Please describe your proposed solution.

Bridging the Educational Gap & Open-source contributions

ExpertsWay aims to bridge the educational gap within the Cardano blockchain community by providing a comprehensive learning platform that addresses the limited engagement and educational resources currently available.

[UNIQUENESS] Community-Driven Content Updates:

The platform will stands out by empowering Cardano communities to contribute and update content. This community-driven approach ensures the platform stays current, relevant, and reflective of the latest advancements. By engaging the collective knowledge of the community, we create a dynamic and collaborative learning environment.

[UNIQUENESS] Engaging a Wide Range of Learners

Our platform caters to both novice learners and experienced developers, offering courses and tutorials that cover fundamental concepts as well as advanced topics like:

• Introduction to Blockchain Technology
• Exploring Cardano: A Beginner's Guide to Blockchain
• Advanced Blockchain Development
• Cardano Ecosystem: Smart Contracts and Beyond
• Blockchain Security and Cryptography
• Decentralized Applications on Cardano
• Blockchain Governance and Consensus Mechanisms
• Haskell,
• Plutus,
• and other programming languages like Python….

This ensures engagement and continuous growth for learners at different skill levels.

[UNIQUENESS] Tracking Progress and Fostering Discussions

ExpertsWay tracks learners' progress through quizzes and score tracking, enabling them to witness their growth and climb the leaderboard. Monitor growth, set milestones, and earn recognition through badges and certificates. Vibrant discussions and forums create opportunities for learners to engage with experts and peers, exchange ideas, and expand their network within the Cardano community.

Mobile Accessibility: Access learning resources and engage in discussions with our mobile-friendly platform, empowering you to learn on the go.

Stand-Alone:

ExpertsWay is designed to be a stand-alone platform capable of delivering a comprehensive learning experience.

Empowering the Cardano Community

By equipping individuals with in-depth knowledge of Cardano's technology and its potential applications, ExpertsWay empowers them to become active contributors to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem. Learners gain the skills necessary to build DApps and understand Cardano's interoperability, actively participating in the ADA economy.

Fueling Growth and Innovation

ExpertsWay's comprehensive learning experience enhances the skills of individuals and fosters a stronger and more knowledgeable Cardano community. This, in turn, fuels innovation, collaboration, and the overall success of the Cardano ecosystem.

Please define the positive impact your project will have on the wider Cardano community.

The platform will directly addresses the challenge by providing a comprehensive learning platform for Cardano enthusiasts, empowering them to master the blockchain and contribute to the ADA economy. Its impact includes:

1. Educational Empowerment: Equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel within the Catalyst community.
2. Community Engagement: Fosters vibrant discussions, collaboration, and network expansion within the Cardano community.
3. Up-to-Date Knowledge Dissemination: Shares the latest developments and advancements in Cardano to encourage innovation.
4. Increased Adoption: Attracts newcomers to Cardano by providing a user-friendly learning experience.
5. Sustainable Growth: By addressing the educational gap and nurturing a knowledgeable community, ExpertsWay fuels sustainable growth within the Cardano ecosystem, driving adoption and innovation.

What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability? How do you intend to validate if your approach is feasible?

We have the capabilities to deliver this project with high levels of trust and accountability. Here's why we believe we are best suited:

• Expertise: Our experienced team in blockchain, education, and community engagement ensures the delivery of high-quality content and platforms.

• Industry Connections: Collaborations with the Cardano ambassadors and IOHK provide valuable insights and access to the Cardano community.

• Track Record: Our successful projects demonstrate our ability to create engaging learning experiences and build vibrant communities with 100,000+ downloads

• Collaboration: Our project has joined Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub.

• Expertise in Educational Content: Experienced educators and subject matter experts ensure high-quality resources.

• Transparent Financial Management: Clear budgeting, expense tracking, and reporting processes

• Trustworthy Partnerships: Collaborations with Educational Institutions and Experts

• User Feedback Integration: Actively collecting and addressing user feedback for continuous improvement

• Well educated Leader: The project is owned and lead by BSc, MSc, BA and Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA)

To manage funds properly, we ensure transparent budgeting, regular reporting, and adhere to rigorous audit and governance processes.

What are the key milestones you need to achieve in order to complete your project successfully?

Platform Development

• Tasks

• User Interface (UI) Design - Collaborate with UI/UX designers for an intuitive interface.

• Acceptance Criteria: Approval from stakeholders.

• Output: Completed UI design.

• Backend Development - Implement backend infrastructure.

• Acceptance Criteria: Functional databases, server-side logic, and APIs.

• Output: Backend infrastructure in place.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility Testing - Ensure seamless functionality across devices and OS.

• Acceptance Criteria: Successful testing on various platforms.

• Output: Compatibility-tested mobile app.

• Integration of Programming Languages - Support Haskell, Plutus, and Python integration.

• Acceptance Criteria: Documentation and resources available.

• Output: Seamless language integration.

• Prototyping and Iteration - Develop iterative prototypes for user feedback.

• Acceptance Criteria: Positive feedback from stakeholders.

• Output: Iterative prototypes.

• Documentation - Create comprehensive documentation.

