We were lucky to catch up with Learwinson Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.
Learwinson, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s start with a hypothetical – what would you change about the educational system?
As I am an educator and enthusiast in the spaces of web3, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and metaverse , I see so much potential in integrating STEM programs and curriculums that focus on these topics into the education system. My passion for this comes with the fact that as a student growing up in the education system I found that the access to vital information regarding the tech space and financial literacy wasn’t readily available, especially for students like myself who are of minority communities. In order to successfully serve the need to integrate these things into education, I think the concepts of curricular design, teacher training, infrastructure and resources, project based learning, and collaboration/partnerships should be the main focuses used.
For the concept of curricular design it will be important to focus on developing a comprehensive curriculum that introduces students to the fundamentals of web3, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse. Educators would be responsible for starting with basic concepts and gradually progress to more advanced topics.
For the concept of teacher training it will be important to focus on providing specialized training to educators as professional development. This will allow for the ability to ensure each educator has been given access have a deep understanding of the subject matter. This will also enable educators to effectively teach and guide students in these emerging fields.
When it comes to infrastructure and resources, it will be important to equip schools with the necessary technology, software, and tools to facilitate hands-on learning experiences. Hands on learning for all of the material being covered will give practice, and first hand experience to what
Is being taught. This may include access to things such as blockchain platforms, virtual reality (VR) tools, augmented (AR) tools and coding programs.
For the concept of project-based learning there should be an emphasis on learning that encourages students to have real world applications of their knowledge and skills. Assignments and learning through this concept could include things such as developing decentralized applications (DApps), creating virtual worlds, or designing blockchain-based solutions for real-world problems..
The final concept is the use of collaboration and partnerships. Fostering collaborations and partnerships with industry professionals, technology companies, and blockchain startups can provide opportunities for first hand learning experiences and potential mentorship opportunities, internships, and other forms of exposure. This is all connected to real-world applications of the concepts they are learning, so it will continue to cultivate bringing everything full circle and making it understandable.
Overall integrating these topics into the education system provides several opportunities. The first opportunity is the advancement of creativity. Students will be educated and encouraged to think innovatively, as they explore the potential of web3, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse. This promotes creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, essential for future careers.
The next opportunity is the development of employable skill sets. Students will be able to gain practical skills such as blockchain development, smart contract programming, virtual world creation, and cryptocurrency management. These skills align with the growing demand for expertise in these areas, increasing their employability in relevant industries.
The final opportunity that is provided is future proofing students. Through future proofing the preparation students receive allows them to be prepared and competent for emerging technologies of the future. This opportunity allows the education system to ensure students, staff, and parents are adaptable and equipped to navigate a rapidly evolving space. Future proofing also enhances job readiness in long-term career areas.
Overall, integrating STEM programs and curriculums that focus on web3, blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the metaverse into the education system empowers students with valuable knowledge, practical skills, and the ability to thrive in the digital age.
Learwinson, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
In my professional background, I have focused on giving back to communities through nine years of working various roles in areas that include youth development, servant leadership, family/community engagement, and behavior support. Currently, I serve as a Student and Staff Support for a alternative school located in Springfield, Ohio. In addition to my professional background, I have spent the last four years studying, learning, and building in the areas of blockchain, financial literacy, and generational mindset development. In 2020 I become the Co-Founder and a Host of one of the hottest shows, Rap N’ Crypto! Rap N’ Crypto. This show was created as a platform to teach music artists and various other communities the power of financial literacy, with a heavy focus on new-age technologies, risk management, and vehicles of positive change. Rap N’ Crypto airs live every Wednesday night at 9 pm. While helping to build the Rap N’ Crypto platform, I also helped to Co-Found a group called The Banker$ Club. This group was created with the intention of providing opportunities to educate and share programs that inform about asset acquisition, asset protection, and using leverage to create generational change.
As a result of my journey as a co-host on RapNCrypto and my passion for learning and growing in new-age technologies, I was brought on as a Master Teacher and partner with Pennies 2 Gold (P2G) Networks. Through P2G Networks, I am able to help provide opportunities for networking, financial literacy, web3, and blockchain education. Through P2G, I also work to help build employable skills via workshops and programs that promote education surrounding wealth building for all ages. Notably, one of the weekly programs P2G produces and sponsors is Rap N’ Crypto.
