Category: Cryptocurrency

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Cryptocurrency Education

WEB3 in Education: What happens when we use DAO’s

What is WEB3

Web 3.0 (also known as web3) is the third iteration or version of the Internet that interconnects data in a decentralized way to deliver a faster and more personalized user experience. It offers a read/write/own version of the web, in which users have a financial stake in and more control over the web communities they belong to. Web3 promises to transform the experience of being online as dramatically as PCs and smartphones did. 

What’s the difference?

  • Web 1.0 is a read-only web where people can read information written on websites.
  • Web 2.0 is a read-write web where people can read and write content on websites and applications.
  • Web 3.0 is a read-write-interact web (powered by artificial intelligence) where people can read, write and interact with content, including 3D graphics, on websites and apps.
Web3

The key features of Web3 are:

  • Open – It’s ‘open’ in the sense that it’s made with open-source software developed by an open community of developers and in full view of the public.
  • Trustless – The network offers freedom to interact publicly and privately without an intermediary exposing them to risks.
  • Permissionless – Anyone, including users and providers, can engage without the need for permission from a controlling organization.
  • Ubiquitous – Web 3.0 will make the Internet available to all of us, at any time and from any location. At some point, Internet-connected devices will no longer be limited to computers and smartphones, as they are in web 2.0. Because of the IoT (Internet of Things), technology will enable the development of a multitude of new types of connected gadgets.

What is a DAO?

DAO, Decentralized Autonomous Organization, is formed when a group of people decide to abide by certain rules to meet common goals. These rules are written into codes of the organization on the blockchain. This gives the community voting rights for how the DAO is run.

What does this mean for Education?

Education system can use DAO’s in many ways.  They would be able to vote on critical decisions like curriculum, assessments, and allocation of budget. Everyone would need to think equally about the success of the school and the happiness of it’s population in order to continue operating.

ED3 DAO

Ed3 DAO is a global community reimagining education, with web3. The first DAO for educators, by educators.

I am excited to know a few other awesome connected educators, and excited that I will be attending the ED3 DAO UnConference in November!

Web3
The Ed3 Unconference is a virtual, gamified, learning & networking experience focused on web3, & contextualized for education.  

Discussions between innovators in web3 & experts in education about the utility (& risks) of blockchain, metaverse, NFTs, & cryptocurrency in education

Practical sessions on how the web3 ecosystem is impacting the workforce

Ideation & collaboration on the future of education
https://www.ed3dao.com/

There is so much happening in our society, so many changes and this is just the beginning of a transformation in education. I am so excited to be on this journey and learn more!

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Cryptocurrency

NFT 2022

In February I hosted a Crypto Art Series webinar that discussed what NFT’s are. We had a great turn out, and there were still more people who couldn’t make it that wanted to learn more!

Since there is a lot of hype around the NFT scene, and a lot of people are still unsure what it’s all about I am going to share a few slides from our webinar.

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token.

Non Fungible

A dollar is FUNGIBLE. A piece of art is NOT.

NFT

They do not have to be solely digital, and can represent ownership of physical property as well, such as real estate.

SMART CONTRACTS

Smart contracts are a way to verify that the transaction has been completed as written.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

UTILITY

NFT

There are MANY utilities for NFT’s. Collecting artwork is just one of them.

Look out for the next blog that will discuss how NFT’s fit into the art world.

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Cryptocurrency

Crypto Journey

I first heard about crypto with Bitcoin in 2013, when it was $40. It wasn’t until 2017 that I really got into studying it and developing an awareness of the totality of the blockchain technology.

The first step, as is for learning any new thing, was to do research.

Crypto Knowledge

My first crypto blog was written November 30th, 2017.

Since then I have written 14 blogs about the crypto space and blockchain technology. In December 2017 I wrote about how cryptos were being seen by the IRS and reminding everyone to view this new technology at the early stages…

This is important information… this is about being aware of what is going on, and be open to learning the new way now rather than later. Being at the beginning of the bell curve and taking advantage of this opportunity to stand in our own power and be self sovereign.

