society especially for students. I'm very interested in doing the same, but I don't have much time to do it even though I believe I have the ability to tell them the important basics about bitcoin.

OP, I support your efforts, but can you tell me how other students and teachers reacted when they found out that you were teaching bitcoin to your class?

I haven't started teaching the class yet, it won't come as a surprise to the staff room or the school management. The teachers here are expected to submit their course outline to the Principal within first week of resumption. Rest assured I'm not breaking the rules of the institution. It's been making rounds in the staff room. Some of the other teachers are interested in Bitcoin personally.  For the students reaction, it will be a matter of interest each student has his/her preferences.

It always needs some form of playful techniques to teach them about bitcoin. Maybe something like pass the action fun game you can make some scripts. This will easily gets fixed to the mind. Whether it is a kid or grown up children play way of teaching seems to be better. There were more opportunities available on YouTube as well as on other sources to learn about bitcoin. But, what a teacher taughts them seems to be more effective. So, I appreciate the efforts and do the good for the growth of bitcoin.

Ye, that should be the goal about it. Not teaching them that you can make money of bitcoin as that could defeat most of the ideas you intend to pass to them. You know teens and how they feel about money, almost like an obsession and would want to make I quick so as to be far above there pals. This could lead them to taking a risky approach towards the study and jump into investing with hopes of some returns in the least possible time.

Should this come out nicely, then you've ended up cornering the student to be more focused on cryptocurrency and put aside other aspects to there studies. Besides, what's the use of getting a degree if notto make money off it...(that would be there thought) because they are making money already.
Should they loose out on there investment, your not so sure they would have the stomach to contain what could amount from loses and you won have just there emotions to contened with but there parents/guardian and the school management. Also, you might have pushed such student far away from cryptocurrency than you would have wished for.

Its a good gesture or initiative on including bitcoin into your lectures which would really be helping out in overall adoption and recognition which we do all need for this market to become more bigger
and bigger in the near future.I dont see anything lacking into your plans on teaching those students and as long you do stick into the basics on how bitcoin works and its utility and
opportunity then it would really be that impossible that no one would able to make some in depth research to it.

If the topic is somewhat related, or thing that you can insert, blockchain technology as an example then try to give them examples about it since blockchain like its security is somewhat related to CS. Talking about bitcoin is talking about financially related topic, unless you're going to explain the technicalities which is a bit complicated.

I can't just imagine how to teach computer-related work if we don't have computers? This never works, honestly. Not even I expect students will learn theory from it as in this particular subject must need an actual scenario.

That's it, it is too hard to explain something like Bitcoin if we can't show them. Perfectly idea to borrow computers so there is no reason for the student to just use their time imagining what it looks like.

Since you have use computer, you can expect them had learned something for the topic but we couldn't think that they absorb everything. They actually need more sessions for them to get more ideas and understand the concept of Bitcoin.

The idea of teaching bitcoin to high school kids is a good idea, but their principals must agree that you will teach them. If they accept and solve the problem that there are no computers, your mission will be successful.
A support can also be that you teach about bitcoin from a mobile is also very easy and perhaps young people have more within their reach.
You encourage me with your joy and it makes me think that we are protagonists of a good change for the new generations.
Please update the thread with your experience with the boys. It would be great to know the results.

it's a good job and opportunity to introduce crypto especially bitcoin to students.

approach to youth is urgently needed.

You can start with a provocative question. what do students think about the presence of electronic money? and give an example?

then I'm sure there will be students who answer in the direction of bitcoin. and after that it will be easier to explain further.

I used to teach students although not for long because I decided to quit teaching.

My delivery method in providing education always begins with light conversation, continues with provoking questions and measures the extent to which students know what I am about to convey.

It seems bad to me that the school where you work does not have enough supplies to supply the correct implements for a better education and even more so in the case of a school in the United States... But well, I don't know what problems they may have. Changing the subject, I am very happy with what you are doing, it seems to me a very ethical and admirable act, any teacher could teach the basics and leave it there. But the best teachers are those who go beyond traditional teaching, and much more so if what you are teaching is really going to serve those students for their future.

Enseñarles de Bitcoin es una buena forma de forjar grandes emprendedores. Curiosamente me recordaste a una artículo que habían comentado por aquí en BitcoinTalk

Article what do I mean: https://journaltime.org/finance/cryptocurrency/bitcoin/in-40-schools-in-argentina-young-people-will-learn-about-bitcoin/

I would like to know what learning methods you will use to teach them about Bitcoin.

