LIFT Educational Curriculum

Our resources are structured into learning modules to guide you from foundational concepts to more advanced topics.

Part 1: Foundational Concepts

Module 1: Introduction to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) & Blockchain

This module covers the core principles of DLT, explaining what a blockchain is and how it functions to create a transparent and immutable record of transactions.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Blockchain

Module 2: Navigating Digital Assets

Provides a neutral overview of the different types of digital assets, from cryptocurrencies to tokens, explaining their intended functions within their respective ecosystems.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Digital Assets

Module 3: Understanding Decentralized Systems & Web3

Explores the philosophy and architecture of the decentralized web, comparing centralized vs. decentralized networks and outlining the vision for Web3.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Web3

Module 4: Digital Asset Security & Self-Custody Basics

Learn the most important topic in digital finance: how to keep your assets safe. This module explains wallets, seed phrases, and the best practices to avoid common scams and theft.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Security

Part 2: Deeper Dives into Technology

Module 5: Smart Contracts Explained

Demystifies the concept of smart contracts, explaining what they are, their common use cases, and the inherent risks of self-executing code.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Smart Contracts

Module 6: Decentralized Finance (DeFi) – The Building Blocks

An introduction to the ecosystem of peer-to-peer financial applications, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), lending protocols, and stablecoins.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to DeFi

Module 7: Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) – Technology & Beyond

Explores the technology behind unique digital assets, moving beyond art to understand their potential use cases in gaming, identity, ticketing, and more.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to NFTs

Module 8: Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)

An overview of community-led organizations that operate via smart contracts, including how they work, their governance models, and their potential advantages and challenges.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to DAOs

Part 3: Practical Skills & Societal Context

Module 9: How to Use a Block Explorer

A practical guide to using blockchain search engines like Etherscan to independently verify transactions, check wallet balances, and explore public on-chain data.

Read LIFT's Full Guide to Block Explorers

Module 10: An Educational Overview of Digital Asset Taxation

A high-level overview of how digital assets are generally treated for tax purposes, covering common taxable events and the importance of record-keeping. (This is not tax advice).

Read LIFT's Educational Overview of Taxes

Module 11: Comparing Blockchain Ecosystems (A Case Study Approach)

A neutral look at how different blockchain platforms are designed, comparing their consensus mechanisms, goals, and technological trade-offs to illustrate the diversity of the space.

Read LIFT's Comparison Guide

Disclaimer: Literacy & Innovation in Financial Technology Alliance (LIFT) is an educational nonprofit and does not endorse any specific external organization, content, or technology. The external links provided are for informational purposes only and to encourage further learning from reputable sources. All information provided by LIFT is for educational purposes and should not be considered financial, legal, or tax advice. Please do your own research and consult with qualified professionals.