I began writing blogs about setting up cryptocurrency wallets, backing them up and keeping your information safe. I’ve touched on ICO’s, learning on Coinbase, stablecoins, Blockstack, and NFT’s.

With all of that said, I am definitely in a better place now financially than in 2017. Cryptocurrency has shifted the way I see money, and the way I interact with currency.

There is no doubt the market has grown exponentially, and will continue to grow as we are still in the adoption stage.

Crypto

I did a survey once and asked people 4 questions about cryptocurrency.

One question was, “How important is blockchain education?” 15 out of 16 people who answered the survey questions said it was important!

Another question was “Do you hold cryptocurrency?” 13 out of 16 said no.

So people think it’s important to learn about, and can see it has promise, but they do not understand it enough to invest in it.

That is why doing the research is the first step. Understanding information is always key to doing new things.

Blockchain technology is here to stay, its already implemented in so many ways, and cryptocurrency doesn’t seem to be going any where anytime soon. The market cap went from 900 million in 2013 to its current value at 2.6 trillion. That is a 288,789% increase in 8 years.

Get off Zero

The amount of money I invested in the past 5 years has grown exponentially, (and it was not a massive amount of money). Some of that investment went into fees, creating NFT’s, and business transactions. It has also went into things for my family such as a new puppy, tractor, and home improvements. I can say without a doubt, getting into cryptocurrency has been the best investment I have made.

https://twitter.com/bitcoingraffiti

Even the astrology speaks of how there is a huge financial transformation happening. There are even TikTok users who are using astrology to read whats happening with the crypto market.

Lately there has been so much talk about how our world is adopting cryptocurrency! From other countries using bitcoin, to President Biden writing an executive order for our government to research into creating our own US central bank digital currency!

This is the time to get off zero… if you are interested in taking the first step we would like to talk to you. We want to assist those who are interested in learning and actually investing in their future.

I truly believe that others should get off zero and begin to invest in this new technology and the financial shift that is currently taking place. I would love to use what I have learned and my journey to help others thrive!

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Cryptocurrency

The Currency of Crypto

I began my journey into the crypto currency world in 2017. I heard about it back in 2013, when it was $40, but I did not get involved. Though it was interesting, I didn’t feel like I had the time to get involved and learn about it.

In 2017 I began to see finance and currency a little differently. My relationship with money had been shifting from a poverty mindset, full of lack and fear…To a mindset that money is a direct representation of our personal level of trust in the abundance that the universe has waiting for us. I say waiting because everything we can imagine already exists and is simply waiting for us to tune in to the frequency of receiving it!

New Dawn

I had to really study the blockchain technology to help me feel more comfortable when setting up my first wallet or making my first purchase, or trade!

After I realized that this was a technology shift, and it was simply in the beginning stages… I began to pay more attention and feel more comfortable. I always tell my students the more you do something the easier it gets. So I created a few wallets, and purchased tokens on exchanges. These experiences really helped me to feel empowered, as I began to take back my financial sovereignty.

I truly see blockchain technology as the beginning of a new dawn. A new era in the digital and financial pillars of our time. I find it super important to also mention that the astrology of these times is one of a great financial shift.

When I realized this is a change in the structures as we know it, I dived right in to learning about this new technology. Even with the anxiety, I knew I just needed to push through and keep going.

FOMO and Anxiety

My first trade was nerve racking… do I trade now or wait for the price to go down!? What happens if I buy it now and the prices does go down!?

The first time I sent money to another wallet caused even more anxiety. What if I put the address in wrong? The coins could end up in some random wallet!

What if I lose my private key, or my private passcode? What if the app gets uninstalled or something and I can’t recover my wallet or coins?

All of these questions flooded my mind in the beginning. But the more I worked with the technology and understood how to store my information, and how to double check my work the easier it got.

The Fear Of Missing Out is totally normal at first. We have been so programmed to FEAR not having enough. Programed to keep what we have “safe.” But when the world is seen as a place of abundance, you always have enough. When we hold on to something it becomes stagnant and no longer flowing with energy. Currency is meant to flow. The current gives and takes. Now when I trade or send currency, that anxious feeling doesn’t overwhelm me…. It simply helps to remind me to slow down and be mindful.

