Catalyst Project-based learning (CPBL): Onboarding users to Project Catalyst’s Voting and Governance Tech Stack

[GENERAL] Name and surname of main applicant

Roberto Mayen

[GENERAL] Email address of main applicant

robertomh@gimbalabs.io

Additional applicants

M. Ali Modiri

[GENERAL] Please specify how many months you expect your project to last (from 2-12 months)

12

[GENERAL] Please indicate if your proposal has been auto-translated into English from another language.

No

[GENERAL] Does your project have any dependencies on other organizations, technical or otherwise?

Yes

[GENERAL] If YES, please describe what the dependency is and why you believe it is essential for your project’s delivery. If NO, please write “No dependencies.”

We will depend on the participation and collaboration of the Project Catalyst team.

[GENERAL] Will your project’s output/s be fully open source?

Yes

[GENERAL] If NO, please describe which outputs are not going to be open source. If YES, please write “Project will be fully open source.”

Project will be fully open source.

[METADATA] Category of proposal

Education

[IMPACT] Please describe your proposed solution.

We propose creating a Catalyst PBL (CPBL) implemented on Andamio, an LMS built on Cardano with skill and contribution tracking, treasury management, and smart contract capabilities. 

Project-based learning

Gimbalabs, the organization developing the Andamio LMS platform, has years of experience onboarding developers to the Cardano ecosystem through its Plutus PBL program (https://plutuspbl.io/). 

PBL methodology is a tried and tested method; it is student-centered, meaning a facilitator allows space for learners to explore the content and solve problems through collaborative peer-to-peer learning and critical thinking. 

The PBL method takes advantage of our natural curiosity, presents real-world problems, and invites us to solve them creatively. This approach engages learners in meaningful work and creates a deep, long-term understanding of the subject. 

This approach is ideal when onboarding users into complex and sometimes difficult-to-grasp topics. A PBL program is the perfect approach to onboard users into Project Catalyst’s tech stack, as shown by the successful onboarding of Plutus developers through the Plutus PBL.

Fig 1. The PBL Framework. A high overview description of a PBL module.

Live coding sessions

Through live coding sessions, students can get to know each other and collaborate to resolve problems, answer questions and even find partners for projects outside the program. Gimbalabs’ Plutus PBL is currently on its 4th iteration and has empowered more than 500 students to start learning Cardano development and gain invaluable real-world experience. 

The Andamio platform

Andamio is a Learning Management System (LMS) built on Cardano that includes smart contracts and UI components for treasury management, skill and contribution tracking, and emergent reputation. The Andamio platform allows an array of possibilities that enhance the PBL experience for learners and facilitate user onboarding for organizations such as Project Catalyst.

The Andamio platform can provide this because it offers a blend of capabilities which combine the best of education, work and collaboration:

Skill and contribution tracking provides a relatively short feedback loop incentivizing and rewarding learners that engage with the material with what we like to call ‘emergent reputation’. Emergent reputation refers to the on-chain record of skills and contributions that a student can earn by completing mastery-based assessments included in PBL modules. Once students show mastery of a subject matter, they are presented with the opportunity to contribute to real projects, again providing an incentive in the form of monetary rewards through treasury management capabilities integrated in the Andamio platform and real-world work experience.

Fig 2. The Andamio platform: A) Landing page, B) Student skills and contributions record; C) Skills and contributions record dashboard; D) Student record aggregate

Catalyst Project-based learning (CPBL) program

Project Catalyst’s current tech stack consists of: 

1. Postgresql Database to store all Catalyst Data
2. Data importer tools to import data from ideascale and generate voter registration and power snapshots from dbSync.
3. A VIT servicing stations for voting information related to the current fund.
4. The Jormungandr Node, a restricted blockchain designed for voting applications.
5. GVC - A replacement for Catalyst’s voting dApp that supports dReps.

Fig 3. Project Catalyst’s current documentation solution and Tech Stack.

A Project Catalyst PBL would provide members of the community interested in using Project Catalyst’s tech stack:

• A one-of-a-kind interactive learning experience thanks to the use of PBL methodology and blockchain technology for skill and contribution tracking. 
• On-chain proof of skills acquired and contributions made to real-world projects, an invaluable resource for new developers seeking professional experience.
• Access to peer to peer learning and communities of interest where participants of the CPBL can connect with members of the Cardano community.

