Technology

The Year of Technology: 2022-2023
 

Since 2014, the Isdell Center for Global Leadership (ICGL) has breathed life into Pace Academy’s mission—To create prepared, confident citizens of the world—through exploration of an annual global theme. By investigating issues surrounding Water, Food, Climate, Conservation, Energy, Waste, Global Health and Education, students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools have learned to think critically, challenge perceptions, embrace curiosity, develop global mindsets and build cultural appreciation. This year, under the guidance of our expert faculty, students are engaging in the ICGL’s 2022-2023 theme: Technology. 

“As in years past, we’re focusing on our annual theme from a global perspective, building upon students’ experiences with previous years’ themes and incorporating that existing knowledge into our study,” says ICGL Director Trish Anderson.

Three essential questions are shaping students’ conversations and discoveries.

“What is technology and how has it affected human history and culture?” prompts students to research and reflect on how humans transform materials, energy and information using various kinds of technology to advance civilization. They are paying particular attention to the roots of modern computing technology and are exploring its role in shaping their lives and the lives of others—for better or worse—around the world. 

Focusing on the positive contributions of modern technology, students are also exploring the question “How can technology help solve global problems?” and are employing their critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to think about how technology is being used to solve global issues related to Water, Food, Climate, Conservation, Energy, Waste, Global Health and Education. 

Finally, the question “How can we address the unintended consequences and ethical challenges that technology creates?” motivates students thinking about some of the more challenging aspects of emerging technology such as cybersecurity, the rise of disinformation, genetic engineering, and certain uses of artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies. “Our hope is that students will not only think critically about emerging challenges but brainstorm actionable ways to mitigate those potential threats,” Anderson says.

Eloise Gaudet ’23, Caitlyn Pinsker ’23, Prabhavh Pradeep ’24 and Henry Levenson ’24 are on the cutting edge as the Pace community embarks on its study of Technology. This year’s Isdell Global Leaders (IGLs), selected following an intensive application process, have committed to a year-long study of Technology that includes coursework, research and two travel opportunities.

Thirteen Upper School students are partnering with ICGL faculty to bring the topic of Technology to life for the school community through events, educational initiatives and advocacy. The 2022-2023 ICGL Student Council includes Simon Gerber ’23, Victoria Hadley ’23, Sheza Merchant ’23, Caroline Hood ’24, Reed Millner ’24, Adair Smith ’24, Mary Oyefuga ’25, Drew Park ’25, Caileigh Pinsker ’25, Sofia Vasquez ’25, Saya Brahma ’26, Reese Honeycutt ’26, Nayana Nag ’26 and Ashley York ’26.