The experience of investing and educating in the blockchain space has allowed me to be pushed to work towards goals I once thought would be only an idea. With the skills, I developed, combined with my love and interest in sneakers, I was able to become the Co-Founder of the brand called UniqueSneakerFreak. UniqueSneakerFreak is a sneaker collectables brand that caters to those who have a love for sneakers. What originally started off as just as t-shirt brand has now expanded with three different seasonal lines of merchandise and has created various NFT collectables.
Any advice for managing a team?
Being able to manage a team is hard work. Managing a team and maintaining high morale is ever more critical for building a successful business. You have to remember that maintaining high morale is an ongoing effort, so you must continuously assess the pulse of your team, gather feedback, and adapt your approach accordingly. By implementing different strategies you can build a motivated and engaged team that drives the success of the business.
Having open and effective communication is a key. The team must regularly share updates, goals, and challenges with each other. Create and environment that thrives from two-way communication, and actively listening to ideas and concerns. Setting guidelines that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and goals for each team member is another key. This approach provides clarity and allows each member of the team to understand their expected contributions to the overall business.
Acknowledging and appreciating your team’s achievements is important in order to boost team morale. Be sure to celebrate milestones, success, and outstanding performance. This can be done through public recognition, personalized emails, or small rewards. Great morale creates a positive and inclusive work culture where team members feel valued and supported. Encourage collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect. Encourage autonomy and involve team members in decision-making processes whenever possible. The idea is to foster a sense of ownership and empower individuals to contribute their ideas.
With great morale and engagement in place it’s then time to invest in the growth and development of your team members. Be sure to offer training, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement, because it will show that you value their professional growth and can lead to increased satisfaction.
Last but certainly not least, please recognize the importance of promoting a positive work-life balance and encouraging your team to prioritize their health and well-being. Show understanding and empathy towards personal needs and challenges. This is a high quality practice that can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I have found it challenging to convey how critical and urgent being knowledgeable in blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3 truly is, based on the times we currently live in. Not everyone is ready to hear certain messages, and not everyone is able to have messages delivered to them the same way as others. When you add on the large amounts of misinformation surrounding cryptocurrency, blockchain, and Web3, the challenge to educate is great, but the need for the education is even greater! My personal experience with all that I have encountered helps me to be able to convey the understanding that things like balance, patience, and resilience will be necessary when interacting in these spaces.
Finding balance in investing is crucial for long-term success. Like many investors, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of the market. There have been instances where I gained a significant amount, only to see it diminish just as quickly. It was a valuable lesson and it is still a continuous learning process, but by having balance with a heavy focus on being disciplined , you can navigate the ups and downs of the market and increase your chances of long-term success. There is also the requirement of balance and discipline, in order to appropriately understand risk and reward. While it’s tempting to chase high returns, it’s essential to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations and reduce the risk of losing everything in a single investment.
Patience is another key virtue in investing. Markets can be volatile, and short-term fluctuations are common. It’s important to resist the urge to make impulsive decisions based on temporary market trends. Instead, focus on your long-term investment goals and have faith in the power of compounding returns over time.
Although all of the things dealing with a consistency in balance and patience shows a form of resilience, the idea of understanding resilience as a concept of it’s own is crucial when facing setbacks. Losses are a part of investing, and it’s important not to let them discourage you. Instead, view them as learning opportunities and adjust your investment strategy accordingly. By staying resilient, you can bounce back from losses and continue pursuing your positive and achievable goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://p2gnetworks.com/services/ola/services/consumer-to-custodian
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- Twitter: Twitter.com/rapncrypto
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@P2GNETWORKSTV?si=KrjdshoViB-uL96U
- Other: https://www.muse.place/blackhistorymuseum https://www.spatial.io/s/Tap-In-With-Rap-N-Crypto-6420e896701e44cfac87be0e?share=4926682065080607483