Game Changer: Digital Pathways Conference Highlights Esports
From the field to the computer lab, the place where sports are being played is evolving. Esports is an up and coming venture in competitive gaming, expanding from high school to the collegiate arena. To keep educators up to date on the esports trend, New York State Association for Computers and Technologies in Education (NYSCATE) made esports the focus of this year’s Digital Pathways conference held at the Western New York Regional Information Center/Erie 1 BOCES.
This year’s Digital Pathways conference was held on February 7 and was themed “game changer.” The day commenced with a panel of seven experts in the field of esports. The panel spoke on a variety of topics including how to introduce the topic to your school, what games may be suitable for different grade levels and the benefits of bringing esports to schools.
“Recently, there has been a lot of talk about esports from our districts. We really wanted to educate schools on the truths regarding esports first-hand. By compiling a team of experts ranging from students to college coaches, we were able to help guide the districts in the right direction,” stated Michelle Okal-Frink, director of WNYRIC business continuity, research and innovation as well as the NYSCATE vice president, when asked about this year’s theme.
With the limited knowledge and stigmas that often surround esports, the experts fielded a variety of questions ranging from the cost to start a team, concerns about first-person shooter games and scholarship opportunities. Three local colleges represented their own esports teams, each one emphasized the importance of reaching students who aren’t involved in traditional sports. Also, they brought up the unique ability to involve other departments or clubs such as having the marketing team create logos or having broadcasting and audio-visual clubs provide commentary during tournaments.
“It was well received, we heard from many administrators who were excited about bringing this as an option back to their districts,” Okal-Frink said after the event.
Following the keynote, attendees had the opportunity to attend informational sessions from over 20 offerings, topics included esports as well as coding, new technology and student engagement.
In addition to the keynote and other informational sessions, the conference hosted a variety of presenters, representing school districts from Lake Shore and Cattaraugus-Little Valley to Springville-Griffith Institute and Salamanca. In addition, educators from multiple Western New York BOCES also presented, including students from Erie 1 BOCES Middle Tech, who helped their teacher, Lindsay Simmen, demonstrate the use of robots in the classroom.
From drones to several kinds of robots, field trip programs and computer hardware, attendees had the chance to try out new technology and applications and find new learning opportunities in the STEM Playground and vendor area.
“It is our goal to have educators who attend this conference leave excited and inspired with new ideas on how to utilize technology in the classroom,” Okal-Frink added.