We had something like this when we were kids. Not that we were learning "computers" but basically the code itself, without computers, so we failed to do what we learned but there was just one computer which belonged to the teacher (well to the school) and we all did our best on that. It is not as bad as you might imagine because it did allow us to learn the basics of it.

When you are at an age where you barely learn what life is about, learning basics of computers is enough. However, I do wish that the whole world would have computers and mobile phones and all the food and clothes and shelter there is and nobody ever needs anything, sometimes it is not available and that is an unfortunate life.

OP, go ahead with your aspiration to teach Bitcoin to them. The students should love it, provided you're going to make it less confusing like mathematics. You know how students dread maths; it will be better you teach them aspect of Bitcoin that will interest them. The interest will then spur them up to further research on it. You should start with the financial capabilities of Bitcoin or entirely dwell on that aspect. It should interest them. Most students don't like anything that will stress their reading habit. Just go light with them. Again, don't panic that the school authority will prevent you from doing that. Just let them know what you want to do and ensure that you cover the school curriculum and your work load. They will be fine with it. I'm talking from experience.

As a rule of thumb, I never introduce Bitcoin to newbies as an investment opportunity it can be quite disastrous to do so. I will be teaching the students the basics, wallets and wallet security, how to send and receive bitcoins.
For Satoprincess suggestion concerning the Economics teacher, I talked with her and fortunately she's open minded, and is researching on Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies on her own time.

We are from the same country mate, so I understand what program you are running, firstly you probably dealing with teenagers and from my experience with them it require apt concentration and good follow up, teenagers are very curious especially to the easy way out and most time it’s the back door. I once talked to a group of teenagers in my street about Bitcoin in a hurried manner and rather than be interested in the real value of Bitcoin they asked how they asked if Bitcoin can be used in a negative way (Scam) not until I settled down and gave them a true lecturing of Bitcoin and crypto. My first advice to you is to let them know that what the underworld and streets has painted bitcoin as isn’t what it’s really meant for, explain to them the dangers of using Bitcoin negatively this is very important and never shy away from it. And they rest of the lecturing is based on your experience and research.

That's fantastic. The mere thinking that you are keen on making your students learn more about technology shows how good you are as a person.
There are many courses online that you can refer to and include it in your program.
Also, if you don't have much resources for the computers then you can get one laptop/computer and tell your students to operate it taking turns one by one.
This way all your students will be able to access a computer at least for a specific time.

Can you recommend some of these online courses you think might be useful. Thank you.
There are thirty five students in a class. One computer won't do it, I will try to get at least 5 PCs for class projects. My PC is available so I have one already. The remaining four won't be much of a problem as long as I promise to return them in good condition.

I've got professors when I was on college that they're inserting topics that are not related to our discussion. So, I guess if you're finished with the topic that you have and you still have enough time.

You can discuss and talk about it with your class and that's a very well initiative that you have. Aside from your PC, I think you have your laptop with you so while waiting for those computers, you can have the demo through it and that's much better than having nothing.

When you have a good initiative for your students, then continue that effort and start with the simplest way. I don't think the OP will force his desire to continue teaching bitcoin to students who may not be interested in learning it, but I'm just concerned about how the OP can convince students to be interested not just about making money but more about the technicalities of bitcoin itself.

It is common that everyone will like money, even if it is a student. Here everyone needs to be aware of the possible initial effect that they start learning to make money where they put aside studying for knowledge. When they start to focus on making money then I'm sure their study focus on other subjects might decrease, but maybe I'm a little paranoid about that possibility.

The higher-ups think that the curriculum is the most perfect approach but we all know that there is more way than what they propose.  I also believe that OP must not deviate from the given curriculum so that the student won't have any shock or confusion about the new knowledge OP will bring.  He must introduce Bitcoin knowledge carefully and must put a thorough study on how he will integrate Bitcoin as if it is part of the given curriculum.  Given the subject is computer science, I believe OP will be tackling the technical aspect of BTC.

All the people in the forum now will had some knowledge about the crypto currency.But all are at the starting level will learn as like you.In bitcoin,trading can be learned only by the practice or by trading of the coin.You can learn more about the crypto currency from the beginners thread by the old people.We had made enough post to learn more about the crypto currency.