• Acceptance Criteria: Complete documentation covering all aspects.

• Output: Comprehensive project documentation.

• Quality Assurance (QA) - Implement rigorous QA process.

• Acceptance Criteria: Identified and addressed bugs/issues.

• Output: QA-tested platform, app, and content.

• Timeline: 3 months

• Success Criteria: Completion of platform design, functional mobile app prototype, and initial set of educational content

• Projected Cost: 30% of the total budget.

>Content Creation and Platform Enhancements

• Tasks

• Content Submission System - Implement user-friendly lesson submission system.

• Acceptance Criteria: Functional system for effortless lesson submission.

• Output: Implemented lesson submission system.

• Content Review Process - Define and integrate content review process.

• Acceptance Criteria: Clear documentation and peer review system.

• Output: Documented content review process.

• Platform Enhancements - Improve platform features and usability.

• Acceptance Criteria: Addressed usability issues and added features.

• Output: Enhanced platform.

• Educational Content Update - Review and refine existing content based on feedback.

• Acceptance Criteria: Updated and refined educational content.

• Output: Enhanced educational content.

• Timeline: 2 months

• Success Criteria: Content Submission System, Content Review Process, Platform Enhancements, Educational Content Update

• Projected Cost: 40% of the total budget.

>User Testing, Feedback Collection, and Community Engagement and Growth

• Tasks

• Community Engagement - Foster a sense of community through forums and interactive features.

• Acceptance Criteria: Active community discussions.

• Output: Implemented community engagement features.

• Recruitment of Testers & Environment Setup - Identify and recruit diverse user group, Prepare testing environment & Conduct user testing sessions.

• Acceptance Criteria: Comprehensive testing plan and testers can access all relevant features.

• Output: User testing plan and Prepared testing environments.

• Feedback Collection Mechanism - Implement efficient feedback collection system.

• Acceptance Criteria: Organized user feedback.

• Output: Implemented feedback mechanism.

• Data Analysis - Analyze collected data for patterns and issues.

• Acceptance Criteria: Actionable insights from data.

• Output: Data analysis report.

• Usability Improvements

• Task: Implement necessary usability improvements.

• Acceptance Criteria: Improved platform usability.

• Output: Enhanced platform based on feedback.

• Iterative Testing - Conduct additional rounds of testing.

• Acceptance Criteria: Validated effectiveness of changes.

• Output: Iterative testing results.

• Moderation Strategy - Implement a moderation strategy for community.

• Acceptance Criteria: Positive and respectful community environment.

• Output: Implemented moderation strategy.

• Content Promotion - Actively promote user-generated content.

• Acceptance Criteria: Increased engagement through promotions.

• Output: Promoted user-generated content.

• Event Hosting - Organize and host events for community engagement.

• Acceptance Criteria: Successful events with expert speakers.

• Output: Organized events.

• Knowledge Sharing Initiatives - Facilitate knowledge sharing among community members.

• Acceptance Criteria: Increased knowledge sharing activities.

• Output: Facilitated knowledge sharing.

• User Recognition Program - Implement a user recognition program.

• Acceptance Criteria: Active contributors acknowledged.

• Output: Implemented recognition program.

• Feedback Loops - Establish feedback loops for continuous improvement.

• Acceptance Criteria: Ongoing feedback for improvements.

• Output: Established feedback loops.

• Community Surveys - Conduct periodic surveys to gauge satisfaction.

• Acceptance Criteria: Insightful survey results.

• Output: Survey results.

• Timeline: 1 month

• Success Criteria: Active community forums, increased user participation, positive feedback on engagement features

• Projected Cost: 30% of the total budget (for ongoing community management).

Project Implementation Plan:

1. Project Initiation: Formulate project goals, establish team roles, and gather initial resources.
2. Platform Development: Develop backend/API endpoints, design the platform's user interface, develop the mobile app, and create the initial set of educational content.
3. User Testing: Conduct user testing sessions, collect feedback on usability, identify areas for improvement.
4. Platform Enhancements: Implement user feedback and suggestions, enhance platform features, and improve educational content.
5. Community Engagement: Launch community forums, encourage user participation, and facilitate knowledge sharing among users.
6. Ongoing Maintenance: Continuously monitor and enhance the platform, manage the community forums, and update content as needed.

Overall Project Management Approach:

• Agile Methodology: We will adopt an agile project management approach to allow for flexibility, collaboration, and iterative development.
• Regular Progress Meetings: The project team will hold regular meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication channels will be established within the team and with stakeholders to facilitate collaboration, feedback sharing, and timely decision-making.
• Project Tracking and Documentation: Project milestones, tasks, and progress will be documented and tracked using project management tools to ensure transparency and accountability.

Who is in the project team and what are their roles?

1 Faizur Reshid (PhD) - Content Research and Curation Specialist

• LinkedIn: Faizur Rashid (PhD)
• Conducting research, curating educational resources, and organizing content.
• Assistant professor at Haramaya University

2 Esubalew Amenu - Technical Lead

• LinkedIn Profile: Esubalew Amenu
• Cardano Blockchain Certified Associate (CBCA) - Certificate ID 64a11f630d345a3a7c07d6cb
• Manages technical aspects of the platform development.

