2 CPE Few people understand what the blockchain really is, but banks, financial institutions, Information Technology (IT) organizations, consultants and even the general public are all abuzz about understanding blockchain technology and how it is going to revolutionize finance.
Bitcoin (BTC). Blockchain. Cryptocurrencies. Initial coin offerings. These are terminologies that everyone’s talking about, but what do these terms really mean?
This course provides clear definitions and analogies for understanding blockchain technology. It will also define Bitcoin, Ethereum, blockchain, and initial coin offerings, and highlight promising use cases for the technology as a whole.
Our aim is to create an understanding of what the blockchain is and how it works, in as non-technical a manner as is possible, so the language we are going to use is removed from the “techno-speak” that currently surrounds the subject, but sufficiently technical so as not to lose the critical elements and features of the process.
It’s hard to remove blockchain from Bitcoin, so we are going to start with Bitcoin as we work towards understanding blockchain technology’s potential. To complete our journey we will clarify the distinctions between distributed ledger technology and the blockchain, and highlight where these technologies have an application – and where they do not.
We are going to break our journey down into five component parts
- What is Bitcoin (BTC)?
- What is Blockchain and how does it work?
- The Mechanics of Blockchain
- Ethereum – what is it and how it fits into the picture
- Initial Coin Offerings, and
- Value Creation in the Blockchain
If you are a finance, technology or related professional or if you have any interest in understanding blockchain, Bitcoin, etc., you will greatly benefit from this course.
Learning Objectives
- Discover the underlying principles behind the blockchain and bitcoin.
- Identify the different components and understanding blockchain process.
- Explore the blockchain and its processes that make it a key component of bitcoin.
- Discover how and where the use of the blockchain can create value.
- Explore critical issues such as altcoins, distributed ledger technology, Ethereum, initial coin offerings and smart contracts.
- Recognize the differences between blockchain and bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Last updated/reviewed: March 15, 2024
140 Reviews (532 ratings)
Reviews
Go Tanaka
(Manager, Sales Strategy at Manulife)
First off audio quality was low, making it hard to hear what the lecturer is saying.
While the course was interesting, students would probably stop listening in the first 30 minutes when they hear that Bitcoin can only process 20 transactions every 10 minutes with electricity usage that is the same as Ecuador. (e.g. all this sounds like a really dumb idea)
Also with the advent of quantum computing, it seems like this entire blockchain notion would simply fall apart (there will be enough cheap computing power to simply break any blockchain).
Tracey Fischer
(Senior Internal Auditor at Self)
I absolutely loved everything about this course: its gentle, avuncular approach to the basic concepts, moving towards increasing levels if complexity with real-world applications. I am so excited to learn much more about how I can incorporate blockchain into my career whether in consulting or in auditing. Mr. Epstein's delivery is excellent and I could listen to him for hours! Very well done!
Brian Chou
(Senior Accountant at Google)
The content was good, and provided great examples of the block chain use. For the value creation of block chain I would have liked more details on the specific functions, rather than taking about what entities are generally doing. It also would have been nice to understand more of the potential drawbacks, or how users are decentivized from colluding against the block chain.
Dorothy Burns
(Staff Auditor II at DHHS)
I felt like this lesson was implemented to sell me on the use of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology rather than a lesson on blockchain. I just wanted to learn the basics of blockchain. Additionally, Ethereum was also spelled as Etherium several times in the slides. I am assuming Ethereum is the correct spelling. The instructor may want to change this.
Anonymous
(CPA)
The course was a helpful introduction to the concepts behind digital currency and the underlying blockchain technology. However, the breadth of the course was so extensive that it was unable to concentrate more in-depth on the concepts behind digital currency and how these currencies actually function as mediums of exchange, like more standard currencies.
Kirk Valencia
(Business Administrator at Denver Church of Christ)
My understanding of blockchain technology and its potential uses increased after listening to Mr. Epstein's lecture. The illustrations he used to explain the technology was very helpful. I have watched several blockchain seminars from different platforms and instructors. Mr. Epstein's presentation was one of the most clear and simple to understand.
Anonymous
()
The course provided a comprehensive yet accessible overview of blockchain and bitcoin. Supporting materials were also helpful. The course could be improved by summarizing the material in the value creation in blockchain e.g. by just discussing one example in each area and awarding 2.6 CPE (given the length of the presentation 2hrs 11 mins / 50 mins)
David McTavish
(Finance & Accounting Manager at Legacy Capital Partners)
Great, simplistic explanation of Blockchains and some of the ramifications, which could be enormous in how it revolutionizes the centralized banking and financial systems. More accounting and finance personnel need to understand Blockchain poses huge changes to the finance industry and at least have a basic understanding of how it works.
