NCTIES2023

The University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG), SparkNC, and Epic Games have created a collaboration with NC high schools to ambitiously grow an Education Innovation Ecosystem across NC that is focused on developing and training a workforce that is prepared with 21st Century durable and technology skills through the integration of education, gaming, and esports. This unique university/K-12/non-profit/industry collaboration is intentionally planning for a gaming integrated curriculum that extends seamlessly from NC high schools directly into higher education degree and credentialing opportunities. Several state-wide initiatives have grown out of this collaboration that provide unique opportunities for educators and students alike. Three such Initiatives are: (1) UNCG E2 Weekends that are centered around an Unreal Engine accelerator experience for high school and university educators and esports tournaments for high school and collegiate students; (2) Spartan Invitational Esports Tournaments for university esports teams within NC; and (3) UNCG Scholastic Esports Alliance which is a state-wide education-based esports league for NC high school students are providing new and exciting game-based learning and problem solving experiences for NC high school and college educators and students as well as competitive experiences that also provide valuable applied learning experiences for NC high school and college students. This education innovative ecosystem is identifying cutting edge ideas for the delivery of STEAM education and applied learning opportunities for high-tech careers that are in demand in NC. With a focus on emerging and transferable skills, this unique collaboration will provide long-term benefit to both North Carolinians and NC businesses. The panel will discuss the mission and goals of the collaboration as well as details about each of the initiatives.

Designing EIP (esports implementation plan) that maximizes student participation through teams, clubs, intramural, courses, content production, job shadowing, and internships. Envision a future where every interested student gets involved in esports through many roles. Learn about key data points for how esports programs have a strong positive influence on SEL and academic achievement.

Join us as we review our local journey in implementing Esports teams in each of our high schools. From initial discussions through game play, find out how we are glowing and how we are growing!

This session is designed to be a panel with four K-12 esports coordinators and a collegiate esports coordinator as the facilitator. The panel will address predefined questions as well as questions from participants. We will discuss what worked, what didn't, and what advice we have to those are are trying to start up or those that are currently running esports programs in academic settings.

Esports clubs are a great way to maximize opportunities for student participation. Learn from the experiences by one educator who ran an Esports Summer Camp club and the valuable lessons learned. Receive access to an incredible resource guide for building a club as part of attending.

When thinking of competitive gaming, many people immediately picture someone alone in front of a tv or monitor playing for hours a day. However, there is much more that goes into esports competition than long periods of unstructured play. In fact, scholastic esports opportunities can be leveraged to build community, develop participants’ interpersonal communication skills, and teach emotional self regulation. In the Value of Esports Competition session, the transferable skills and benefits that participants experience during competition will be outlined. Additionally, live competition during the session will help bring the concepts discussed to life.