Inefficiency in tutor hiring: High monitoring costs, lack of tutor choice, and funds misuse.
Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace: Uber for Tutorials. This will empower students to choose tutors, reduce monitoring costs, and ensure fund transparency through blockchain.
This is the total amount allocated to DirectEd- Decentralized Tutor’s Marketplace (Uber for Tutoring).
List any persons who are submitting the proposal jointly with the main applicant. Make sure you have confirmed approval/awareness with these individuals / accounts before adding them.
Rohan Mitta - Smart Contract Lead
John Ndigirigi - Full stack developer
Edmund Ebiyenrin - developer, front end
Sherrie Ma - UIX design
Ency Lu - UIX design
Auditing firm (not yet decided)
Dev firm, Haskell.team
Project will be fully open source
Our proposed solution, the Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace, addresses the problem of high monitoring costs, lack of tutor choice, and funds misuse. We perceive the problem as the high monitoring costs, limited tutor choice, and the risk of funds being misused for non-educational purposes.
We have already built the MVP smart contract (currently on testnet), successfully tested this out with end-users during the DirectEd pilot bootcamp in Kenya.
Preprod testnet tutorial voucher redemption smart contract : PreProd Address addr_test1wqm0h0putljr4umj86fw6dpatfatwjk8h70y05q9yf5fz6s6af6m8 - Cardanoscan
Mainnet DTV policyID (to see use and holders): Token DTV - Cardanoscan
Notion page description and video tutorial for students: https://directed.notion.site/Tutors-Marketplace-922d7d9bf3e04c50915eacb2c88a2c43?pvs=4
How the marketplace works: Non-technical User Flow Description
Flowchart
Current (MVP)
DirectEd has taken the role of both “Education funder” and course provider. This may not always be the case. We call our particular TV token the “DirectEd Tutorial Vouchers” (DTV). More generally, each Education funder will have their own Tutorial Vouchers and Tutor NFTs.
This proposal
Our goal is to build a platform which can accommodate both external funders and students. The following will be the key features of our platform.
Our approach focuses on leveraging the Cardano blockchain to empower students, tutors, and education financiers. By utilising blockchain technology, we ensure secure and transparent transactions, enabling students to choose tutors based on their preferences, qualifications, and availability. This decentralised approach reduces monitoring costs for educational providers and creates a competitive environment that incentivizes tutors to provide high-quality services.
The project will engage various stakeholders, including students seeking personalised tutoring, tutors looking for flexible work opportunities, and education financiers interested in supporting student education. By providing a decentralised marketplace, we aim to create a thriving ecosystem where students can access quality tutoring, tutors can showcase their expertise, and education financiers can ensure funds are allocated for educational purposes.
To demonstrate impact, we will track key metrics such as the number of students accessing tutoring services, tutor satisfaction ratings, and the amount of stablecoin liquidity provided by education financiers. We will also conduct user surveys and feedback sessions to gather qualitative insights into the improved learning experiences and increased transparency achieved through our solution.
What makes our solution unique is the integration of the Cardano blockchain, which ensures secure and transparent transactions while leveraging the benefits of decentralisation. The use of tutorial vouchers and smart contracts creates a robust and accountable system that aligns the interests of students, tutors, and education financiers. By bringing these advantages to the education sector, our solution contributes to Cardano's vision of fostering transparency, efficiency, and empowerment in various industries.
The challenge seeks to fund: Creation or improvement of different products that provide value to the Cardano community and wider ecosystem.
Our proposed solution, the Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace provides value by building a product that directly addresses several problems: Inefficiency in tutors hiring, ie high monitoring costs, lack of tutor choice, and funds misuse
The project brings several benefits to the Cardano ecosystem:
Increased Usage and Transactions: The marketplace will generate a significant number of transactions as students pay for tutoring services using DTV tokens, which are securely transferred on the Cardano blockchain. This increased usage will contribute to the growth of the Cardano network and validate its scalability and efficiency.
Quantified (number from pilot):
Enhanced Adoption: The Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace will attract students, tutors, and education financiers to the Cardano ecosystem. As users engage with the marketplace and experience the advantages of blockchain-based tutoring, it will create a positive perception of Cardano and encourage further adoption of the platform.
