very well said @phillyhistory!

I've always thought that this experiment was just that....a pioneering experiment and any earnings a boon, frosting on the cake so to speak.

I'd also challenge the idea that $18./hour isn't worthwhile....it's significant given the other gains occurring simultaneously especially given the short time invested here. Presumably, over time richer and enduring relationships would be built and more rewards gained. It takes real time to network and build relationships here on steemit just as it does out in the world. Was this component of each student's experience tracked? I'd be interested to know how much time each student gave to proactively reaching out to other steemians to develop relationships outside of @sndbox and classmates...

If this class or others were a regular feature on the platform they would gain a following. I found this class interesting to follow even if I didn't read every single post nor comment on all that I read. I believe that this format does offer the steemit community a glimpse into student's learning process within any given class and offers the students the valuable experience of a different paradigm. I can see this class at the very least as a useful catalyst to investigating blockchain tech which is undoubtedly one of the pathways of the present and future....and something each is paid for engaging with!