Web 3

The Module Plan

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This foundational module provides learners with a comprehensive and critical understanding of the evolution, current landscape, and significance of Web3 globally. The module aims to foster the ability to analyse the transition from traditional internet systems to decentralized digital ecosystems, assess the technological and economic impact of Web3, and identify the major opportunities and challenges within this space. Additionally, learners will explore key concepts such as decentralization, digital ownership, smart contracts, tokens, and decentralized applications, while examining the transformative role of blockchain-powered systems, community governance, and emerging digital economies. By engaging with real-world examples and application-based exploration, students will develop practical awareness and propose informed perspectives on how Web3 is shaping the future of technology, finance, business, and online communities.

Learning Objectives

LO1: Analyze the evolution and current landscape of Web3, including the transition from centralized internet platforms to decentralized digital ecosystems.

LO2: Evaluate the technological, economic, and social significance of Web3 and critically assess its growing relevance across industries.

LO3: Identify and critically analyze the core concepts of Web3, such as decentralization, digital ownership, tokens, smart contracts, and decentralized applications.

LO4: Evaluate the impact of blockchain-powered systems, community governance, and digital economies as enablers of Web3, and apply practical understanding through reflective and experiential activities.

LO5: Demonstrate enhanced understanding of the opportunities, risks, and future scope of Web3, and propose informed viewpoints on its role in shaping inclusive and innovative digital ecosystems.

Module Outline

Unit 1 – Context and Evolution

  • The evolution of the internet from Web1 to Web2 to Web3
  • The shift from centralized systems to decentralized digital ecosystems
  • Mapping the technological and economic significance of Web3
  • Historical limitations of traditional internet models

Unit 2 – Core Concepts and Applications

  • Core Web3 concepts: decentralization, digital ownership, tokens, and smart contracts
  • Key applications of Web3: decentralized finance, NFTs, DAOs, and decentralized applications
  • Factors transforming the landscape: blockchain-powered systems, community governance, and digital economies
  • Select cases

Unit 3 – Opportunities, Risks, and Future Scope

  • Emerging innovation opportunities in Web3
  • Risks and challenges: security, scams, regulation, volatility, and adoption barriers
  • Role of Web3 in finance, business, creator economy, and digital communities
  • Future pathways and ecosystem growth

Session Wise Structure

Session Topic Overview
Session 1 Introduction to Web3 Evolution from Web1 and Web2 to Web3 and the rise of decentralized internet systems.
Session 2 Core Web3 Principles Understanding decentralization, transparency, trustless systems, and digital ownership.
Session 3 Web3 Ecosystem Introduction to smart contracts, wallets, tokens, NFTs, DAOs, DeFi, and dApps.
Session 4 Applications and Challenges Real-world use cases of Web3 along with opportunities, risks, and future scope.

Assessment Components and Evaluation

Component Weight
Quizzes (Concept Checks) 20%
Learning by Doing (LBD) Activities 30%
Reflection-Based Assignments 10%
Live Participation / Engagement 10%
Final Applied Project / Case-Based Submission 30%

Assessment Plan

Assessment Component Weight
Quizzes 20%
LBD Activities 30%
Reflection Assignments 10%
Participation 10%
Final Project / Case Study 30%

Core and Supplementary Resources

Core Texts

  1. Narayanan, A., Bonneau, J., Felten, E., Miller, A., and Goldfeder, S.
    Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies: A Comprehensive Introduction
    This text provides foundational understanding of blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and the broader technological ideas that inform Web3 ecosystems.
  2. Tapscott, D. and Tapscott, A.
    Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies is Changing the World
    This resource introduces learners to the transformative potential of blockchain and its implications for business, governance, and the digital economy.
  3. Antonopoulos, A. M.
    Mastering Bitcoin
    A useful foundational text for understanding the technical and conceptual logic behind blockchain-based systems that support Web3.
  4. Ethereum Foundation Resources
    Official educational material explaining Ethereum, smart contracts, decentralized applications, and the broader decentralized ecosystem.
  5. Web3 Foundation Educational Resources
    Introductory and ecosystem-based learning materials focused on decentralization, blockchain innovation, and the future of Web3.

Supplementary Resources

  1. Research articles and industry reports on Web3 adoption, decentralized finance, NFTs, DAOs, and digital governance
  2. Selected case studies on Web3 applications in finance, creator economy, digital identity, gaming, and online communities
  3. Official platform guides and introductory explainers from blockchain ecosystems and decentralized application networks
  4. Videos, webinars, and expert talks on emerging Web3 opportunities, challenges, and future pathways
  5. Curated digital readings on regulation, ethics, security, volatility, and real-world implementation of Web3 systems