A little goes a long way

My investment strategy has been to simply buy in. There is no need to have large sums of money before one invests. Since it is a matter of long term financial revolution… its about more than just a get rich quick strategy. This is a technology adoption, there are going to be major players in the game who will get involved to build the foundation. Like any adoption plan, there are stages… and we are in the early stages of adoption.

I have had exponential growth over the past 5 years with this awareness. My partner has spot on analysis of the market and the shift. He has researched and aligned so many data points along the way, which have assisted us in the selection of where to allocate funds.

Knowing that the universe is aligned with me has allowed me to let go of the FOMO and the poverty mindset. I have been able to overcome those programs to shift my mindset towards the flow of currency in my life.

Alignment

Currency

Aligning your mindset with one of receptivity, allows the universe to show up in the most improbable ways! We begin to allow things to unfold, rather than create resistance to receiving by putting limitations on what we wish to receive. Sometimes when we think we want one thing, it’s really just a step in the direction of the true desires we have. But sometimes we do not know that desire even exists until something else shows it to us.

Action rewards truth… when we take action on our truths the universe rewards us. When we push through even when we feel unsure, we are choosing to manifest our true desires.

Use this link to sign up for Coinbase if you haven’t yet!

https://www.coinbase.com/join/valent_js6

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Cryptocurrency

Meta vs. Uni – Verse

Meta – comes from the greek word for ‘with, across, or after’.

Uni – comes from the latin word for one

Verse – comes from the latin word for to turn.

Universe – One to turn, or to turn one.

Metaverse – To turn with, which implies other.

Meta – With

Interesting how Facebook has coined the term Meta. Which means denoting a change of position or condition. This essentially is referring to the idea of that which is the other. In order to be WITH something that must mean you are separating yourself from it. The word WITH comes from the greek word for opposite.

I like the term Metaverse as a description for how existence is experiencing life. We are doing it with each other, but also at the same time within our own universe.

To me it’s most easily seen in the balance of the infinity symbol. The x in the middle and the circles on the ends.

How can we see the coming shift in technology as a tool to be utilized to assist us in living our best and most fullest lives, while at the same time staying grounded and continuing to make authentic connections with one another and our planet.

The duality is that in order for existence to be, there must always be the space between here and there. It’s how we choose to perceive that duality that makes this experience heaven or hell.

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Art Cryptocurrency

Artist Grant Opportunity

Projects

One day I visited I-ron-ic Cafe with my family for brunch and I met David Smith, co-owner of the café! He was such a wonderful host. Through conversation while waiting for our order he shared that the Cultural Alliance of York County had an artist grant opportunity!

Artist Grant with CAYC

Artist Grant

Founded in 1999, the Cultural Alliance of York County is South Central Pennsylvania’s only United Arts Fund. Over the past 20 years, they’ve invested more than $10.4 million in essential arts groups that bring arts and culture to life for thousands of residents of York County. 

Funded in partnership with the Loucks-Bose and Langione Funds of the York County Community Foundation, the purpose of the Artist Professional Development Grants is to provide artists with funding to pursue opportunities which will advance their creative practice and further their career.

2021 Quarter 2 Artist Grant Recipient

My proposal was based on moving myself forward as an artist by stepping into the digital art world through NFT’s, and creating a curriculum to teach others about the future of art in a global economy. I am super excited about this project!

So far I have two NFT’s uploaded to Rarible, and am in the process of making more of my pieces digital to upload! I have many ideas about series of work, as well as work that unlocks special content once purchased. Now that I have been awarded this grant, I am able to purchase tools that will help me be more time efficient when creating digital art!

NFT Blockchain Curriculum

With all new things, comes new learning… and the best place to start is with our youth! This is the future, and I believe in the importance of setting up our youth for success by teaching them about the art world.

People all over the world are talking about NFT art and how the artworld is taking over the blockchain. The time is now.

All change starts with Art!

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Cryptocurrency Art Most Popular

NFT Art

Spirituality in Art Education

There is so much hype going on around the NFT art scene.