Anonymous
(Accounting Officer)
I learned a lot in this course and liked that the instructor added information and comments in addition to the printed slides. This was a lot of data to consume and would probably worth a second time around. I cannot say that I fully understand the blockchain even after this course but I certainly have a better rudimentary knowledge.
Anonymous
(Finance Manager)
The course was an excellent explanation of Bitcoin, it's relation to blockchain technology and potential other uses for blockchain technology. It included enough detail for understanding but was also in a form that someone with a limited understanding of blockchain technology beneifited from the discussion. Thanks.
Marina Bisker
(Manager at Self Employed)
Overall the course is ok. I agree with some reviews that it lacks substance and the slides have lots of useless noise in it, and dont provide good details, definitions and/or concepts. Dont need 90 slides for only 2 credits if in reality only 30 can somewhat be useful especially when taking the final test.
Gillian Burdge
(Accountant at CAPSLO)
I think it's tough to understand...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
Anonymous
()
This is such a strange topic for me. It is hard to create a tangible understanding of the concept of cryptocurrency and I'm not sure I'm much better off as a result of this course. I would say it may be user error, but I will continue to try to understand.
Anonymous
(CONTRACT ACCOUNTANT)
Course offered a great overview of Blockchain technologies and there applications. Was able to demonstrate the broad change coming that will be brought about by Blockchains. Gave easy to understand explanation of how a Blockchain functions.
Anonymous
(Financial Systems Manager)
The course explains the origin of blockchain and how it was tied to Bitcoin and provided many examples of blockchain use, which go far beyond cryptocurrencies. I feel like I have a better understanding of both Bitcoin and Blockchain now.
Anonymous
(Sr Accountant Lead)
Personally, I haven't heard much about Blockchain and Bitcoin until recently. I've taken a few courses on this subject matter and prefer the other instructor. I felt this course and instruction wasn't as clear as the others I've taken.
Raveendran Madappattu
View Instructor Profile
Excellent course!!! The presenter has made tremendous efforts to throw as much information as possible within the two-hours span. His knowledge in the subject is commendable as well and that is reflected in the presentation as well.
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
This is a really good course if you don't have a clue about Bitcoin and Blockchain. I also took the Cryptocurrency 101 - Understanding the Concepts course, these two courses have enlightened my understanding of these new concepts.
ERICA CARPER
(Controller at MWP)
Instructor does a terrific job explaining components of whole bitcoin transaction process, including the how's and whys. Very easy to understand what is usually not explained well in other "tutorials" I have read. Most informative.
Christopher Hole
(Director of Internal Audit at Roseburg Forest Products)
Instructor appears to be very knowledgeable about the subject and presents this complex subject in a clear, easily understandable manner. I also appreciated his unbiased arguments regarding the pro's and con's of cryptocurrency.
Lori Kulp
( at HRP Hitesh CPA)
I didn't know anything about crypto currency until taking this course. The instructor starts at the very basics of crypto and explains how is it use. There are different types of crypto. I'm not sure I'm ready to invest in it.
Debra Johnson
( at Hagan & Johnson, CPA's ..)
A great course explained in an understandable way.
However, at times I had a problem understanding the speaker. I am not sure if this is because of problems with the recording or the accent of the instructor.
Anonymous
()
Excellent class, but a bit overwhelming. It could be split between understanding Blockchain and applications and developments of blockchain. Topics are explained well, there are just too many at one time.
Anonymous
(CPA)
This course covered a great deal of information. However, I feel like I need to read more on the subject to fully understand. Also, it would be beneficial to know which questions were missed on the exam.
Addison Webster
( at HOJ Management Co.)
Interesting course that explains major crypto currencies and the block chain better than I previously understood. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
Antoaneta Tasheva
( at European University Institute)
The subject is complex and could be approached from different angles, however, merging technical, financial, bureaucratic and organizational aspects all into 2hrs course make it all to hard to digest.
Anonymous
(Financial analyst)
informative. the information was a little bit dry, but a goof start to someone who was no background in blockchain. Also information could be updated with all of the new relevant alt coins out there.
Anonymous
(Controller)
This is a complicated topic but a lot of this course dealt with examples on where it's used as opposed to what the technology is all about, and at times was repetitive in what certain terms were.
Anonymous
(Internal Audit Manager)
I had been hearing about this in the news for a while but never had the best understanding of the key concepts. This course was great for that and would definitely recommend.
Todd Williamson
( at CPChem)
Mr. Epstein is one of the most knowledgeable speakers that I have viewed on Illumeo. The course provides an excellent overview of both current and future uses of blockchain.
