Call to Action: Apply the insights gained from this session to identify the ideal space for the school’s esports activities, whether it is repurposing an existing space or planning a new facility. In addition, collaborate with key stakeholders to discuss the management of this space as well as the long-term goals, to ensure that the systems are designed with adaptability in mind. Identify methods to incorporate essential audiovisual technologies that will enhance gaming, coaching, and instructional experiences. These steps will help create a dynamic, thriving environment that benefits the school, faculty, students, and community while making a lasting impact on engagement and learning.

Abstract: Educators are recognizing the value of esports as an avenue to promote teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and creativity among students. Esports is also an effective vehicle for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), enabling learners to develop important skills that can be applied in both personal and professional contexts. With many students experiencing esports as their first introduction to coached athletic activities, schools and universities are investing in facilities to support their esports programs. These activities take place in a variety of spaces, including dedicated facilities, converted rooms, and flexible learning spaces that are also used for other purposes. A well-designed audiovisual system and robust infrastructure are critical to enhancing experiences, empowering learners, and improving outcomes. This session explores the evolution of esports from recreational to professional, and its role in education. Learn about the fundamental role of AV and considerations for setting up a versatile and reliable system. Explore the various spatial compositions of these esports environments and how they can be optimized for both architectural design and audiovisual technology to enhance experiences. We will discuss methods for designing dynamic learning spaces that cater to the needs of students and instructors, while also taking into consideration the physicality of the space. Discover methods for integrating AV control, lighting, and networking. In this session, we will dive into the latest AV technologies and approaches to meet the key requirements of gameplay, coaching, spectating, and streaming platforms. We will also discuss the implementation of scalable and sustainable AV systems that can evolve with the ever-advancing needs of gaming technology and equipment. By exploring examples of successful AV system designs, attendees will learn how to build esports facilities that foster community and contribute to a positive school climate and culture.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the benefits of incorporating esports systems in education environments to promote teamwork, strategic thinking and problem-solving.
2. Develop strategies for incorporating esports facilities into existing school designs and creating new facilities that are optimized for esports activities.
3. Define the successful AV and network infrastructure necessary for esports that can be achieved through effective collaboration between architects, AV integrators, and school administrators.
4. Identify methods for designing dynamic spaces and applying the latest AV technologies to ensure a superb experience for players and spectators alike.