An artist that goes by BEEPLE sold one of his NFT art collections at Christies auction for $69 million, the first time ever a digital work of art was sold at Christies!

NFT Art by BEEPLE

Kings of Leon released their newest album as an NFT with special perks, generating over 2 million in sales.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will sell NFTs of digital artwork. “The Museum of Mahomes,” will launch March 17 on the digital art market MakersPlace.  Mahomes will donate part of the proceeds to his foundation called 15 and the Mahomies as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs in Missouri.

So what is NFT art?

NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token… A unique digital file stored on a digital ledger called a blockchain. NFTs are not mutually interchangeable and thus are not fungible. An NFT is created by uploading a file, such as an artwork, to an NFT auction market.

Basically, it is a smart contract that is put together using bits of open source code, which anyone can find from platforms like GitHub, and used to secure that digital item. Then minted, or permanently published, into a token on a blockchain, like Ethereum.

Some sites you can use to mint an NFT are:

Any digital asset that the creator wants to make unique can become an NFT, like articles or event tickets.

Once the NFT is purchased, the owner has the digital rights to resell, distribute or license the digital asset as they please. The creator can program code for how it gets used, and write in any extra bonus’ for the purchaser. NFT creators also have the opportunity to earn royalties off of future reselling transactions.

Things to consider

So there are many uncharted territories when it comes to this digital crypto reality. There are many questions about the carbon foot print of minting an NFT, this is because cryptocurrencies and blockchain are run through an algorithm called Proof-of-Work (PoW). Things in the blockchain world are shifting and changing fast! Proof-of-Stake is happening soon.

Proof-of-Stake (PoS) concept states that a person can mine or validate block transactions according to how many coins he or she holds. This means that the more Bitcoin or altcoin owned by a miner, the more mining power he or she has.

This uses less energy, but it also allows those who hold THE MOST coins to have more power. This is less decentralized then PoW, however there are benefits that we must allow to out-weight the cons, because this is not going away. Blockchain technology is the new digital paradigm. Just like our current system was the new paradigm to the “founding fathers”.

So yeah NFT’s are like collecting digital baseball cards, and are selling for extremely high prices to people who have the crypto to buy them.

But artists can also use NFT’s to create rare one of a kind pieces for their patrons. For example, an image of an actual painting can be sold as an NFT, and with the token the purchaser receives the actual painting. Some artists are also adding bonus’ to the purchase, where you receive a video of the work being created! I really like how artists are adapting to this technology and making it work for them and their patrons!

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Cryptocurrency Divine I Am Earth Education Existence Green Lifestyle Most Popular

For the First time…

All Maryland public schools will be closed from Monday March 16th until March 27th because of the coronavirus.

As of this moment, we will not have to teach for those two weeks. However they mentioned that we will have to use our spring break time to make it up.

This is the first time something like this has happened to me, as I am sure its a first for many. We are history in the making.

So to keep track of my experience with this virus, I thought I would write about it.

Students are aware of a lot of information about the virus. They have researched, watched and listened to information about it. A lot of students mention to me that they didn’t understand the hysteria around it. While there were a few who voiced their anxiety about it.  Most students were excited by the idea of getting out of school, and being apart of something so… historical.  They even shared information that in every decade in the 20th year, there was some type of pandemic! The black plague, spanish flu, and now the coronavirus.

Most of my friends online have expressed concern for the elderly and the sick, however they also do not understand the hype. Why are people purchasing all of the toilet paper? We went to the grocery store and the toilet paper was all gone, as were all of the cleaning supplies!  Those were the only two things missing on the shelves.

I also want to mention that the stock market is crashing, and people are promoting using digital platforms to help eliminate spread of the virus. There could be a correlation between the idea of money spreading the virus and the use of digital platforms as a financial solution.  Though cryptocurrency is also tanking… at this moment, it is down to $5k.

So as I prepare for my last day of school tomorrow before our 2 week closure, I want to remind you, change is inevitable… so just breathe.

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Cryptocurrency Education Most Popular

Financial Service Innovation

Crypto

The other day I went to PNC bank to make a wire transfer*.

