Esports in K–12: Articles & Resources


Ed Dept. Names Finalists for Virtual and Augmented Reality Competition

The ED has selected five finalists in the EdSim Challenge, a national competition that aims to advance students’ career and technical skills with immersive, computer-based simulations. Finalists will each receive $50,000 and continue to develop their prototypes for a chance to win the $430,000 grand prize.

Code Builder for Minecraft: Education Edition Now Available in Beta

Minecraft: Education Edition is also expected to be updated to version 1.0.1 later this spring, incorporating several new features — from texture pack support to Command Blocks to ... llamas.

New App Helping Children Learn Mandarin Launches in United States

A new app that helps young children learn Mandarin has launched today in the United States. “Miao Mi” features more than 500 videos, including award-winning children’s programs from Asia, and games that reinforce language learning.

Amazon to Refund $70 Million for In-App Purchases Made by Kids

Amazon Inc. will refund millions of unauthorized in-app purchases made by kids on mobile devices. According an announcement from the Federal Trade Commission this week, more than $70 million in-app purchases made between November 2011 and May 2016 may be eligible for refund.

San Francisco High Schoolers Tap AR to Tackle Environmental Issues

In the city that has been leading the fight to slow climate change, students will soon spend class time using an augmented reality (AR) game to figure out how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Ohio Competition Takes Students Inside Advanced Manufacturing

The MakerMinded digital platform will connect Ohio students to advanced manufacturing learning experiences. Teachers and students can participate in STEM-related activities, while competing against other participating schools.

Chinese Robotics Startup Wins Two Awards for Excellence in Product Design

Makeblock, a DIY and STEM education robotics construction company, has received the Red Dot Award 2017 for product design for two products: Airblock, a modular and programmable drone designed for STEM education; and Neuron, a programmable building blocks platform that teaches kids gadget building.

STEM-Mobile Tours Maryland High Schools

The largest mobile STEM lab of its kind in the country will be touring Maryland schools to help drive student interests in STEM. The Mobile eXploration Lab, or MXLab for short, will deliver hands-on biology, chemistry, environmental science and other STEM experiences to high schoolers.

NYC High Schoolers Convert Math Work into Donations

High school students in New York have figured out a creative way to help feed city residents in need. Students attending schools that are part of the city's "Renewal Schools" program can convert their work in solving math problems into points that are turned into donations.

Minecraft Education Edition Expands World, Adds Accessibility Features

Minecraft Education Edition this week hit version 1.0, adding several new features to the school-focused version of the world building game.