Blockchain is a distributed, decentralized ledger (or database) used to store information electronically in a list of ordered records known as “blocks.” These blocks are shared across multiple computers via cryptography. Each block contains a cryptograph hash (a function that converts input data into fixed-size output), timestamp, and transaction data related to the previous block. The chain of blocks records transactions securely and protects against changes or alterations. Blockchain technology is gaining popularity in real estate, insurance, E-voting, government benefits, artist royalties, etc.
Free Blockchain Courses
There are several resources available using which you can learn more about the technology. Some potent and free Blockchain Courses have been mentioned below.
- Blockchain Basics by Great Learning
Blockchain Basics is a beginner-level course developed by Great learning that aims to empower newcomers with robust blockchain fundamentals. Initially, you will learn about essential concepts like cryptography, consensus mechanism, transaction mechanisms, etc. The course also features a blockchain ecosystem and its adoption process in industries. The course comprises real-world examples to make it more realistic and practical for the students.
After understanding the basics, if you wish to advance your skills in Blockchain and IoT, you can check out a comprehensive course on Advanced Software Engineering for Blockchain hosted by IIT Madras in collaboration with Great Learning.
Here is the link to sign up for the free course- Blockchain Basics
- “What is Blockchain?” On YouTube
YouTube is an excellent source for learning without paying vast sums of money. Even when it comes to learning such complex technological topics as blockchain, there are several short courses that you can find on YouTube. This YouTube video provides 3-4 hours of accessible course material discussing blockchain’s basics. The entire video tutorial is divided into three parts; the first describes blockchain, the second talks about the applications, and the third shows how it works. You will also learn about NFTs (non-fungible tokens), Web3 (a new iteration of WWW or the World Wide Web), smart contracts in Ethereum, and the blockchain metaverse.
Here is the link to the video tutorial- What is Blockchain?
- Enterprise Blockchain Fundamentals
After gaining a basic understanding of blockchain, you can proceed with more advanced courses that give you a real-world perspective on the technology. This free crash course will acquaint you with blockchain’s impact on your business with real-world examples from famous corporate practitioners’ interviews. The course’s primary objective is to empower entrepreneurs with all the necessary learning materials and resources to capitalize on business opportunities.
It will be an excellent place to start your blockchain journey if you want to gain valuable knowledge and revolutionize your business ecosystem.
Here is the link to sign up- Enterprise Blockchain Fundamentals
- Fundamentals of Blockchain and Bitcoin by Alison
Decentralized cryptocurrencies are gaining popularity lately, and most of it is credited to the use of blockchain. Blockchain technology features distribution and decentralization capabilities extensively applied in the cryptocurrency market. In this free online course, you will learn about the fundamental concepts of blockchain and its applications in Bitcoin. The course initially talks about the factors that reason in favor of blockchain technology. It discusses the benefits of Bitcoin as a cryptocurrency, its requisites, exchanges, wallets, and much more. The course provides a detailed explanation of the inner workings and guiding principles.
If you are interested in cryptocurrencies, you can start your journey by gaining a valuable understanding of what they are and how they work.
Here is the link to sign up- Fundamentals of Blockchain and Bitcoin
- Blockchain Technology by edX
This free online course on edX is specially designed for developers who want to learn about blockchain technology. It is developed at Berkeley in conjunction with experts from the Computer Science Department. In this course, you will learn about blockchain foundations with a mathematical approach. It covers topics like the CAP theorem, the Byzantine Generals problem, and many other mathematical concepts. The course also provides an overview of Bitcoin and its application of Blockchain. Toward the end of this course, you will learn about several enterprise-level implementations by companies like JP Morgan, Tendermint, and HyperLedger.
Here is the link to sign up- Blockchain Technology by edX
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- Introduction to Digital Currencies and Blockchain MOOC
This free blockchain program by the University of Nicosia is the first M.Sc course in digital currencies and blockchain technology. The MOOC (massive open online course) is taught by experts like Andreas Antonopoulos, Antonis Polemitis, and George Giaglis. It is a great place to start if you are interested in learning the technical overview of decentralized digital currencies like Bitcoin. Students will get hands-on experience with how blockchain works in the provision of financial services. Additionally, they will get credits for clearing mandatory graded activities along with the concluding essay-based examination.
Here is the link to sign up- MOOC: Introduction to Digital Currencies
- Ethereum Development Course
One of the most popular blockchain applications is Ethereum technology, a computing platform where developers can create and deploy applications decentrally. This course is developed at Berkeley under the guidance of leaders from Blockchain startups like Consensys, Virtue Poker, and BlockApps. The free course will teach Blockchain by helping you create a Hello World Blockchain Application within four modules.
The course is ideal for developers interested in DApps (decentralized apps) and seeking in-depth knowledge of the process. College students, practicing developers, or individuals interested in solidity concepts should try this free blockchain course.
Here is the link to sign up- Ethereum Development Course
- Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations.
Blockchain technology grew in tandem with Bitcoin and now forms the core of several other FinTechs. Today, many companies utilize blockchain for multiple applications in finance, logistics, insurance, etc. However, it is not easy to understand how to incorporate the technology. To get a clear picture of applications, this course aims to provide a general overview of the technical details and limitations of applying blockchain across your fintech application. In conclusion, the course will also brief you on the downsides of this technology in providing security against criminal activities. The course was developed and led by Professor Siu Ming Yiu at the University of Hong Kong.
Here is the link for Blockchain and FinTech: Basics, Applications, and Limitations.
Some Blockchain Courses by Coursera
Coursera is an online platform that offers online courses with a vision of providing “”life-transforming” learning experiences. Coursera has a full-fledged course on Blockchain Specialization that gives students a broad idea of essential blockchain concepts. This specialization comprises many sub-courses, some of which are:
- Blockchain Basics by Coursera
The University of Buffalo and The State University of New York have developed this course to include hashing techniques and cryptography foundations that form the foundation of blockchain programming. The course begins with defining blockchain and moves forward to Ethereum Blockchain as an application of the technology. You will also learn about the algorithms and techniques behind asymmetric key encryption, hashing, etc.
Here is the link to sign up- Blockchain Basics by Coursera
- Blockchain Platforms by Coursera
Blockchain Platforms is the fourth block of the Blockchain Specialization offered by Coursera. The course provides learners with a basic knowledge of a blockchain ecosystem on several platforms. You will learn about two detailed decentralized applications, Augur and Grid+. These applications will use Hyperledger blockchain architectures and service models to analyze the decentralized apps while discussing their privacy and scalability challenges. This course will thus help you to advance your blockchain knowledge in solving real-world problems.
Here is the link to sign up- Blockchain Platforms