At the same time, Project Catalyst would benefit from a CPBL program by:

• Creating a space to engage with members of the Cardano community interested in learning to use their technology stack.
• Gather feedback from students actively engaging and learning to use their technology.
• Provide incentives in the way of rewards for learners to contribute to documentation, fixing bugs, doing maintenance, etc.

This proposal aims to provide funding to:

• Create comprehensive documentation of each component of Project Catalyst’s tech stack.
• Create an interactive CPBL program to onboard users to Project Catalyst’s tech stack.
• Provide weekly Live coding sessions to support learners and foster community building and growth.

[IMPACT] How does your proposed solution address the challenge and what benefits will this bring to the Cardano ecosystem?

Our proposed solution, the Catalyst Project-based Learning (CPBL) program implemented on the Andamio platform, represents a significant procedural improvement to streamline and enhance the Project Catalyst process. It directly addresses the challenge of onboarding users to Project Catalyst's ambitious tech stack by providing comprehensive documentation and an interactive learning experience. At Gimbalabs, our team not only has years of expertise in PBL methodology but also a successful track record of using PBL programs to onboard Plutus developers within the Cardano ecosystem. Our solution offers unique benefits to the Cardano ecosystem, including:

1. Increasing User Onboarding: The CPBL program directly addresses the challenge of onboarding users to Project Catalyst's tech stack by providing a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
2. Leveraging Project-Based Learning (PBL) Methodology: By implementing PBL methodology, learners are engaged in solving real-world problems and collaborating in peer-to-peer learning, leading to a deep and long-term understanding of the subject matter.
3. Cardano-Powered Skill and Contribution Tracking: The integration of Cardano technology in the CPBL program enables on-chain proof of skills acquired and contributions made to real-world projects, providing tangible evidence of learners' proficiency and experience.
4. Incentivizing Active Participation: The CPBL program incentivizes learners to actively engage with the documentation, fix bugs, perform maintenance tasks, and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of Project Catalyst's tech stack.
5. Strengthened Community Engagement: The CPBL program fosters a vibrant and engaged community within the Cardano ecosystem, attracting new developers, enthusiasts, and contributors who bring fresh perspectives and ideas.
6. Enhanced Human Capital: By providing a space for active learning and professional experience, the CPBL program cultivates a pool of skilled developers and contributors within the Cardano ecosystem, accelerating innovation and project development.
7. Increased Proposal Quality and Efficiency: As more individuals gain proficiency in using Project Catalyst's tech stack through the CPBL program, we expect a surge in high-quality proposals, efficient voting processes, and impactful community-driven projects.
8. Quantitative Impact: Within 12 months, we aim to onboard at least 500 active participants to the CPBL program, contributing to a significant increase in the usage and transactions within the Cardano ecosystem. This growth will position Cardano as a leading platform for decentralized innovation and governance.
9. Fueling Ecosystem Expansion: The CPBL program will attract a considerable number of skilled developers and enthusiasts to the Cardano ecosystem, creating a diverse and robust community.
10. Accelerating Project Development: With an influx of skilled contributors, the Cardano ecosystem will experience accelerated project development, leading to the launch of innovative and impactful applications.
11. Maturing Governance Processes: Through active participation in the CPBL program, learners will develop a deep understanding of governance mechanisms, contributing to the evolution and maturation of Cardano's decentralized governance model.

[IMPACT] How do you intend to measure the success of your project?

To assess the success of the CPBL program and its impact on the Cardano ecosystem, we will employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. These metrics will provide insights into user participation, contributions, learning outcomes, and overall user satisfaction. Here's how we intend to measure the project's benefits and gauge its success:

1. Number of Students Participating in the CPBL Program:
2. Measure the number of students actively enrolled in the CPBL program throughout its duration.
3. Track the growth in student participation over time, setting realistic targets for incremental increases.
4. Number of Students Completing the CPBL Program:
5. Monitor the number of students who successfully complete all modules and assessments within the CPBL program.
6. Aim to achieve a high completion rate by providing engaging content, effective support, and a clear learning pathway.
7. Number of CPBL Students' Contributions:
8. Quantify the number and quality of contributions made by CPBL students to real-world projects within the Cardano ecosystem.
9. Evaluate the impact and significance of their contributions, such as bug fixes, documentation improvements, or feature implementations.
10. Amount of Ada Distributed as Rewards for CPBL Student Contributions:
11. Track the quantity of Ada tokens distributed as rewards for CPBL student contributions.
12. Measure the economic value generated by students' active participation and successful completion of project-related tasks.
13. Number of CPBL Contributor Tokens Minted:
14. Introduce a CPBL contributor token as a means to recognize and incentivize active participants.
15. Measure the number of tokens minted and distributed to CPBL students based on their contributions.