This blog is about my experience and how it relates to technology innovation.

First off, I had to take off of work early to get to PNC before they closed at 4pm.  The closest branch was about 5 miles away. Once I arrived at the bank I met with an associate who assisted me in the process.

The visit took a total of 30 mins or so, from the time I sat down to the time I left the building.  To begin, I had to have the account and routing number of the bank the transfer was going to, as well as the person’s name and address. The associate input the information and had me visually and verbally verify that it was typed correctly.  He then printed out the information receipt, which was 2 pages stapled together, and had me read over the printed receipt to check once more.

The transaction also has a fee of $30 for an outgoing domestic transfer.

It takes about 2 hours for the transfer to be sent and arrive in the recipient’s account.

I mention all of this, because time and energy are currency.

All of this affirms the importance of blockchain technology education, so we might learn and know how to manage our finances for ourselves!

To be financially stable and secure is something we work for our whole lives.  A lot of times people find their stability in the forms of entities outside themselves, and this happens for many reasons; whether it’s time, energy, money, or the lack thereof. If you are not interested in learning to use it yourself, you should at least be aware of its implications and talk to someone who might be able to assist you in diversifying your investments and take back control of your funds.

So, lets say this transaction was performed using blockchain technology.

The amount of time, energy and currency needed to fully complete the task would be far less than 30 mins; that’s if both parties had all accounts set up and active. 

A blockchain transaction could look one of two ways:

  1. Recipient requests funds from their wallet to your wallet address which you have provided to them. Sender then confirms transaction to transfer funds.
  2. Sender acquires recipients wallet address, logs into their wallet and sends funds to the recipients wallet address.

These two types of transactions cost no more than $10, and the average transaction time is .65 seconds.

As I sat in the bank, I realized how much currency I could save to refocus into things I have a passion to do, like painting or doing henna.

So, later that day I was using my PNC mobile account and I noticed that I could transfer money via Zelle.  I created an account and transferred some funds, when I realized… ITS ALREADY HERE.  Zelle is basically blockchain technology, with a user friend interface, and regulated by PNC. The downfall is that there is a limit to how much money you can send in a transaction depending on your account type.

I realize now how important it is to share my experiences and learning with my community.  Time is currency! Begin learning more about what’s changing with our financial system, and blockchain technology here, or contact me to talk!

 

*wire transfers are necessary when your bank has a limit on how much you can transfer, and usually for larger amounts.

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Cryptocurrency Education Existence Most Popular

Blockstack

34bbbdca-d34e-11e6-9a58-36e20491ed15-750x422.png

We believe in a future where the rights you enjoy in the physical world extend to the digital world.

However, the rules of today’s web browsers and apps were written by the large internet companies responsible for violating our rights.

We’re building an app ecosystem that works for users, not against them, so that apps can’t be evil and your digital rights are protected.

 

Blockstack is a blockchain-based, decentralized internet platform where users completely own and control their data, and the network apps that may use the data are run locally on the user’s browser. A compatible browser is sufficient to access everything on Blockstack.

Imagine not having to upload data on an external site like Facebook or on an app like WhatsApp, and yet being able to share it with friends and other users.

Blockstack enables this by offering an all new internet platform, where all decentralized apps are run locally on the user’s browser, and users continue to own their data (text, images, videos, and files).

Using the power of blockchain, a Blockstack user gets digital keys to create their identity on the Blockstack network. User data can be stored locally or connected to his/her storage hosting providers, allowing the user to retain full control.

Sharing of content is achieved through a secure and encrypted medium. The Blockstack network supports tokens like bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies and are available for peer-to-peer transfer or charging for downloads, subscriptions, and more.

Blockstack is also in the preregistration stages of releasing their own token. Stacks (STX) token is the native utility token of the Blockstack network. Stacks tokens are consumed as “fuel” when users register digital assets, like usernames, or when they register/execute smart contracts. Using Stacks, developers can build and distribute apps that let users maintain ownership of their data and protect their digital rights.

This has promise and sounds like the beginning of a new direction for the way we use the internet!