Torch - Spring/Summer 2019

STEM Stories

Linking Blockchain Technology and Social Impact By Maggi Patterson

B lockchain technology—an encrypted and decentralized ledger that is used to anonymously record information and transactions—is often associated with cryptocurrencies, such as bitcoin. By participating in Blockchain Learning Group’s (BLG) Hack 4 Change, eight of Havergal’s Senior School students had the opportunity to learn an alternate application of the technology: making a difference through positive social impact. The six-day workshop comprised 50 students from the Conference of Independent Schools of Ontario, who worked in teams to identify, design and present solutions to a selected UN Sustainable Development Goal using blockchain technology. The activities were created to challenge the students’ design thinking with regards to the end-user’s empathy, ideation prototyping and pitching, while broadening their understanding of the technology. “The workshop helped students understand that it isn’t just a platform for cryptocurrency, but rather a concept that will change the way we do business and interact with each other and the world,” says Havergal’s Vice Principal of Student Engagement and Experiential Development, Garth Nichols, who leads the school’s involvement in Hack 4 Change. Havergal’s team chose to focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goal #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, specifically, the global issue of fair trade, using a sportswear company as their example. “Since there have been a lot of ethical issues in factories, we thought it would be a good application of blockchain technology for our program to try to create transparency in the supply chain,” Grade 12 student Elena Neretlis says. The students took on various roles depending on their interests and skill set. The coders strengthened their developer and computer

technology skills by learning a new programming language while the presenters sharpened their research, strategy and public speaking abilities. “Blockchain technology is very complicated, so it takes a lot of time to understand it. Not only did it increase my understanding of the technical side, but also the business side, which helped me to see the bigger picture,” Grade 10 student Fidan Sidag explains. The opportunity also gave students a glimpse at what it would be like to work at a startup company, which requires impeccable teamwork, as well as time-management and problem-solving skills. “Working in a startup environment and going through the ideation and development process, you learn a lot about yourself and how you work with other people,” Grade 11 student Antonia Knoth says. “Participating in the workshop was incredibly valuable.” One obstacle to the progression of the technology is the lack of trained developers in the marketplace. Women are often underrepresented in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering, math) and the blockchain industry is no exception, as 95 per cent of the industry’s enthusiasts and investors are male. 1 “Diversity is the key to changing the way we solve problems as a society and the inclusion of women in this particular field is vital,” Nichols says. The workshop that Havergal helped design and participate in was recently mentioned in a Forbes magazine article, which highlights BLG’s vision to bridge the talent gap by creating more opportunities for high-school students. BLG plans to partner with 1,000 schools throughout Canada and Australia to help familiarize both educators and students with the possibilities of blockchain. 2 Havergal’s Limitless Campaign will create new spaces on campus— including a Makerspace and technology education classrooms at the Upper School, along with a STEM classroom in the Junior School— that will expand students’ knowledge of emerging technologies. “By building these new spaces, we are recognizing, validating, developing and celebrating STEM as an area that is highly valued,” Nichols says. The students felt that the opportunity added to their value proposition as they look forward to post-secondary education and their careers. “More and more organizations continue to adopt blockchain technology and understanding it will give us an advantage as we enter the workforce,” Knoth says. Nichols hopes that Havergal’s new spaces and the opportunities available to students will further contribute to their confidence in STEM-related fields.

Senior School students participate in Hack 4 Change.

1. Science Friday. “Why Aren’t There More Women in Blockchain?” March 16, 2018. www.sciencefriday.com/segments/why-arent-there-more-women-in-blockchain/. 2. Huang, R. “The First Program to Train High School Girls with Blockchain Skills.” Forbes. January 7, 2019. www.forbes.com/sites/rogerhuang/2019/01/07/ the-first-program-to-train-high-school-girls-with-blockchain-skills/#1026be742751.

30  HAVERGAL COLLEGE