In addition to these quantitative metrics, we will conduct pre and post CPBL surveys to gather qualitative data and feedback. These surveys will focus on assessing student learning, understanding their learning challenges, gauging user satisfaction, and identifying opportunities for refinements and enhancements to the CPBL program and the Project Catalyst - Andamio LMS instance.

The innovation of the CPBL program, combined with the robust features of the Andamio LMS platform, will have both short-term and long-term effects on Cardano's productivity and growth:

• Short-term: Increased engagement and active participation by CPBL students will lead to more efficient documentation, bug fixes, maintenance tasks and increase number of contribution within the Project Catalyst and overall the Cardano ecosystem. This will enhance the overall productivity and quality of projects, accelerating the pace of Cardano governance development.

• Long-term: The CPBL program will foster a skilled community of developers and contributors who possess in-depth knowledge of Project Catalyst's tech stack. These individuals will continue to contribute to the ecosystem, driving innovation, and expanding Cardano's capabilities. The long-term impact will be reflected in the sustained growth, improved governance processes, and the development of impactful projects within the Cardano ecosystem.

[IMPACT] Please describe your plans to share the outputs and results of your project?

• Gitlab code repository
• The Andamio platform generates contributor tokens that record student progress through the program on-chain.
• Live coding sessions
• Recordings shared via YouTube
• Progress reports shared via Project Catalyst Town Halls and website.

We have robust plans in place to effectively share the outputs and results of the CPBL project with the Cardano community and beyond. Our goal is to disseminate the knowledge gained, highlight the impact of the project, and create opportunities for further collaboration and development. Here's how we intend to share our outputs over a reasonable timescale:

1. GitLab Code Repository:
2. We will maintain a dedicated GitLab repository to host the codebase, documentation, and resources related to the CPBL project.
3. The repository will serve as a hub for community members and developers to access and contribute to the project's code and resources.
4. Regular updates and commits will be made to ensure transparency and provide visibility into the progress of the project.
5. On-Chain Contributor Tokens via the Andamio Platform:
6. The Andamio platform, integrated with Cardano's blockchain, generates contributor tokens that record student progress throughout the CPBL program.
7. These on-chain tokens serve as tangible evidence of students' achievements and contributions.
8. By leveraging blockchain technology, we ensure the immutability and transparency of student progress, further enhancing the trust and reliability of the CPBL program.
9. Live Coding Sessions:
10. We will conduct regular live coding sessions, where students can engage with instructors and peers in real-time.
11. These sessions will provide an interactive learning experience, allowing participants to ask questions, share insights, and collaborate on solving problems.
12. Live coding sessions will be recorded and made available for future reference and wider accessibility.
13. Recordings Shared via YouTube:

• To reach a broader audience, we will share recordings of live coding sessions, tutorials, and key insights on our dedicated YouTube channel.
• These recordings will serve as valuable resources for individuals who are unable to attend live sessions or wish to revisit specific topics.

1. Progress Reports Shared via Project Catalyst Town Halls and Website:
2. We will regularly present progress reports and updates during Project Catalyst Town Halls, providing a platform to engage with the community and gather feedback.
3. These reports will highlight the milestones achieved, student contributions, and the overall impact of the CPBL program.
4. We will also share detailed progress updates on the Project Catalyst website, ensuring that the wider Cardano community and stakeholders can stay informed about the project's outcomes.

Using the results CPBL project we'll do further research and development activities, such as:

• The results and insights generated from the CPBL project will form a valuable foundation for future research and development activities.
• We will analyze the data collected, evaluate the effectiveness of the CPBL program, and identify areas for improvement and refinement.
• The findings will guide us in enhancing the Andamio platform, fine-tuning the CPBL curriculum, and exploring new opportunities for leveraging Project Catalyst's tech stack.
• We will actively engage with the Project Catalyst and Cardano community, governance and politics researchers, and project-related industry experts to share our learnings, collaborate on further advancements, and contribute to the continuous growth and evolution of the Project Catalyst and Cardano ecosystem.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What is your capability to deliver your project with high levels of trust and accountability?