Showcase Cardano's Capabilities: By integrating with the Cardano blockchain, the marketplace serves as a real-world application that demonstrates the practical use of smart contracts, token transfers, and decentralized systems. It showcases Cardano's capabilities and positions it as a leading blockchain platform for educational and other industries.
Strengthened Ecosystem: The Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace contributes to the overall strength and resilience of the Cardano ecosystem. It adds a valuable use case, expands the range of applications built on Cardano, and fosters innovation within the community.
While the specific number of users or transactions cannot be accurately predicted, we anticipate significant adoption within a reasonable timeframe. Through targeted marketing efforts and collaborations with educational institutions, we expect to attract a substantial user base and facilitate a high volume of transactions. This will contribute to the growth, vitality, and long-term success of the Cardano ecosystem.
We intend to measure the success of our project through a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics that reflect the project's benefits for the Cardano ecosystem. These metrics will help us evaluate the impact of the Decentralized Tutor's Marketplace on Cardano's productivity and growth in both the short and long term.
During development KPIs
Post-launch KPIs
There will be two primary ways the community can follow our progress
Upon completion of project
As required, we will be creating a Demo video of how the platform works and seek opportunities to present this during Catalyst ATH breakout rooms.
We will continuously engage in conversations with existing educational initiatives in the Cardano ecosystem to make sure we are building a product that fits their needs. These include for example Emurgo Academy, Gimbalabs, and e-Learning DAO.
By sharing the outputs and impact of our project through these channels, we expect to generate awareness and interest among relevant stakeholders. This will create opportunities for knowledge transfer, collaboration, and the exploration of new possibilities in the field of decentralized education.
Proven track record of delivering
DirectEd has a long-standing history within the Cardano ecosystem and it was born out of a project proposal in Catalyst Fund 6 (proposal). It has since then received funding for two proposals in Fund 8 (dApp & SSI). Closeout video for the F8 dApp proposal here. To sign up for testnet Alpha testing, go to http://testnet.directed.dev/ (opens July 31st). We embrace radical transparency, as can be observed through our public Progress & OKR page and by inspection of our wallet transaction metadata ($directed, $simondirected).
Our SSI proposal is still in progress after both technical and operational challenges alongside contingencies outside of our control. After undertaking feasibility study, several aspects of the original idea contained in the proposal was found to be intractable. More details on other factors can be found in this Change of Scope request that has been submitted to IOG.
DirectEd has delivered in several ways. Utilization of the network, open-source code contributions and real-world impact & partnerships. The section below quantifies each of these:
Cardano use
Open Source Contributions (repo)
Real-world impact and Partnerships
Traction
Media and Twitter spaces
Spring 2023
Fall/Winter 2022
Financial Management and Transparency
We have implemented robust financial management processes, leveraging cardano blockchain technology for transparency, accountability, and responsible use of funds. All transactions contain metadata and can be tracked on the Cardano blockchain. We maintain accurate records, conduct regular audits, and provide transparent financial statements to relevant parties, promoting transparency and accountability in our financial management practices.
To this end, we have implemented the following policies for our treasury management.
This means we have a multi-sig for the custodianship of received funds. We convert the majority of funds to one or several stablecoins upon receipt. We also extensively document each transaction with information about its use in the metadata. The multi-sig wallet can be explored here ($directeddev) and the payout wallet ($directedsimon) can be audited here.
Project Governance and Reporting
Building upon our previous project experience, we have established a robust project governance structure that emphasizes transparency and accountability. Regular reporting and monitoring mechanisms are in place to track progress and ensure adherence to project milestones and targets. You can inspect our public Progress reporting and OKR page here.
As part of our commitment to transparency, we implemented a progress page for donors to track the performance of students, providing updates on their achievements, which can be observed by donors (NFT gated) here. This reporting framework enables stakeholders to stay informed about project status, outcomes, and financial performance, fostering transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.
The main goal of our project, the Decentralised Tutor's Marketplace, is to create a scalable and efficient platform that enhances personalised tutoring services while ensuring transparency in fund utilisation.
Validation: We will measure the success of our goal by achieving the following:
Cost Reduction and Scalability: Estimate the current costs of tutoring and the overhead of managing and monitoring tutors. Conduct a comparative study between a cohort using the traditional approach and one using the Decentralised Tutor's Marketplace. Quantitatively evaluate the cost reduction achieved through the decentralised approach while maintaining or improving the quality of tutoring services.