Nancy Dodd
(CPA / Owner at Nancy V Dodd CPA)
Informative and clarifying overview of the blockchain. I especially liked learning about the blockchain projects being developed throughout several different industries.
Anonymous
()
very detailed about blockchain and bitcoin. this would be beneficial for someone working in cryptocurrency industry or just want to know beginning knowledge about it.
Anonymous
()
Blockchain and crypto have always been hard for me to understand. But this class brought me up to speed on the basics and gave me a good foundation to learn more.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Good examples in beginning. Started to zone out near end when all the different organizations were being listed. Would have liked to see a simple ethereum example.
GREG HALL
(Adjunct Professor at University of Iowa)
Excellent explanation of a complex topic in understandable, non-technical language. Slides presentation very helpful in combination with the instructor dialogue.
Anonymous
(Accounting Finance Consultant)
This course was extremely helpful. The instructor managed to summarize and explain extremely complex issues and concepts in a way that facilitated understanding.
John Filbert
(Consultant at DLC Group)
Great course on understanding blockchain. If you are just learning about blockchain, Bitcoin and other digital assets I would highly recommend this course.
Michael Mainardi
(Senior Associate at CNM LLP)
Excellent. I was very impressed at how the instructor was able to explain the complex technical subject matter in a relatively non-technical layman style.
Abhiraj Gupta
(Financial Analyst at Osf Digital)
A very nice course for beginners and is explained with patience, slowly and in a detailed manner.
Would love to have more courses on similar pattern.
Anonymous
(Senior Director AP)
This topic isn't easy to grasp. Stanley did a great job by in his narrative and spoke in layman's terms. I'm still not there but closer than I was.
Anonymous
()
This is a great introduction to blockchain. It is well explained. It also gives great insight into which companies are exploring its possibilities.
Anonymous
(Consultant)
If you do not understand bitcoin & blockchain, you should. Crypto will likely play a large role in the future like the internet did for e-commerce.
Anonymous
(Financial Reporting Manager)
Thorough explanation of bitcoin and the blockchain for anyone who has no actual understanding of cryptocurrency. Glossary is useful for key points.
Anonymous
(Fund Accountant)
Everyone should take this course. Stanley does a great job explaining the technology of blockchains and digital currencies in layman's terms.
Brian Meister
(SVP Corp Compliance & Accounting at ACDI/VOCA)
Great course. Provides a good introduction to a complicated subject matter. I look forward to referencing the supporting materials in the future.
Ben Perron
(Accountant at Kimley-Horn)
Mr. Epstein capably explains this very ethereal topic with confidence and ability. This is an excellent primer on the subject of the Blockchain.
Adil Shah
(Technology Risk Analyst at Flagstar Bank)
Needs to get more technical (i.e. should provide more details about blockchain architecture, proof-of work vs proof-of stake mechanisms, etc.).
Anonymous
(Manager)
This was a helpful course to understand more in-depth the way that Blockchain works and how it relates to digital currencies besides bitcoin.
Raghavendra Rao Andavarapu
(Manager-Global Internal Audit at VIATRIS)
Informative with respect to coverage and real life examples. More comprehensive and detailed in explanation. Instructor is very effective.
Anonymous
()
I am still skeptical of bitcoin, however, I see a variety of uses in blockchain if it truly holds upto not being susceptible to hackers.
Anonymous
(Internal Auditor Chasing New Opportuniti..)
I much appreciated how the instructor uses illustrations and examples to make it easy for newbies like myself to follow the discussion.
Anonymous
(IT Advisory Snr. Associate)
This course explains the origin of blockchain and how it was tied to Bitcoin and provided many examples of blockchain use. I recommend.
Anonymous
(Accounts Receivable Rep)
A mile wide and an inch deep, good course for someone brand new to blockchain, but could have been condensed and shortened quit a bit.
David Kapka
( at Collins Aerospace)
A very good course for both people new to blockchain and those who have a solid understanding already to help reinforce understanding
Anonymous
(Director of Finance)
Didn't like the long drawn out list of use blockchain use cases at the end. It was a superficial list. Could have had more depth.
Anonymous
()
Good course, although supporting materials contradict some of the definitions and info provided in the videos. Needs to be synced up.
Derek Ettinger
( at GP Fund Solutions, LLC)
Solid overview of blockchain technology. I felt the course was a bit too broad and lacked a sense of cohesion between modules.
Anonymous
(Revenue Accountant)
Very informative class. The examples made the key concepts easier to grasp and the layout of the course was easy to follow.
dustin class
(Head of Global Business Assurance at worldpay)
Stanley is a baller, shot-caller. A very well done course and introduction to understanding blockchain technology. Thanks!