Background

Gimbalabs is a successful proposal of the first fund of Project Catalyst. Since then, our team has worked diligently to provide value to the Cardano community far surpassing that received in funding. Initiatives like the Plutus PBL, Gimbalabs Playground, Gimbalabs Live Coding and now the Andamio platform have provided fertile ground for developer and community growth. Gimbalabs has continuously engaged with the Cardano community through its different initiatives and has collaborated with numerous projects striving to grow and improve the ecosystem.

The Andamio team

The Andamio team is a unique blend of experienced developers, project managers, and business experts working together in the Cardano ecosystem for over two years. With their roots in Gimbalabs, a project deeply involved in the growth of Cardano, they share common values and goals, forming a dedicated and cohesive team. Over the past six months, they have diligently bootstrapped the Andamio platform as an open-source solution to address the challenges and pain points identified throughout their engagement with the Cardano community, where they have gathered valuable insights and collaborated with numerous learners and organizations.

After six months of rigorous testing, we are excited to present an open-source software development kit (SDK), ready to be developed into a platform that any Cardano organization can leverage.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] What are the main goals for the project and how will you validate if your approach is feasible?

The main goals for the CPBL project and feasibility validation are:

1. Provide comprehensive documentation of each component of Project Catalyst's tech stack:
2. Goal: Develop detailed and user-friendly documentation for each component of Project Catalyst's tech stack, including clear instructions, explanations, and examples.
3. Feasibility Validation: The completion of comprehensive documentation will be measured by assessing the availability, accuracy, clarity, and completeness of the documentation. Feedback from users, developers, and the community will also be gathered to evaluate the usefulness and effectiveness of the documentation in facilitating understanding and adoption of the Project Catalyst's tech stack.
4. Create and implement a Catalyst PBL program:

• Goal: Design and execute a Catalyst Project-based Learning (CPBL) program that adopts project-based learning methodologies to onboard users to Project Catalyst's tech stack.
• Feasibility Validation: The successful implementation of the CPBL program will be measured by the active participation and engagement of students in the program. Evaluation criteria will include student satisfaction, progress, and completion rates. Additionally, feedback from students, instructors, and community members will be collected to assess the effectiveness of the program in promoting learning, problem-solving skills, and understanding of the Project Catalyst's tech stack.

1. Onboard Cardano community members to Project Catalyst's tech stack:

• Goal: Facilitate the successful onboarding of Cardano community members to Project Catalyst's tech stack, enabling them to actively participate in the governance and decision-making processes.
• Feasibility Validation: The effectiveness of onboarding will be measured by the number of community members successfully onboarded to the tech stack. This can be quantified by tracking the number of users who have completed the CPBL program, gained proficiency in using the tech stack, and actively contributed to Project Catalyst initiatives. Additionally, feedback from community members and their level of confidence in utilizing the tech stack will be considered.

Implementation Approach:

• To achieve these goals, first and foremost we will adopt an iterative and collaborative approach.
• We will use our dedicated team of experienced instructors, curriculum designers, and technical experts to design and develop the comprehensive documentation and the CPBL program.
• The team will work closely with the with Project Catalyst's team and Cardano community, seeking input, feedback, and insights to ensure that the materials and program meet the needs and expectations of the users.
• The CPBL program will incorporate a range of learning resources, including interactive modules, live coding sessions, peer-to-peer collaboration, and real-world project engagement, leveraging the Andamio platform's capabilities.
• Regular evaluations, surveys, and feedback loops will be implemented to assess the progress, effectiveness, and user satisfaction throughout the project's lifecycle.
• Continuous improvements and refinements will be made based on the feedback received, allowing us to iterate on the documentation, program structure, and learning experience to optimize user onboarding and achieve the desired goals.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please provide a detailed breakdown of your project’s milestones and each of the main tasks or activities to reach the milestone plus the expected timeline for the delivery.