I appreciate your seriousness in providing learning to the point of being willing to sacrifice to borrow a computer to provide knowledge that will change the mindset of young people and future generations. I hope what you do can really have a positive value and bear sweet fruit in the future.

You teach the fundamentals of Bitcoin to the generations who will lead the next 20 years, representing our hope that we couldn't do where we live. Therefore do good.

When I was in my school days I remember how I was taught. The curriculum is covered within the specific timeline and we don't know why we studied those topics. Everything is completely connected to the scoring of marks rather than understanding its real life usage. So, I request OP to teach the students how these cryptocurrencies are getting used around. In specific the teaching will be more effective when the use cases are well explained, because in school education we never know where we'll implement what we've learnt.

yeah that's a great idea. because that's how I felt when I was in school.

knowing the usefulness of what is learned is very important so that it can give a little motivational boost to students because they will know that what they learn will be very useful in the future.

As long as you learn basics of things, that is all that you can do. What people need to understand is that not every nation is rich enough the same way, computers are very expensive things if you are living in a poor nation, maybe you imagine that everyone has computers and it is such a common commodity in the world but the reality is that computers are still rare resources for most smaller nations.

In that case making sure that kids still learn about computers becomes a big task, since you can't get your hands on computers that easily, even personal level let alone getting one for each kid, it becomes a bit of a difficulty to teach them how to use it as well.

^ Probably some of them are not interested in this because they don't have an interest when it comes to financial matters.
In the good side, this is very helpful to them that at an early stage of them they learn about BTC, if all teachers will do the same by the OP, people will truly understand what is the real meaning of BTC and how it will work and also the reason why BTC existed. We must be thankful to OP and we hope people like him should be rewarded soon those students.

Probably you didn't listen enough that is why you are confused and same thing will happen if OP do not integrate BTC learning according to his subject matters carefully.


Aside from scoring marks, the current curriculum of a student is connected to its next curriculum so deviating too much from what is given will only confuse students and possibly build a weaker foundation in that area.  I am not against teaching BTC but there is always a proper place and time for everything.  So I request OP to properly integrate the BTC learning according to the curriculum he is teaching.  If he can't then better abandon the idea of using the time scheduled for learning the laid out subject curriculum.  Better to do it separately and probably it is better to request an extracurricular activity so OP can tackle BTC learning separately, for example creating a school club for it.

Appreciate this effort.
I can imagine how bad the students' experience of learning computer but there is no computer. Because that was also my experience when I ma in the Junior and also Senior High school. So, it will be gone after leaving the class  ;D
Well, actually that is a good idea when you want to integrate Bitcoin and also crypto into your class. But what to pay attention to is:
- Are your students ready for this?
- Bring them with something very general and easy to accept, moreover they are new and also in such kind of condition
- Don't think too much expectation because sometimes students are unpredictable and they may like much or even dislike much
- Try to use certain approach that can attract their intention, moreover attract them to at least listen to your explanation.
This may be not easy, but you can evaluate of what you are doing.
But the fact that you should rbing your own computer and prepare all of it,t his is too much

In the past, memorization was a mandatory menu for every curriculum. but only a few teach the science of enrichment. therefore the motor nerves of the brain are less able to develop. just like when we teach bitcoin, of course starting from theory to real practice must be given, because that way it will be easier to understand and develop, for example we are only limited to investment, it is hoped that our students can trade, so that there is an increase in students

I'd see your passion OP for teaching Bitcoin pushes you to something that I can't really imagine. it is actually hard when you are teaching computers if your students don't have any of it in front of them nor even have a single/basic knowledge of how to operate it. Bitcoin and blockchain technology are technical and somewhat hard for them to appreciate it as they are not techy enough. You can't expect this to be an easy job for you as surely it takes longer but I hope you make it and I believe that.

During those days it is quite complicated to make students understand the concepts and the underlying process involved. Nowadays technology have made it easier and students were able to understand through the visual learning contents available for everything. So, now students have moved from the memorizing learning methodologies to understanding the concept and experimenting it.

You can't expect for your students to grasp things easily about bitcoin because all they know is fiat, and bitcoin is still strange for them knowing they don't have the technology to have an access for the latest inventions. However, if you can teach them the potentials of bitcoin and all its advantages and disadvantages compared to fiat, that way they will start to understand bitcoin. But presentation of bitcoin from computers should be more visible for them so that the learning will be more effective.