Tom Winson
(Supervisor at RSM)
Really good course on crypto-currency and blackchain applications. Well explained uing laymens terminology and examples.
David Curtis
(Senior IT Auditor at CNM LLP)
Very clear and engaging! The materials were relevant and contributed to the achievement of the learning objectives.
Anonymous
()
Not granular enough, test is generic and can be passed from just reading a buzzfeed article about the same subject.
Anonymous
(Director of Finance)
Provides some useful information but also spends a lot of time on things not necessary to understanding blockchain.
Anonymous
()
Excellent course. Thank you! However requiring 50 characters to pump up your product to others is a bit shady.
Anonymous
(Director)
This was a good overview of Bitcoin and Blockchain. It was helpful to learn of all the possible applications.
Ann Donovan
( at Ann Donovan CPA)
Helpful high level understanding of blockchain and possible future (and current) applications. Very enjoyable.
Anonymous
(Associate Director)
This course was an interesting course about understanding the blockchain. Thanks for the informative course.
Anonymous
(Controller)
The course covered the stated learning objectives. The examples used help with understanding the concepts.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
This course provides a solid basic foundation to understanding blockchain technology and it’s potential.
Sherman Bamford
(Accountant at Carilion Clinic)
One of the most informative courses I have taken on this subject. Detaied. I liked the teaching style.
Anonymous
(Director)
This was a great intro to blockchain. I'm looking forward to learning more details about blockchain tech!
Rachael Smith
(Senior Internal Auditor at FJ Management)
Very involved difficult concepts to understand. I thought the materials could have been better organized.
Nafisah Fudaeel
(Owner at Tax Roadmap)
This course regarding Blockchain was very informative. The materials were easy to follow and understand.
Dylan Cole
( at Twisted X Inc.)
PDF doesn't help much with exam. Please provide better PDF. There are probably better courses out there.
Carter Tate
( at JB Hunt Transportation)
Course provided a nice blend of technical and general details about blockchain and digital currencies.
Anonymous
(Director, Research)
Superb course. Very comprehensive coverage of various topics and dimensions of blockchain technology.
Anonymous
()
it gave me some clarity that is not available thru other sorces and materials
learned some new stuff
Anonymous
()
Great information and informative. I think the examples applied well to the audience. Paced well.
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
I enjoyed this class. It provides a lot of information in a field that I know very little about.
Maxwell Hassenstein
( at NeoGenomics)
The course was a great introduction to explain blockchain and how its distinction from bitcoin.
Julia Kramer
(Financial Behavior and Leadership Consul.. at Signature Financial Planning)
Mr. Epstein is engaging and knowledgable and explained the concepts in a way I could understand
Anonymous
(Director, Accounting)
Great easy-to-follow examples! Instructor was able to make an abstract concept understandable.
Anonymous
(Corporate Accountant)
Understanding the Blockchain is a great course. I learned a lot from this course. Well done!
Anonymous
(Accountant)
I liked this course... bitcoin blockchain and other terms explained well. slides are helpful.
Scott Anderton
(CFO at HCA)
Thank you for a baseline knowledge of this technology that is becoming more and more common.
Neal Stiles
(Accounting & Finance Guy at Contractor)
Good course covering the basics of block chain. Recommended for those new to the concept.
Anonymous
(Owner & CEO)
I appreciated the common sense approach to describing blockchain and its many possible uses.
Anonymous
(Senior Associate)
This course served as a great introduction to understanding blockchain and cryptocurrency.
Anonymous
(CPA)
Great overview of a complicated topic that we should all be familiar with going forward.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Great overview of the topic, very thorough in its explanation, especially for beginners.
Ryan Yee
( at Airbnb)
Great class a nice nuanced yet general approach to learning more about this new concept.
Anonymous
()
This course was informative. I liked the examples given. More graphics would be helpful.
Anonymous
()
This course was very helpful in explaining what a blockchain is and what Bitcoin is.
Anonymous
(CFO)
Fantastic course. Cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had surrounding the subject
Anonymous
(Director)
The speaker is very good at delivering the concept of the blockchain and Bitcoin.
Anonymous
(Sr. VP & CFO)
This course provides lots of great information for the bitcoin/blockchain novice.
Anonymous
()
Good introduction to blockchain. Still unsure of the purpose of hash and mining.
Dave Cytlak
(Chief Financial Officer at Blanchard Valley Health System)
To technical for a layperson such as myself. Was expecting more of a 101 course
Michael Aronson
( at Gennari Aronson, LLP)
Well done. Really easy explanation of a complex topic, and very easy examples.
