Esports
Electronic sports, or competitive video gaming, is an extracurricular activity in K-12 and higher education with organized competitions at regional, state, national and international levels. It involves software and hardware devices and varying degrees of technical skill, and in some schools is combined with STEM curricula.
Veteran esports leaders on Tuesday at the ISTELive 22 annual conference explained the myriad benefits of those programs, from promoting social-emotional well-being to laying the groundwork for technical careers.
Students and administrators say digital streaming platforms, referrals and college recruitment test tournaments have made organized video game competitions among the fastest-growing extracurriculars in Iowa.
More than a year after Iowa State University opened an e-sports gaming room, the facility has seen a spike in popularity, and the University of Iowa is planning its own 2,700-square-foot lounge in the Iowa Memorial Union.
Four years after the district started competitive video gaming teams, esports are being recognized alongside traditional sports, and teachers and parents say students are gaining interest in school.
The private Catholic institution is in the process of developing and equipping an esports facility on campus, to train students to play video games competitively against other colleges and at the national level.
New Hampshire education officials have approved Uptime Esports as a new Learn Everywhere program, offering lessons focused around competitive gaming, coding, engineering, game design and computer building.
Glynn County Board of Education wants to use money from the CARES Act earmarked for STEM expenses to purchase devices and equipment for esports, an extracurricular activity involving competitive video gaming.
The Esport Company and Greater Johnstown Community YMCA are putting together a conference called TEC — technology, education, community — with gaming tournaments for high school and college students.
Soon to open in a renovated YMCA building, the Community Steam Academy-Xenia will give students pathways to graduation involving drone operation, graphic design, robotics, biotech and other subjects.
Starting in fall 2022, the university will offer a 15-credit minor in esports, or competitive video games, learning about their history and ethics, regulatory and cultural issues, and business and marketing.