Yeaa ...
Teaching today is greatly helped by the development of technology.
if first when the teacher explains the lesson, our eyes will read a book explained by the teacher.

but now for a teacher can use a projector screen / infocus or the like. so that when explaining all the students leaked onto the screen. new to explaining bitcoin. then when we give an example and receive bitcoin it will be easy because it is displayed on the screen directly.
only when the school is equipped with a special computer classroom. it becomes much easier.

Teaching methods will now effectively maximize maximizing existing technology.
different from when we were in school. we learn by boredom. because every day have to read books and books.

You seem to be approaching the education from a technical perspective and I'd agree that's important, but I'd also implement basic economic theory into the discussion; some teachings that might include decentralization as it relates to the economy would be useful.

Bitcoin is a currency, after all. The technical hurdle is one to overcome, but it seems as if most people don't understand why an economic system rooted in decentralization would be more favorable for economic growth than a system of top-down government control.

I have also taught undergrads, I always believe that education system needs to evolve with the dynamics of society around. Books often become outdate and useless and overtime. Its very important that teaches acknowledge this and ensure that students are imparted knowledge of relevant topics. I appreciate your effort and I will suggest you that you should start systematically writing a book on How and what to to teach kids about bitcoin and I am sure your book will help other teachers in future. Maybe you will become a reknown teacher of bitcoin.

Teaching a subject is not necessarily because someone studied it in school. It is a matter of passion. Anyone can teach bitcoin provided they have the passion for it and know it. The op has been here a long time to know how to relate the basics of bitcoin to outsiders. I have read his posts in the past and I know it will not be a problem downloading what he knows to the high school students. It is not a difficult thing to do.

Actually, the good thing nowadays is that people are becoming interested when it comes to dynamic revolution of finance. The young generations give their enthusiasm about economics and financial stability. That is why it is more easy to teach young generation about cryptocurrency.

It is more interested if he can teach in remote areas in Africa and Middle East. Those people who cannot understand cryptocurrency much so that we can share to them the beauty of cryptocurrency not just in financial stuffs but in technological adaption.

Think there are plenty of examples you could look at from the global South in teaching them about IT without the hardware. And I think there is where you gain the most useful impact, when you teach and equip them with practical skills to use IT -- not Bitcoin.

Tell them about Bitcoin as part of economics, maybe even politics, I'd say. And Bitcoin algorithm and security as part of computer engineering. But that's jumping way ahead of yourself and them to seriously teach them about Bitcoin when they don't even understand how to access the internet (assuming so if the school doesn't even have computers).

Indeed, learning with theory is a bit difficult to explain basic things about bitcoin. And it's true that teaching about bitcoin will be easier if it is taught while operating a computer and practicing it directly. But it should not be a significant obstacle as long as we are serious about doing it, but maybe the risk will be longer in order to understand what we are teaching.

There are plenty by the blockchain council. I have done one myself. It's the certified blockchain expert which is a beginner level course.
You can check out more at https://www.blockchain-council.org/
Also, you can use the search box on this forum to get threads about learning resources and courses listed by other forum members.
Last but not the least there are many Youtube channels which provide knowledge on crypto so you can use those too.
Example: Here's a blockchain course by Edureka https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCvL-DWcojc

Expectations breeds disappointment and discourages an individual from putting more effort. So, I would say, OP shouldn't be more expectant of the students for whom needs educating. Especially with the fact that, these are persons from not a very suffisticated environment, looking at the lack of basic technological advances like the computer.

Talking about computers, I guess in our time now, its hard to Imagine someone loosing all there computing knowledge with the advent of the andriod phones or systems around us. I think the educating should be limited to those with a device that could go more practical on the course. Others without devices can be allowed a participation but, those that could practice a few should be given the most concentration due to the available devices.

I can relate with what you wrote there. I once did it with a high school literature class I was employed to teach. I had to introduce to them a few interesting texts outside the required curriculum to buttress certain points in the recommended texts. It worked very well as it made the students and class lively. I think what matters in all this is the teacher's use of discretion. If a teacher is good at what he does, the authority won't mind allowing him go extra mile in bringing whatever that will inculcate knowledge in the students.