Anonymous
()
This is a very confusing topic, but I felt the presenter made a nice overview.
Ari Tafreshi
(Senior IT SOX Analyst at Veeva Systems Inc)
Super interesting and relevant during these crypto times. Enjoyed this course!
Quentin Johns
(Financial Consultant at DLC Group)
Good summary version of the course now to dig into the details going forward.
Colleen Windham
(CPA/Relationship Manager at Retirement Plan Solutions, Inc.)
This was a very detailed course on blockchain. I learned several new things.
Jessica Moser
(Procurement Manager at Charter Communications)
Great course introduction into blockchain, bitoin & ethereum. Very useful.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Great course that provides insight into the basics of blockchain and crypto.
Anonymous
()
Very interesting. The topics were thoughtful and explanations were helpful.
Muhammad Baig
(Managing Director at N/A)
An insightful reading for blockchain novices. Informative and beneficial.
Anonymous
(Senior Accountant)
A course that gives an overview of the blockchain, bitcoin, and ethereum.
Anonymous
(CFO)
A+ with just the right level of detail for an introduction to blockchain!
Danny Witt
(Sr. Financial Analyst at XXX)
Good course. I learned a lot of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.
Anonymous
()
Excellent corres. Very clear and easy to understand. Love it . Thank you
Linda Jacobs
(acct at n/a)
A good introduction to understanding blockchain and its potential uses.
Xavier Traverso
(Compliance at Saynet)
Very interesting course and beneficial for every person working on IT.
Manjunath Paramashivaiah
( at UKG)
Stated learning objectives were met. Question quality can be improved.
Anonymous
()
This was a good overview of a complicated constantly evolving topic.
Anonymous
(Audit Manager)
Thanks, great training with updated examples and explanation. Thanks.
Anonymous
(Head of Internal Audit)
Pretty decent set of information regarding the basics of blockchain.
William Thompson
(CPA at Self-employed)
Good explanations of bitcoin and blockchain with practical examples.
Jimmy Hall
( at Consultant)
This course was very useful in understanding Bitcoin and Blockchain.
Anonymous
()
Well presented, easy to follow, not dull. Informative and relevant.
Anonymous
()
Informative introductory course on understanding the blockchain.
Eduardo Perez Ruiz
(Senior Internal Auditor at UC Merced)
Good solid overview of the mechanics of bitcoin and blockchain.
Kimberly Parks
(CFO at Denver Modern)
This is the best explanation of Blockchain I have come across!
Anonymous
()
Good course for novices in this arena. Course well structured.
Eileen Perrin
(Financial Advisor at First Command)
Excellent. Right level of detail. Very engaging and precise.
Anonymous
()
This course was a good introductory to blockchain technology.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Great course on understanding blockchain. Very interesting!!!
Syed Kazmi
(Controller at Encompass Capital Advisors LLC)
Very useful information on an upcoming and important topic.
Anonymous
(Director, Tech Audit)
Good overview. Thanks for the course. I would recommend it
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
This course helped explain a complex and confusing topic.
Sophia Kasozi
(- at City of Edmonton)
Nice intro to Blockchain and Bitcoins. Very interesting.
Anonymous
(Audit Manager)
Very detailed course on blockchain and digital currency.
Anonymous
()
This video was informative with a lot of new terminology
Matthew Long
( at Wells Fargo)
Good overview of blockchain technology. Well organized.
Anonymous
(Manager)
helpful to understand concept of blockchain and bitcoin
Christopher Koyama
( at Koyama)
basic course for understanding blockchain and cyrpto
Ryan O'Donnell
( at Maiden Holdings, Ltd)
Exam was overly difficult. Material was good though.
Janet Koller
(Controller at Avante Health Solutions)
Great introduction to blockchain and cryptocurrency.
James Ogilvie
( at Intermountain Healthcare)
Excellent overview of the Blockchain. Very helpful.
Radhesh Pradhan
(Accounting Manager at DGN Technologies Inc)
Amazing explanation. Very clear articulation.
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Intermediate
No advanced preparation or prerequisites are required for this course.
Education Provider Information
Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA
95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and
cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to
.
Course Questions and Answers(2 Questions)
Stanley EpsteinPrincipal Associate & Director
About Illumeo
Platform
Resources
Contact Us
- Email: info@illumeo.com
- Phone: 408-400-3993
- Adress: 1608 W Campbell
- Av #221, Campbell, CA 95008
© 2024 Illumeo, Inc.
Hi Todd. Although the system has indicated that you have a question, no question was received. Could be a tech quirk. Please resubmit and I will be happy to answer you. Regards.