
A blockchain is a distributed database (often called a distributed ledger) that stores records in time-ordered “blocks.”
Consensus is how nodes agree on the next valid block.
• Proof of Work (PoW): miners compete using computing power to solve a cryptographic puzzle; the winner proposes a block, and others verify it. This is energy‑intensive but time‑tested.
• Proof of Stake (PoS): validators lock (‘stake’) tokens to earn the right to propose/attest blocks. Misbehaviour can result in ‘slashing’ the stake. PoS reduces hardware and energy requirements.
• Proof of Authority (PoA): pre‑approved validators (often in private/consortium networks) sign blocks, trading openness for throughput.
• Others you may encounter include Proof of Burn and Proof of Capacity, which adjust the resource being committed to secure the chain.
Understanding the life of a transaction clarifies why blockchains are called ‘trustless.’ The typical flow is...
Smart contracts are programs deployed to a blockchain that run exactly as coded once their conditions are met.
But there are so many coins and platforms... where do I start?
Common Misconceptions in Blockchain include...
Case Study —Peer‑to‑Peer Payment:
Scenario: You owe a contractor overseas $500. Using a bank transfer entails high fees and multi‑day settlement.
Blockchain Steps...
In simple terms, what did we learn...
Every action—send, swap, approve, mint, list an NFT—is a transaction or a signature request. Key signing patterns...
But remember.... ‘Addresses’ aren’t universal across ecosystems. Sending an asset to an incompatible network can make it unrecoverable.
A wallet stores and uses keys. Your private key authorises transactions; your public key/address receives assets.
Most user wallets are hierarchical deterministic (HD) wallets—one seed phrase (12–24 words) that can deterministically derive many private keys. This matters because...
Custodial wallets (e.g., exchange accounts) hold keys for you.
Self‑custodial wallets give you the keys.
So... which is better for you?
How to Create a Hot Wallet...
How to Setup a Hardware Wallet...
Tip: Always refer to the Instructions as per the installation/onboarding process through the respective App, as steps may change over time by the provider.
Case 1—Phishing via Sponsored Search Result...
Case 2—Unlimited DEX Approval Exploited...
Case 3—Device Loss While Travelling...
Case 4—SME Treasurer Resigns...
You now have a practical framework for secure custody...
In Unit 3 we’ll put wallets to work in centralised and decentralised use cases—buying through a compliant on‑ramp, interacting with dApps, and understanding everyday spending options.
Tip: It is highly recommended to go through Unit 2 again and covering this topic inside and out. The number of digital assets lost due to misplacing keys, secret phrases, scams or not having the right knowledge, would be worth tens if not hundreds of billions of dollars at today’s value.
There is no single ‘correct’ path; each option has trade‑offs...
Use a decision lens to determine what is best for your needs: compliance requirements, transaction size, speed needed, counterparty trust, total fees, and feature availability (e.g., specific tokens only on DEX)...
Typical flow...
Good practice...
Off-Ramping from a Hot Wallet to a Centralised Exchange...
Typical flow...
Safeguards...
Non‑custodial wallets enable you to hold value and interact with dApps directly...
Crypto‑linked cards and payment products convert crypto to fiat at the point of sale. Always consider:
Source of funds (self‑custody vs exchange wallet).
Fees and FX spread.
Settlement speed and card network reliability.
Tax implications of disposing digital assets on spend.
Best practice...
In this course, we use Ether.Fi due its simplicity as a VISA debit card, which allows you to spend as a digital asset.
Journey A—CEX → Self‑Custody → Spend...
Journey B—Self‑Custody → DEX Swap → Vault...
To summarise...
In Unit 4, we’ll focus on security in the wild—spotting scams, reading contracts, and staying resilient.
Threats, Scams and Fraud unfortunately are some of the biggest issues facing almost every industry in today's landscape - blockchain and digital assets are no exception.
These are some of the most common instances to be aware of, though the list is non-exhaustive...
So now we know some of the most common attacks that see millions, if not billions of dollars worth of digital assets stolen through a range of activities; how do we respond to it?
Besides only contacting the official Cyber Security Centre in your jurisdiction, there are additional techniques and resources to follow if you have been or fear being a victim of a scam or fraud...
Remember - using the above techniques does not prevent the need to contact your Cyber Security Centre in your jurisdiction, to report an issue.
Case 1—The ‘Restore Your Wallet’ Scam...
Case 2—Malicious NFT Airdrop...
Case 3—Exchange Lockout After SIM Swap...
Case 4—Company Multisig, Lost Device...
In Summary...
In Unit 5, we’ll stitch everything together in an everyday workflow—from on‑ramp to spend to DeFi—so you can operate smoothly with confidence.
This unit will contain completing LIVE transactions - which have been marked as (Optional) and is only to be completed at the user's discretion. Continuing beyond this point, will serve as the user's agreement to continue to participate, agreeing to the Disclaimers and the Terms and Conditions of the platforms used.
Use of any third-party services or platforms must be in accordance with the provider’s terms of use, policies, and code of conduct.
We accept no responsibility for any losses, misplaced or stolen funds, scams, loss of data, privacy breaches, or other issues that may arise from the use of any platforms or services mentioned herein.
Refer to the Disclaimer at the start of the course for further information.
Before you start, make sure you have completed the following...
The everyday loop...
Goal: Pay a friend or Test transfer while keeping your vault safe and records complete...
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Goal: Acquire a specific ERC‑20 token via DEX and return assets to your vault...
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Step 3 —
Step 4 —
Step 5 —
Goal: Delegate or stake assets with minimal risk...
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The Flowchart has been designed specifically to give users an understanding of the blockchain daily-use flow, how it works, what it can do, and how to confidently manage your movement of funds and much more.
Remember - Read the disclaimer before proceeding.
Well done.
You’ve just completed the course to build your blockchain confidence and knowledge.
More importantly, you now understand the foundations, the risks, and how to use blockchain tools in everyday life—calmly, safely, and on your terms.
Important Tips to Remember...
What’s next...
Note: For simplicity, a list of personal preference platforms have been included at linktr.ee/jase.onchain (Always do your own research. No financial advice.)
This program breaks down the fundamentals of blockchain technology — what it is, how it works, and why it’s reshaping the way we live, work, and pay.
Designed for everyday users, not just tech experts, you’ll learn how to use blockchain and digital assets safely and confidently in about two hours — at your own pace, through both theoretical and practical modules.
The course will also include How-To videos, that may be more advanced for beginner users, however, no prior knowledge is required as a full start-to-finish module has been created. The course also includes a capstone unit that is optional, as it involves conducting live transactions to boost confidence, though is not mandatory to complete the module.
*This isn’t a trading course. It’s practical knowledge to upskill for your profession or use of everyday needs — content made simple, and built for the future.
*We may or may not receive a financial or non-financial benefit from the platform providers mentioned during the course. The platforms mentioned are personal picks and examples of the content.
*The course contains a promotion and/or promotional materials.
*This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.
*Purchasing and/or completing this course will act as agreement to the Disclaimer and conditions of the course, the education providers, and any of the mentioned platform's terms of conditions.