This initiative aims to introduce and advance African & LATAM students interested in Web3 to Stellar, bridging the knowledge gap and empowering students to utilize Stellar for projects in their communities. This proposal outlines our strategic approach to developing the learning environment, starting with an existing LMS and transitioning to a custom platform. This project was inspired by the success of the first Stellar Ambassador classes started by Nomad and taught by Ayomide.

Goals

1. Equip African & LATAM students with foundational and intermediate knowledge of Stellar technology.
2. Facilitate on-demand learning to ensure flexibility and accessibility.
3. Provide a tailored educational experience that addresses the unique challenges and opportunities within the African & LATAM region.

Team

Ayomide Adebara

Founding Instructor at Stellar West African Ambassadors Program. Blockchain Developer with 4+ years of experience in Rust, !nk, Ethereum, Solidity, Reth. B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Lagos.

Tobias Martin

Master’s student in Learning Design, Innovation & Technology at Harvard Graduate School of Education. President of Harvard Blockchain Education. 3+ years of experience in education technology consulting in the United States. B.S. in Political Science & Cognitive Science from Minerva University.

Problem Statement

Current Gaps in Stellar Education Efforts

The existing educational efforts for Stellar technology face several significant challenges that hinder the effective dissemination of knowledge and the engagement of students. These issues include:

Lack of Centralization:

• Scattered Resources: Educational resources and classes on Stellar are not centralized, making it difficult for students to find and access comprehensive learning materials in one place.
• Fragmented Platforms: Current efforts are spread across various platforms such as Google Meet, Discord, and other ad-hoc solutions, leading to inconsistency in the learning experience.

Inadequate Interactive Tools:

• Passive Learning: Many current educational efforts rely on traditional, lecture-based formats that do not leverage interactive tools to engage students actively.
• Limited Engagement: The absence of interactive features such as coding labs, quizzes, and project-based learning opportunities reduces student engagement and hands-on experience with Stellar technology.

Limited On-Demand Access:

• Scheduled Sessions: Most educational sessions are conducted live and are scheduled at specific times, which can be inconvenient for students with different time zones and schedules.
• No Anytime Access: There is a lack of on-demand learning opportunities that allow students to access educational content at their convenience, hindering continuous learning and engagement.

Accessibility Issues:

• Geographical Barriers: Students from different geographical locations face barriers in accessing live sessions due to time zone differences and connectivity issues.
• Resource Availability: There is a lack of comprehensive resources that are easily accessible to all students, regardless of their location or schedule.

Current Traction and Classes

Coding Classes

Phase 1: Using an Existing LMS

LMS Research

Why Start with an LMS?

• Immediate Access and Scalability: Platforms like Coursera and Canvas offer robust infrastructure, allowing us to quickly launch and reach a wide audience.