What Is Web 3.0 — and Why Should Educators Care?

4 min readSep 2, 2022

The term “Web 3.0” refers to the newest iteration of the World Wide Web. Tim Berners-Lee first introduced the term “Web 1.0” in 1989, which only allowed users to read the information provided by content creators.

The second version, Web 2.0, included dynamic pages with blog posts, social media, and user-generated content. This post will teach you about Web 3.0 and why educators should care about it. Continue reading for more information!

What Is Web 3.0 Specifically?

The third version of the World Wide Web is currently being built by a community of developers and companies worldwide. The goal is to create a more decentralized internet where internet users control their data and earn from their content. Web 3.0 is a natural progression of the current internet, but with a focus on security, privacy, and scalability. It is an open-source, decentralized web that uses the blockchain to store data instead of large centralized servers.

Web 3.0 Crypto: The Role of Blockchain

Blockchain is the foundation of Web3.0, and Web3.0 is built upon decentralized systems. It is the technology backed by cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. But what does that mean? How do tokens fit into this picture? Let us explain. Bitcoin is the most well-known form of cryptocurrency and uses decentralized blockchain technology. There are about 2,500 distinct varieties of tokens, each serving a slightly different function.

Web 3.0 tokens are essential because they enable decentralized applications, which facilitate communication without requiring participants to have faith in their counterparts. Not only is it expected to become the foundation for the next generation of the internet, but it’s also rapidly being adopted by industries outside finance.

Particularly, the education industry has taken notice. Whether it’s colleges hosting online courses or universities offering blockchain-based degrees, the use of blockchain in education is picking up pace. Websites and apps can accept token payments. Tokens are platform or network-specific digital currency. They can be used for purchases, content access, and reward programs.

The Learn to Earn project clearly explains tokens or blockchain applications in education. The Boomco app allows students to earn LER tokens by completing post-lesson quizzes. LER tokens also can be used to access educational resources, including online courses or videos in the future.

Why Educators Should Care About Web 3.0

The Web 3.0 movement is a grassroots effort to push the internet toward a decentralized model. This benefits educators because it will create a more open and democratic internet that many people worldwide can access.

In Web 3.0, tokens will replace the dollar. And there will be no third party in the exchange of money and no central authority that controls the currency, which increases transparency and accuracy.

As blockchain is the backbone of Web 3.0, it does help improve education. Here are a couple of reasons why.

1. More affordable and accessible education

With tokens and a marketplace for learning, anyone can earn tokens by learning and use those tokens to buy educational courses for less money.

2. Autonomy, flexibility, and portability of education

You can use tokens to get an education in your own time, at your own pace, and from any device connected to the internet. You can also quickly transfer your tokens to other people or use them to buy education from another provider.

Key Takeaway

Web 3.0, also called “Web 3,” is the third generation of web technologies. The web, which is also called the World Wide Web, is the base layer of how the internet is used. It provides services for websites and apps.

Find out more about the role of Learn to Earn on the web through our website.