RivTech’s Multifaceted Approach to Technology Education
Within Riverdale’s amazing set of student-led activities and clubs are a subset of lesser-known activities labeled under RivTech. RivTech was first created as a place where a tech club would gather, in one room with people working on all kinds of computer science-based activities. Now, it’s an umbrella collection of student-run activities overseen by Mr. Andrew Abate, Mr. Matthew Ringh, and Mr. Trevor Brandon-Harris. RivTech itself offers a wide diversity of clubs: this year they’re running Build-a-Ware, Code Connect, Esports, Game Making and Game Design (Game Jam), Girls Who Code, and the Riverdale Blockchain and Crypto Club.
One of the many special things about RivTech is its expansion of Computer Science beyond the classroom. Mr. Abate explained: “We [talk] about different types of tech that we may touch on in CS courses but maybe not in the full depth that’s there.” Realms of computer science not viewed in the classroom are often incorporated into RivTech activities, including discussions around topics not always covered in classes An excellent example is the Blockchain and Crypto club which fosters discussions around bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and much more; discussions that Mr. Abate thinks “[are] so worthwhile” since they allow students to see that “computer science exists and develop it in these really cool different ways.” RivTech also expands computer science beyond Riverdale, with the Build-a-Ware and Code Connect clubs emphasizing service learning. Code Connect collaborates with other schools to teach students coding, and Build-a-Ware builds computers and sends them to a school that may not be able to get computers otherwise. Another RivTech activity of importance is Girls Who Code, which discusses the role of feminism and women in STEM, a mainly male-dominated field. Zoe Ray, a leader of Girls Who Code, explained that in a male-dominated field, “it’s important to have a space for everyone who wants to join coding and for people who are interested in it.” She also added that because “our world is growing more and more modern, [RivTech] is important [in order] to keep up with everything.”
Unlike other clubs, RivTech goes beyond running a club. Many clubs have final products ranging from community service, to running an event, or competing in competitions. Ari Stockwell, a leader of Game Making and Game Design Club (Game Jam), hosts Game Jam competitions where students make games that are judged by a panel of Riverdale faculty. They’ve hosted many events over the years, including “one interschool with kids from Fieldston and other schools as well.” Stockwell also noted that Game Jam has hosted events with the Middle School as well. Robotics has also been involved in many competitions over the years, where students build things to compete in the Vex competitions. On a broader scale, RivTech has also brought in speakers throughout the years.
Because of the previously mentioned umbrella, RivTech activities are also extremely connected. Mr. Abate commented that “especially now that we have Activity A and Activity B, students can go to one RivTech activity [on] an A session, and another activity on a B session…So there is this really cool opportunity to put these [clubs] together but yet have them still be different.” Stockwell added that RivTech is “definitely connected in a way that other separate clubs aren’t.” Another unique feature of RivTech is the numerous options in coding and Computer Science in general. Mr Abate explained that “there are so many different areas to explore for RivTech, which just makes it such an amazing organization.” Furthermore, Stockwell added that RivTech’s numerous options “extend pretty far with different things in technology.”
RivTech is for everyone. Regardless of coding experience, all leaders are eager to help you find your passion in coding. “Leaders are just so enthusiastic about engaging in that area that is of interest to them,” Mr. Abate noted. Ray also commented that her role includes “mak[ing] sure everybody feels included and has a good time.” With all the options of RivTech, Mr. Abate strongly encourages students to participate in events like the Game Jam and Robotics competitions. Club leaders also welcome you to the countless activities that RivTech offers.
