MCS 708 – Blockchain Technologies and Decentralized Systems
Categories: Doctorate of Computer Science
About Course
This core course explores blockchain technology and its applications beyond cryptocurrencies, including decentralized applications, smart contracts, and the integration of blockchain in various industries. Students will examine the underlying principles of blockchain, the development of decentralized systems, and the challenges and future directions of this rapidly evolving field. The course also covers the security, scalability, and governance issues associated with blockchain technologies.
What Will You Learn?
- Define blockchain technology and understand its core components
- Explain how blockchain ensures security, transparency, and immutability
- Analyze the evolution of blockchain beyond cryptocurrencies
- Understand decentralized systems and peer-to-peer networks
- Explore real-world applications of blockchain across industries
- Differentiate between blockchain and traditional databases
- Understand smart contracts and their functionality
- Evaluate benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption
Course Content
Week 1: Introduction to Blockchain Technology
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Week 1: Introduction to Blockchain Technology
04:20 -
LO1: Define blockchain technology and explain its evolution beyond cryptocurrencies.
00:00 -
LO2: Summarize the fundamental characteristics and key concepts underlying blockchain systems.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze the significance of decentralization in modern digital infrastructures.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 2: Blockchain Architecture and Components
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Week 2: Blockchain Architecture and Components
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the architectural components of blockchain networks and their functional roles.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe consensus mechanisms and evaluate their impact on network security and performance.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze the application of cryptographic principles in ensuring blockchain integrity.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 3: Smart Contracts: Concepts and Applications
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Week 3: Smart Contracts: Concepts and Applications
00:00 -
LO1: Define smart contracts and explain their operational logic within blockchain platforms.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe key design considerations for developing secure and efficient smart contracts.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze real-world use cases of smart contracts across different industries.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 4: Decentralized Applications (DApps)
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Week 4: Decentralized Applications (DApps)
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the architecture and lifecycle of decentralized applications.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe tools and platforms used in developing and deploying DApps.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze the advantages and limitations of DApps compared to traditional applications.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 5: Blockchain in Financial Services
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Week 5: Blockchain in Financial Services
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the role of blockchain in transforming financial services and digital transactions.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe decentralized finance (DeFi) models and their operational mechanisms.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate the benefits and risks associated with blockchain adoption in financial ecosystems.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Quetions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 6: Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
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Week 6: Blockchain in Supply Chain Management
00:00 -
LO1: Describe how blockchain enhances transparency and traceability in supply chains.
00:00 -
LO2: Explain integration strategies for blockchain within logistics and inventory systems.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze case studies demonstrating blockchain’s impact on supply chain efficiency.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 7: Security and Privacy in Blockchain Systems
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Week 7: Security and Privacy in Blockchain Systems
00:00 -
LO1: Explain security threats and vulnerabilities in blockchain environments.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe privacy-preserving mechanisms such as identity management and encryption techniques.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate strategies for strengthening blockchain security frameworks.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 8: Midterm Test or Assignment
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Week 8: Midterm Test or Assignment
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment (Midterm Assessment)
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Presentation Task
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Practical / Lab-Based Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Midterm Test (Theory + Application)
Week 9: Scalability and Performance in Blockchain
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Week 9: Scalability and Performance in Blockchain
00:00 -
LO1: Explain scalability challenges faced by blockchain networks.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe Layer-2 solutions and performance optimization techniques.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze trade-offs between decentralization, security, and scalability.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 10: Governance and Regulation of Blockchain Systems
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Week 10: Governance and Regulation of Blockchain Systems
00:00 -
LO1: Explain governance models used in decentralized blockchain networks.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe regulatory challenges and compliance considerations in blockchain deployment.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate the impact of governance structures on blockchain adoption and sustainability.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 11: Blockchain in Healthcare and Government
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Week 11: Blockchain in Healthcare and Government
00:00 -
LO1: Explain blockchain applications in healthcare data management and public services.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption in governmental systems.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze case studies on blockchain-driven digital transformation in public sectors.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True / False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 12: Blockchain and IoT Integration
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Week 12: Blockchain and IoT Integration
00:00 -
LO1: Explain the integration of blockchain with Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe decentralized data management and security solutions for IoT networks.
00:00 -
LO3: Analyze the impact of blockchain-IoT convergence on future smart infrastructures.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True/False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 13: Future Trends in Blockchain Technology
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Week 13: Future Trends in Blockchain Technology
00:00 -
LO1: Summarize emerging trends and technological innovations in blockchain systems.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe potential disruptions and opportunities driven by next-generation blockchain solutions.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate future research directions in decentralized technologies.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True/False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 14: Ethical and Social Implications of Blockchain
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Week 14: Ethical and Social Implications of Blockchain
00:00 -
LO1: Explain ethical challenges associated with blockchain adoption.
00:00 -
LO2: Describe social, economic, and legal implications of decentralized technologies.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate policy and governance frameworks addressing blockchain-related ethical concerns.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True/False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 15: Course Review
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Week 15: Course Review
00:00 -
LO1: Summarize key theoretical and practical concepts covered in blockchain technologies.
00:00 -
LO2: Analyze interconnections between blockchain components, applications, and challenges.
00:00 -
LO3: Evaluate readiness for advanced implementation and research in blockchain systems.
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True/False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Key Terms and Concepts
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
Week 16: Final Test or Project
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Week 16: Final Test or Project
00:00 -
Multiple Choice Questions
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True/False
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Scenario-Based Multiple Choice Questions
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Short Answer Questions
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Written Assignment
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Presentation Task
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Role-Playing Activity
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Peer Review Task
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Exercises and Activities Adaptation