Tutor Accountability and Incentivization: Track the number of tutors participating in the marketplace and evaluate their satisfaction levels. Measure the tutor retention rate and gather qualitative feedback on the effectiveness of the tutor rating and review system. Focus on improving incentives for tutors and enhancing their satisfaction, ultimately leading to improved tutorial quality.
Transparent Fund Utilization: Monitor the stablecoin liquidity provided by education financiers to support the redemption of tutorial vouchers. Validate the effectiveness of smart contracts in ensuring that funds are used solely for tutoring purposes. Conduct periodic audits and reports to demonstrate the transparency and accountability of the fund utilisation, aligning it with the expectations of donors.
To measure the achievement of these goals, we will utilise a combination of quantitative and qualitative metrics. Quantitative metrics may include cost reduction percentage, number of active tutors and students, transaction volume, tutor retention rate, and stablecoin liquidity. Qualitative metrics will involve user feedback through surveys, satisfaction ratings, and reviews from both tutors and students. Additionally, engagement with educational institutions and stakeholders will provide valuable insights into the project's success in achieving its goals.
Regarding the implementation approach, we will follow industry best practices for software development. This will involve utilising an incremental and iterative development process, conducting thorough testing and quality assurance, and leveraging the expertise of our technical team in blockchain integration and smart contract development.
Milestone 1: MVP Development and User Feedback
Activities
Expected Timeline: 2 months
Success Criteria:
Cost
Milestone 2: (subject to user feedback and feature prioritisation as per Lean development)
Milestone 3: (subject to user feedback and feature prioritisation as per Lean development)
Milestone 4: Beta testing, Integration, Testing, and Deployment
Expected Timeline: 3 months
Success Criteria: Fully functional free-standing marketplace integrated with the DirectEd platform, meeting quality standards and user requirements. Continuously gather and address user feedback to enhance the marketplace and ensure a seamless user experience.
Budget Considerations:
Cost
Project Management Approach:
We will follow a Lean project management approach, emphasising iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid iterations. The project manager will facilitate regular team meetings, prioritise tasks based on customer value, and utilise visual management tools to track progress. The Lean approach allows for flexibility and adaptability throughout the project, ensuring efficient delivery while focusing on customer needs and maximising value creation. With a total project timeline of 5 months, we will allocate approximately 2 months for MVP development and user feedback and 3 months for integration, testing, and deployment.
Milestone 1: MVP Development and User Feedback
Deliverables:
Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Measurement of Progress:
Milestone 2: (subject to user feedback and feature prioritisation as per Lean development)
Milestone 3: (subject to user feedback and feature prioritisation as per Lean development)
Milestone 4: Integration, Testing, and Deployment
Deliverables:
Outputs:
Intended Outcomes:
Measurement of Progress:
Overall, progress will be measured by the successful completion of each milestone's deliverables, including the development of core features, integration with the DirectEd platform, user feedback incorporation, and successful deployment. Regular evaluation of the deliverables and documentation, along with user feedback and testing reports, will track the project's progress and ensure that the intended outcomes are achieved.
Milestone 1: MVP Development and User Feedback.
Milestones 2-3
Milestones 4
Other costs
Total USD: $34,200
Total ADA: 136800
Assuming 0.25 USD = 1
The cost of the project represents value for money for the Cardano ecosystem in several ways:
Efficient Resource Allocation: The project's budget has been carefully planned and allocated to ensure optimal utilisation of resources. The costs associated with development resources, software licences, testing tools, and other necessary expenses are justified based on industry standards and market rates. We have taken into consideration the average wages in our country and the typical rates for freelance services in the relevant industries. By managing the budget efficiently, we aim to deliver a high-quality product within the allocated funds.
Tangible Outcomes and Impact: The project aims to deliver tangible outcomes and address specific challenges within the education sector. The budget allows for the development of a functional and user-friendly marketplace that provides enhanced access to personalised tutoring services. The expected outcomes, such as increased student engagement, improved tutor accountability, and streamlined fund utilization, will bring value to the Cardano ecosystem by fostering educational growth and innovation.
Long-Term Value Creation: The project's value extends beyond the initial implementation phase. The marketplace will continue to benefit the Cardano ecosystem by providing an ongoing platform for students, tutors, and education financiers. It creates opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and economic empowerment. The long-term value and potential for scalability make the project a valuable addition to the Cardano ecosystem.
