NCTIES2023

Given the overwhelming popularity of video gaming, the rise of esports isn't surprising, and many schools are now embracing structured esports programs as an alternative or in addition to traditional sports. School administrators recognize that students can learn the same types of lessons from competitive video gaming as they would learn in traditional sports. Esports programs can help build a sense of belonging, promote collaboration and communication skills, and foster good sportsmanship and improved social behavior, while also creating a pipeline for future STEM careers and furthering students' strategic thinking and problem solving abilities.

Come learn how to create the most effective esports gaming space in this Power Up and Press Play with Esports presentation. Dive into a quick overview of the academic and social emotional benefits of implementing an esports learning space from the recent published whitepaper, Using Esports to Teach K–12 Academic and Social Emotional Skills. In addition, this session will explore various esports layouts, their functions, and the 5 learning zones to incorporate into winning esports spaces. Participants will leave with the whitepaper, an esports design guide, and inspirational layouts for esports spaces.