Esports, Podcast Studios, and Audio-Visual Clubs: The Technological Advancements in K-12 Education

By Jennifer Weaver, Business Development Education for Starin

Esports, podcast studios, and audio-visual clubs are rapidly gaining popularity in K-12 education. These extracurricular activities offer students the opportunity to acquire critical life skills while engaging in a fun and stimulating environment. One of the major factors driving this trend is the significant technological advancements that have been made in recent years.

Esports

Esports is a form of competitive video gaming that has exploded in popularity over the last decade. It is now recognized as a legitimate sport and is played at the professional level worldwide. Esports in K-12 schools offer students the chance to develop teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking skills while playing games that they love. But what has truly driven the growth of esports is the technology behind it.

Esports is heavily dependent on advanced gaming systems, high-speed internet connections, and powerful hardware. K-12 schools that have embraced esports have invested in state-of-the-art gaming systems and peripherals such as high-end gaming PCs, microphones, speakers and LED Video walls. This has allowed students to play games at the highest level and compete with other schools around the world. Esports arenas have been designed to show any players screen at any moment. The arenas also have the ability to stream out to spectators that are watching on line. Technology like matrix switching, video steaming and audio take Esports events to the next level.

Podcast Studios

Podcasting is a rapidly growing medium that allows anyone to create and distribute their own audio content. Podcast studios in K-12 schools provide students with the opportunity to produce their own shows while learning the necessary technology skills..

K-12 schools that have invested in podcasting technology have set up soundproof recording booths and equipped them with professional-grade microphones, mixers, and editing software. This technology enables students to record high-quality audio and produce podcasts that rival professional productions. Schools are also utilizing Unified Communication technology such as Zoom, Teams, and Cameras. This always for a “face to face” feel when recording.

Podcast technology has also revolutionized the way students communicate and collaborate with each other. In the past, students might have had to rely on outdated tools like email or face-to-face conversations to work together. But with podcasting, they can communicate and collaborate asynchronously, recording their parts of the show and editing them together later. This technology has enabled students to work more efficiently and has encouraged collaboration on a global scale.

Audio-Visual Clubs

Audio-visual clubs provide students with the opportunity to learn about cameras, lighting, video, audio and editing software to produce their own videos, documentaries, short films and more. Technological advancements in cameras and editing software have made it easier than ever for students to create professional-quality video content.

K-12 schools have invested in video production technology, including cameras that can shoot in high-definition and 4K resolution, as well as professional editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro. These tools allow students to produce videos that are visually stunning and highly engaging.

Students in the AV Clubs are also learning the basic of the audio-visual field. Things like, resolution, HDMI VS USB-C, audio feedback, event set up and more. These students can be the next generation of AV Designers and Engineers.