3.2.4.1. Session: Introduction to Types of Blockchain Networks

Public vs. Private debate (15 minutes)

Begin by recapping the key ideas from the previous modules (decentralization, keeping records in a chain of blocks, consensus mechanism).
Use a prepared set of cards with different scenarios, where blockchain technology could be applied to. Randomly distributed cards with scenarios to students.
Example scenarios:
- An international charity receiving and distributing funds.
- A group of banks sharing transaction data.
- A voting system for a national election.
- A consortium of companies tracking supply chain data.
- A public forum where users can post and verify information.
Once students have their example scenarios, they should discuss them with a partner:
- If they feel the data in this scenario should be accessible to all or restricted.
- If they feel that anyone can participate as a node in the blockchain network?
The teacher selects two students to come forward. Each is given a role. One plays an entity wanting to keep data restricted (e.g., a bank manager), while the other wants data open (e.g., a journalist).
They're given a scenario and must present their case for why their perspective is correct. This will help students understand the motivations and concerns of different stakeholders in real-world blockchain scenarios.
After the role-play, the teacher asks the class:
- How do they feel about the arguments presented?
- Are there scenarios where they feel torn between the two choices?

Defining Types of Blockchain Network (15 minutes)

In this phase provide a concise explanation of the types of blockchain networks. ⇒ using slides (2.4-types_of_blockchain_networks.pptx)
Introduce the two main distinctions of blockchain networks:
- Access to the written data (Private vs. Public)
- Participation in the network’s consensus mechanism (Permissioned vs. Permissionless)
For Private/Public explain:
- Private: Restricted to specific members (How? ⇒ A list of accounts). Other members can't access the written data.
- Public: Anyone can access the written data.
For Permissionedivate/Permissionless explain:
- Permissioned: Only specific nodes are allowed to participate in the consensus mechanism.
- Permissionless: Any node can join the network and participate in the consensus mechanism.
Provide analogies to simplify the understanding of these concepts. Examples:
- Private: Like a members-only club, only those with invites can enter.
- Public: Like a public park, where anyone can come in and enjoy.
- Permissioned: Like a library where only registered members can borrow books.
- Permissionless: Like a public forum where anyone can post a message.
Conclude the session by recapping the important ideas.