In today’s digital age, the pace of technological advancement is accelerating, and understanding these innovations is crucial for all, and most especially, the next generation. At THIRDINTERNET, we are a group of young individuals dedicated to educating and empowering high school students to embrace the transformative potential of Web3 and blockchain technology.
Our mission is clear: to simplify these advanced concepts and make them accessible to the next generation, while highlighting the vast career opportunities available in this space and equipping them with the necessary skills to onboard them on-chain.
The adoption of Web3 technology among the younger generation has been very slow. This lag is primarily due to the complexities surrounding blockchain technology and a general lack of understanding of its real-life applications and benefits. Many high school students remain unaware of how Web3 can impact their future careers and the world at large.
At THIRDINTERNET, we are bridging this knowledge gap by simplifying Web3 and blockchain technology. We aim to ensure that young minds can easily grasp and engage with these concepts. Additionally, we emphasize the advantages of building on Base, a robust ecosystem within the Web3 space, to showcase the benefits and opportunities that lie ahead.
During our in-real-life events (IRL) aimed at sensitizing high school students about Web3, we encountered a number of significant challenges:
Limited Access to Internet and Computers: This was a major problem across most schools. Schools lacked adequate internet connectivity and computer resources, hindering students from fully participating in most internet related activities.
Varied Levels of Technological Knowledge: The high school students we engaged with had different levels of familiarity with technology. While some were proficient with computers and the internet, others were not. This disparity made it a bit challenging to come up with sessions that were comprehensible to all students.
Time Constraints: Our session coincided with the students’ final exams, limiting the time available for our sessions. The school management could only allocate short periods for our activities, forcing us to streamline our content and focus on the most crucial concepts.
Skepticism Around Blockchain and Crypto: We noticed that there were skepticism around terms like “blockchain” and “crypto”, which made it challenging to engage some students and educators fully.
Despite these challenges, THIRDINTERNET has made significant progress in achieving our mission. Here are the solutions we have put in place:
In-real-life (IRL) Educational sessions: We organized educational sessions in two different schools, engaging over 300 students. During these sessions, we simplified Web3 concepts and highlighted the career opportunities within the Web3 space. We also emphasized the benefits of building on the Base. These events were well-received, and we presented certificates of participation to each students.
Idea Sessions: Following the IRL sensitization, we held idea sessions where students shared their onchain project ideas, feel free to check out some of the videos here. This interactive approach captured the interest of both students and teachers. Students proposed innovative projects such as digitalizing comics, building educational apps, and creating decentralized medical apps. Even a biology teacher showed interest in incorporating Web3 into her work.
E-library Development: To ensure continuous learning, we built an e-library where students can access books and resources. This e-library can be accessed via email, phone number, or a smart wallet, providing multiple entry points and ensuring that students are onboarded on-chain.
Moving forward, THIRDINTERNET aims to establish Web3 student extracurricular clubs in high schools. These clubs will provide a platform for students to learn the basics of Web3 and blockchain technology and get involved in basic Web3 activities. By fostering their basic education and exposing them to evolving technologies, we hope to prepare them for the future.
We are also participating in the ongoing on-chain summer buildathon sponsored by Base, where we continue to build and expand our community. Our efforts have already reached over 300 students, and we are committed to scaling our impact even further.
In conclusion, THIRDINTERNET is at the forefront of bridging the gap between the younger generation and the world of Web3. By simplifying complex concepts, highlighting career opportunities, and providing continuous learning resources, we are empowering the next generation to embrace and thrive in the Web3 space. Our journey has just begun, and we are excited about the future and the positive impact that lies ahead.
Website: https://thirdinternet.xyz/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethirdinternet/
Twitter: https://x.com/grammyboy_
Farcaster: https://warpcast.com/thirdinternet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThirdInternet
Zora: https://zora.co/@thirdinternet
Dework (Web3 for dummies Opensource contribution): https://app.dework.xyz/web-3-for-dummies