Milestone 1: Research and Development - 1 month

• Collaborate with the Project Catalyst team to determine the needs and priorities of CPBL.
• Conduct in-depth research on project-based learning methodologies and best practices.
• Identify key requirements and success criteria for the CPBL program.

Milestone 2: Curriculum and PBL Modules Design and Development - 2 months

• Develop and publish onboarding modules to introduce users to Project Catalyst's tech stack and governance processes.
• Create Building Background Knowledge (BBK) modules to provide learners with foundational knowledge.
• Design and develop Specialization modules that delve deeper into specific components of Project Catalyst's tech stack.
• Develop Contribution modules to guide learners in actively participating and contributing to real-world projects.
• Gather feedback from the Project Catalyst team and incorporate their suggestions to refine and improve content.

Milestone 3: Comprehensive Project Catalyst Component Documentation - 2 months

• Generate comprehensive documentation for each component of Project Catalyst's tech stack, including:Postgresql Database
• Data importer tools
• VIT servicing station
• The Jormungandr Node
• GVC
• Ensure the documentation is clear, comprehensive, and accessible to users.

Milestone 4: Smart Contract Development - 1 month

• Develop and deploy smart contracts for skill and contribution tracking, providing on-chain recording and proof of users' acquired skills and contributions.
• Implement smart contracts for treasury management, enabling efficient fund allocation and reward distribution.
• Conduct thorough security and performance testing to ensure the robustness and reliability of the smart contracts.

Milestone 5: CPBL on Andamio is Live! - 6 months

• Implement skill and contribution tracking capabilities on the Andamio platform, allowing learners to earn emergent reputation through mastery-based assessments.
• Integrate treasury management capabilities into Andamio, enabling monetary rewards and real-world work experiences for learners.
• Deploy the CPBL Andamio Learning Management System (LMS) instance to provide learners with a seamless and interactive learning experience.
• Conduct two weekly 90-minute live coding sessions for six months, promoting peer collaboration and problem-solving.
• Host monthly 90-minute user feedback sessions to gather insights and improve the CPBL program.
• Maintain an archive of live coding session recordings on YouTube for easy access and reference.

Milestone 6: Lessons Learned and Insights from the CPBL Program

• Collect end-of-program user feedback to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the CPBL program.
• Analyze insights and lessons learned from the execution of the program and user feedback.
• Prepare a final report detailing the program's outcomes, highlighting successes, and providing recommendations for further improvement.

[CAPABILITY/ FEASIBILITY] Please describe the deliverables, outputs and intended outcomes of each milestone.

You can find an online version of this document here

You can find an online version of this document here

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] Please provide a detailed budget breakdown of the proposed work and resources.

You can find an online version of this document here

You can find an online version of this document here

[RESOURCES & VALUE FOR MONEY] How does the cost of the project represent value for money for the Cardano ecosystem?

1. Quality and expertise: The costs associated with the project take into account the expertise required to deliver high-quality outputs and meet the specific needs of the milestones.
2. Competitive hourly rates: The estimated hours needed for each deliverable are based on industry standards and best practices. This ensures that the project encompasses comprehensive documentation, analysis, design, and development of the required components, resulting in valuable outputs that meet the objectives of the Cardano ecosystem.
3. Consideration of project complexity: The costs associated with the project also consider the complexity of the tasks involved. For instance, milestones such as developing smart contracts or designing and developing a PBL program require specialized knowledge and expertise. The allocated hours and costs reflect the effort and attention needed to deliver these components effectively.
4. Value of knowledge and insights: The project's value for money is further enhanced by the knowledge and insights provided. Deliverables such as the Program Evaluation Report, Lessons Learned Document, and Stakeholder Engagement Analysis offer valuable insights for continuous improvement and informed decision-making within the Cardano ecosystem. The costs associated with these deliverables represent the value derived from the analysis, recommendations, and lessons learned, contributing to the ecosystem's growth and effectiveness.
5. Customized and tailored approach: The costs take into account the customization and tailoring required for each milestone. The project's specific needs, requirements, and desired outcomes are considered when estimating the required hours and associated costs. This ensures that the project is aligned with the unique characteristics and objectives of the Cardano ecosystem, providing a customized solution and value for money.

[IMPORTANT NOTE] The Applicant agreed to Fund10 rules and also that data in the Submission Form and other data provided by the project team during the course of the project will be publicly available.

I Accept