217: Unlocking Web3 Talent: Pauline Cohen on Polkadot Blockchain Academy and the Future of Education

Web3 with Sam Kamani

In this episode of Web3 with Sam Kamani, I speak with Pauline Cohen, the visionary behind the Polkadot Blockchain Academy (PBA). With a career spanning giants like Coursera, Pauline brings her expertise in education to Web3, addressing the massive gap in blockchain talent.

We dive deep into:✅ How PBA is creating world-class blockchain developers for Polkadot and beyond.✅ The challenges of online education and strategies to boost completion rates.✅ Why more women aren’t entering Web3 development—and how to change that.✅ AI’s role in personalized learning and the future of blockchain education.✅ The next big steps for Web3 education and PBA’s vision for inclusivity and accessibility.

Whether you’re a developer, a lifelong learner, or simply curious about Web3 education, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the future of blockchain learning.

Key Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Pauline Cohen and the Polkadot Blockchain Academy.

[00:01:00] The Origins of PBA:

• Why and how Polkadot Blockchain Academy was created.

• The need for high-quality blockchain education.

[00:04:00] Lessons from Web2 Education:

• Pauline’s experience at Coursera and how it shaped PBA.

• The importance of combining academic rigor with scalable solutions.

[00:07:00] Addressing Completion Rates:

• Why online courses often struggle with low engagement.

• PBA’s approach to fostering community and peer learning.

[00:11:00] Challenges in Web3 Education:

• How to make blockchain more accessible for non-technical learners.

• Bridging the gender gap in Web3 development.

[00:18:00] AI’s Role in Education:

• How personalized AI tutors could revolutionize learning.

• Why human interaction remains key to effective education.

[00:24:00] PBA’s Future Vision:

• Expanding blockchain education across industries.

• Building learning pathways for diverse audiences, from developers to marketers.

[00:30:00] Call to Action:

• Opportunities to join PBA online or in person.

• Collaborating with universities and communities to bring blockchain education worldwide.

Connect

https://polkadot.academy/

https://www.linkedin.com/school/polkadot-blockchain-academy/

https://x.com/academypolkadot

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauline-cohen-vorms-41710310/

https://x.com/PaulineVorms

Disclaimer

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