The Blockchain Art Simulation (BARTS) and Experiential Exercises

ABSTRACTThis paper introduces the online Blockchain ART Simulation (BARTS) and a set of experiential online exercises that illustrate hashing concepts for validating blockchain transactions. Our premise is that understanding the role of secure hashing algorithms in the mining process is the primary conceptual impediment for students to gain an accurate picture of the validation process for blockchain transactions. The BARTS simulation helps develop the conceptual foundation for understanding hashing concepts, and it also leads to understanding blockchain-related concepts. In addition to assisting in understating blockchain concepts, the BARTS simulation and the accompanying exercises are useful in understanding and applying hashing concepts related to password verification, verifying software signatures, digital content signature verification, and averting man-in-the-middle threats.