I have been working in Africa on contract for my company for years... and one of the sideline projects is to empower the communities to "fish" for themselves. (We used to provide for food, but we were more successful in helping them to provide or cultivate for themselves)  ;)

The thing is... most rural villages do not have basic infrastructure like electricity and Internet or even clean water, so it is a waste of time and effort to teach them without that being in place. (Generators and small solar panels are used, but it's expensive to run... but they can charge cellphones and you can use that as a teaching tool...because a lot of them know how to use M-Pesa on cellphones) ;)

Sad reality and this is the biggest challenge whenever you do really force yourself on teaching others even if you do know that resources alone is scarce or expensive into that area.For you who do have sufficient

knowledge on something might able to find some alternative ways at least then it would really be that a good initiative on teaching out others in related on crypto or Bitcoin itself.
It might not be directly absorbed learned out but at least you do share up a good idea and opportunity that they could possibly able to deal with.

If we are really that in concern on sharing up opportunities to others then challenges wont really be a full hindrance for us to stop completely.

That is a great job. But I was thinking that United States have a a standard computer laboratory across all the Local Government Area. And from your thread I am trying to feel that you are in an interior village that has no computer hardwares. But when you borrow the computer for the practical class what about the internet, hoh will you do. And if there is network and there is no way for you to get laptop, you can use your Android phone to start the practical class. Continue your good work

Agbe does the United States have local government area? It's unlikely our paths haven't  crossed in the Nigeria local thread, even though have not been active there as before. I made this clear in the first line of my OP when I said my being a teacher at the moment is part of my NYSC program. I think this post was written in haste as a consequence there are mistakes. This is the latest update on my progress with my class My class had their first Bitcoin exercise with my class (https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5406038.msg60556739#msg60556739)

That’s a great initiative to be honest, and really feeling proud on you.
These young lads are the future, so yes teaching them in a beginner level will make their fundamentals strong.
I would suggest you that before teaching them anything about Bitcoins, make them understand about normal trading or the traditional barter system.
This will help them to understand the concept of Bitcoins more easily. Also at first I would suggest you to teach them the features and advantages of Bitcoins, this will make the more interested towards learning about Bitcoins.
And yes if possible, then please update us about the class in this thread.

I had a friend from Africa, he was an African man, and he helped me with a lot of things, he was a very decent developer, sure not the best I found, but he was both cheap and also did what I needed to be done one way or another.

I later learned that he had to walk a lot to a computer internet cafe, and worked there for me, and then he had to spend some of the money he earned to pay for that, because he didn't have any computers in his home. He had electricity, he chatted with me via his mobile phone, so he had those, but didn't have a computer.

All I could do at that point was to send him money for a PC, don't know if he bought it or not, but I sent extra to help him. We could all be a little bit more kind to each other and the world would be a lot better place.

from several books that I read about the introduction of bitcoin I got ideas or tips to make it easy to convey lessons to people who are really new to bitcoin.

I have managed to get my family to know bitcoin through the books I read. and even now the discussions within my family are getting a little funny.

that is, when we have time together to drink tea or coffee, the conversation will not be far from bitcoin issues. be it a discussion of bitcoin trading, the origins of bitcoin, the potential of bitcoin and the influence of bitcoin in individual and world economic order. and many other topics. In the past I was a little hesitant to tell my family about bitcoin but now we are a family who are bitcoin lovers.

These are some of the books that I have read in studying bitcoin and how to teach the lessons to my family.
maybe you can also use it for students at the school.
1. Bitcoin Mastering
2. Digital Gold
3. Cryptoassets
4. The Age of Cryptocurrency
5. Blockchain Revolution

I wish you success teaching the school and bringing the younger generation aware of the importance of bitcoin knowledge.

You are doing great work. Appreciate your hard work and efforts. There are not many teachers who initiate such practicals. Good work. Keep going.

It is a good approach to teaching bitcoins. This will help new bitcoin traders know what bitcoin actually is and how you can sell and buy it!

This sounds really cool. @Ahli38 These books are really helpful for those who are thinking of investing in the crypto market. When I read these books it actually created a perspective to look out towards cryptos.

You are very lucky if you have a family who is still updated about bitcoin technology and development, so you can explain it easily.
I only introduced bitcoin to my sister and some of my nephews, but to explain to parents what bitcoin is is very difficult, they only know bitcoin is a coin that makes money. Some of the book references you mentioned may be understandable, but only a few that I will explain, which are not too technical, such as the Era of Cryptocurrencies, which still includes general knowledge about economics.