United States Peace Initiative: Where Peace Meets Technology

Integrating peace into technology education may seem like a unique challenge, but for Natalie Sparks Johnson, a technology educator at SHAPE High School, it provided an opportunity to bring global issues into the classroom. Through a project-based lesson, her students explored how technology can promote peace, culminating in their participation in a "Peace Tech Fair."

Johnson, selected as a 2024-25 United States Peace Initiative Fellow, was recently featured by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) for her innovative curriculum that emphasizes peacebuilding through technology. Last year, she was chosen to take part in the USIP Teacher Program, a prestigious initiative that highlights educators' roles in promoting global conflict resolution and peace in secondary schools across the U.S.

The challenge for Johnson was to merge the standards from her six different technology classes into one cohesive assignment, all while emphasizing the theme of peace. "Project-based learning offers a fantastic opportunity for students to think creatively and design devices that promote peace," Johnson explained.

To begin, students were tasked with answering the guiding question, "How can technology be harnessed to foster peace and resolve conflicts in our modern world?" The classroom discussions ranged from brainstorming innovative ways to incorporate technology in peacekeeping efforts to analyzing the ethical considerations of their designs.

Some key activities in the project included:

• Brainstorming Sessions: Students worked on generating ideas for how technology could be used in peacekeeping initiatives.
• Project Proposals: After selecting their ideas, students submitted detailed project proposals.
• Cathedral Thinking: Johnson introduced the concept of “Cathedral Thinking,” a long-term planning approach that encourages students to consider how their projects could benefit future generations.
• Ethical Considerations: Students examined the ethical implications of their tech designs as they relate to peacebuilding.
• Peace Tech Prototypes: Using computer-aided design programs or paper models, students created prototypes of their peace-focused technologies.
• Community Presentations: Students presented their prototypes at the Peace Tech Fair, engaging with their peers, parents, and SHAPE community members.

The Peace Tech Fair, held in SHAPE High School’s library, was a great success, with students displaying their work on trifold boards and confidently presenting their ideas to the community. Parents and local community members were invited to ask questions, giving students the opportunity to practice public speaking and critical thinking.

"My students were nervous at first, but they quickly became more comfortable sharing their ideas with adults," said Johnson. "This project allowed them to think on their feet and engage deeply with how technology can be a force for good."

Looking ahead, Johnson hopes to expand the event next year by inviting other schools in the SHAPE community to collaborate. The USIP recently featured the Peace Tech Fair in its Peace Teachers Program, which showcases the efforts of educators across the country who teach about global conflict and peace.

For more information on the USIP Peace Teachers Program, visit USIP's website.

Natalie Sparks Johnson, who has been teaching for 30 years in various countries, including Australia, was honored to be chosen as a USIP Peace Fellow for the 2024-25 school year.