3 Samuel Birhanu Wada - Developer

• GitHub: Samuel Birhanu Wada
• Email: [email protected]
• Handles the backend development and integration of the platform.
• Proficient in server-side programming languages.
• Experience in database management and API integration.

4 Mohammed Ibrahim - UX/UI Designer

• Portfolio: Mohammed Ibrahim
• Responsible for creating intuitive and visually appealing user experiences.
• Proficient in user interface design principles and user-centered design methodologies.
• Experience in designing engaging and user-friendly interfaces for mobile and web applications.

Additional Team Members (to be recruited):

1. Frontend Developer

• Responsible for developing the user interface and user experience of the platform.
• Proficient in frontend technologies.
• Experience in creating responsive and intuitive interfaces.

2. Content Validator

• Reviewing and validating the educational content for accuracy and relevance.
• Strong subject knowledge in the relevant academic areas.

Engagement and Communications

The project team has engaged with relevant technical groups, including Cardano Ethiopa Group and CodeNight to communicate with the Cardano community, seek feedback, and collaborate with other developers and enthusiasts. Direct lines of communication have been established to ensure effective coordination and access to necessary resources.

Please provide a cost breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

Milestone 1: Platform Development and

• Platform architectural design : 6,500 ADA
• Mobile App Features Development and Integration
• Integration Development:
• Backend Integration: 5,000 ADA
• API Integration: 5,000 ADA
• Third-Party Service Integration: 1,500 ADA
• Testing, QA & Improvements:
• Functional Testing: 500 ADA
• Security Testing: 500 ADA
• User Acceptance Testing (UAT): 500 ADA
• Feedback Implementation: 1,000 ADA
• Documentation:
• Update Technical Documentation: 1,000 ADA
• Contingency Reserve:
• Unforeseen Issues: 1,000 ADA

Total Budget for Milestone 1: 22,500 ADA

Milestone 2: Content Creation and Platform Enhancements

• Content Submission Feature - 5,000 ADA
• Community Content Review Feature - 4,000 ADA
• Content creation:
• Introduction to Blockchain Technology - 2,000 ADA
• Exploring Cardano: A Beginner's Guide to Blockchain - 2,000 ADA
• Advanced Blockchain Development - 3,000 ADA
• Cardano Ecosystem: Smart Contracts and Beyond - 3,000 ADA
• Blockchain Security and Cryptography - 3,000 ADA
• Decentralized Applications on Cardano - 3,000 ADA
• Blockchain Governance and Consensus Mechanisms - 3,000 ADA
• Contingency Reserve - 2,000 ADA

Total Budget for Milestone 2: 30,000 ADA

Final Milestone: User Testing, Feedback Collection, and Community Engagement and Growth

• User Testing Sessions: 1,800 ADA
• Plan and Execution: 1,000 ADA
• Recruitment of Testers: 500 ADA
• Testing Environment Setup: 300 ADA
• Feedback Analysis and Reporting: 700 ADA
• Data Analysis: 400 ADA
• Report Generation: 300 ADA
• Implementing User Feedback: 4,000 ADA
• Usability Improvements: 3,000 ADA
• Iterative Testing: 1,000 ADA
• Community Forum Launch: 3,000 ADA
• Forum Platform Setup: 2,200 ADA
• Moderation Tools Implementation: 800 ADA
• Marketing, Publicity, Promotion, and User Participation: 4,000 ADA
• Social Media Marketing: 1,500 ADA
• Content Promotion: 1,200 ADA
• Event Hosting (Webinars, Q&A Sessions): 1,300 ADA
• Ongoing Community Management: 4,000 ADA
• Moderation Team Compensation: 800 ADA
• User Recognition Program: 3,000 ADA
• Community Surveys and Feedback Loops: 200 ADA

Total Budget for Final Milestone: 17,500 ADA

Additional Expenses:

• Hosting and infrastructure: 5,000 ADA

Total Project Budget: 75,000 ADA

How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

• Industry Expertise: The costs are justified as industry experts with specialized knowledge and experience in Cardano blockchain are involved in creating the educational content.

• Course Development and Curation: The investment in researching, developing, and curating high-quality courses adds value to the platform's educational materials.

• Interactive Features: Ongoing investment in technical infrastructure and community management enhances the learning experience and engagement within the Cardano community.

• Gamification Elements: The costs associated with implementing gamification features contribute to a more enjoyable and motivating learning experience.

• Meetup Events: The budget includes organizing meetup events to facilitate networking, and education among Cardano enthusiasts.

• User Engagement and Community Building: Budget allocation for community engagement, and networking activities fosters a vibrant Cardano user community.

• Skilled Project Team: Costs reflect the expertise of professionals in app development, content management, user engagement, and community building.

• Justified Cost Estimation: Costs are based on industry standards, market rates, and the complexity of tasks, ensuring a reasonable and value-driven budget.

• App Users Community: The project aims to build a strong community of Cardano Blockchain developers, promoting collaboration, feedback, and knowledge sharing.

• Comprehensive Educational Resources: The project delivers valuable educational materials for students, representing a cost-effective investment in knowledge acquisition.