Alignment with Cardano Principles: The project aligns with the principles of the Cardano ecosystem, including transparency, security, and decentralisation. The budget considerations account for the integration of the Cardano blockchain, ensuring that the marketplace operates securely and efficiently. The costs associated with project management, documentation, reporting, and marketing reflect the commitment to transparency and community engagement.
In summary, the cost of the project represents value for money as it is carefully planned and allocated to deliver tangible outcomes, aligns with Cardano principles, and creates long-term value for the ecosystem. The budget considerations have been justified based on industry standards and market rates, ensuring an efficient use of resources and a successful project delivery.
Team
Below is a selection of team members. To see the full team of volunteers and other contributors, head over here.
Simon Sällström. MPhil in Economics, University of Oxford. Founder and CEO, DirectEd Development Foundation with several open-source contributions to the Cardano ecosystem including NFT gating, wallet-connect and two general-purpose smart contract primitives. PA and vPA in Catalyst F6-F9. Chair, Cardano RealFi Consortium Spring 2023. Workstream lead, Oxford Blockchain Society. Founder, Cardano Student Hub Oxford. Speaker at NFT.NYC. 5 completed Catalyst proposals, 3 pending completion (2 for CardanOx). Most recent close-out video.
Rohan Mitta. Smart Contract Lead. MAst in Pure Mathematics, University of Cambridge; MSc Foundations of Computer Science and Mathematics, University of Oxford. Plutus Pioneer 2022. Atala PRISM Pioneer 2022.
Christime Karimi. Chief Examiner. Senior Tutor, Moringa School. BSc of Education from University of Nairobi. Christine has trained 200+ junior developers over the past 5 years. Full stack web developer.
Edmund Ebiyenrin. Front-End. BSc in Computer Science, Federal University Makurdi, Google Student Developer Club regional lead.
John Ndigirigi. Atala PRISM engineer. BSc Computer Science, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Software developer, community builder, Atala PRISM pioneer.
Socials: Linktree
Sherrie Ma. UIX design. MSc International Management, Certification in UX/UI Design, BSc in Coastal Environmental Studies, Experiences in UIX design, Business Management, and Retail and Customer Service .
Ency Lu. UIX design. BFA in Studio Fine Arts Queens College…Fashion Design Parsons the new school. UIUX Springboard
Advisors
Below is a selection of advisors to DirectEd. See more here.
Anne Kjær (Riechert) Bathel. Anne is CEO and co-founder ReDI School of Digital Integration, a vocational training program teaching programming and tech skills to refugees and marginalised people. She is a 2006 graduate from KaosPilot in Denmark, a hybrid of a business and a design school. Anne was recognised by Edition F as one of "25 Women" revolutionising German industry and by Handelsblatt as "Mutmacher of the Year"(2018). She was awarded Best Female Social Entrepreneur of the year in Germany 2020 and Ashoka Fellow in 2021.
George Kosimbei. Dr Kosimbei is the current Chief of Party for the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center, East Africa. Prior to this role, he served as the Director of Innovation Incubation and University-Industry Linkages and also Chandaria Business Innovation and Incubation Center at Kenyatta University. He has also served as the project manager of the Kenyatta University - University of Rwanda - Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences and DAAD project on Technology Transfer and commercialization of Intellectual Property. He has extensive experience working in health economics, innovation incubation, intellectual property management and technology transfer and commercialization of Intellectual Property (IP).
Izzat-Begum B. Rajan. Izzat-Begum combines almost 25 years of experience in tax-efficient legal structuring and large tax dispute management. She offers a unique blend of skills to handle legal, tax, and financial matters as she built her career in multinationals and consulting firms and developed a strong knowledge of impact projects and social enterprises. Since 2005, Izzat-Begum has continuously held various C-suite and Board roles both for large multinationals and start-ups. Today, she is an advisor (providing Legal and Tax oversight) sitting on boards of a wide range of companies operating in the technological space.
Christian Meyer. Research lead at the Oxford Martin Programme on the Future of Development. Affiliated with Nuffield College, the Centre for the Study of African Economies (CSAE), and the Mind & Behaviour Research Group. Before my current role at the Martin School, I was a Postdoctoral Prize Research Fellow in the Department of Economics. His current fieldwork focuses on Ethiopia.