Presenters
Instructional Technology Specialist
A proud Bronx-born & raised NuyoRican product of NYC Public Schools, for 20 years Anthony has focused on engaging innovative experiences for all students. While teaching CTE, this was apparent through his implementation of Design Thinking; Project-Based Learning; Computer Science; Gaming and authentic experiential learning for his South Bronx students. Currently, he continues to partner with organizations such as Games for Change, Urban Arts, and Mouse to ensure such learning opportunities reach every corner of NYC. Along with like-minded colleagues and the Mayor's Office of Media & Entertainment, Anthony is co-architect of the NYC Public Schools Battle of the Boroughs Scholastic Esports competition!
Head of Minecraft Education
Allison Matthews is the dynamic leader of Minecraft Education, inspired by Mojang Studio’s mission to build a better world through play. She spearheads the product vision and growth strategy and has evolved Minecraft Education into a global educational phenomenon with robust partnerships and millions of engaged players. She is passionate about using game-based learning to empower youth with crucial skills in areas like coding, digital literacy, and sustainability.
Amy’s work focuses on educational arts and technology programs, and she oversees three U.S. DOE grants that bring Urban Arts’ computer science and game design programs to schools in NYC and beyond. Amy has worked in education for more than 15 years and spearheaded initiatives to offer new STEM programs, enhance digital learning, and provide study abroad opportunities for students underrepresented in international education. An award-winning Career & Technical Education (CTE) educator, Amy is the author of Real World Communication and has also been published in Computers and Composition Digital Press, the Journal of Civic Commitment, and Kairos Praxis, among others.
Director of Instructional Technology- NYCPS
Jose Perez is passionate about transforming education through game-based learning. With over 14 years of experience in New York City Public Schools, he serves as the Queens Director of Instructional Technology, overseeing technology integration initiatives. As the co-creator of the NYC Battle of the Borough: Mayor’s Cup Minecraft Competition, he has harnessed the power of scholastic esports to foster creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking among students. His work focuses on integrating interactive digital platforms into education to reimagine the student learning experience. He is dedicated to revolutionizing education and empowering the next generation through innovative solutions.
K-5 Computer Science Teacher and Tech Coordinator
Eric Scattaretico is a Special Education Teacher in the NYC Department of Education. He is currently working at PS 100 Isaac Clason as their K-5 Computer Science Teacher/IT Admin/Digital Media Specialist. He is passionate about culturally responsive teaching, coding, science, mathematics, graphic design, podcasting, and mindfulness. Eric works with students of varied ethnic backgrounds and supports them in developing solid foundations for in-demand skills to promote diversity in tech fields. He is certified as a SoundTrap Educator, Flocabulary Educator, Adobe Creative Educator, Harvard MQI Coach, Apple Educator, EdPuzzle Coach, Google Level 1 Educator, Minecraft Educator, and Promethean Teacher.
Professional Learning Specialist
Professional Learning Specialist at Urban Arts. Providing teachers in Underserved communities with Professional Development in Computer Science topics such as Game Design, Coding, and Esports.
Session description
Presenters representing NYC Public Schools, nonprofit Urban Arts, and Minecraft share the future of STEM through esports, highlighting a case study from Battle of the Boroughs, a Minecraft Education Challenge led by a legendary team including NYC Public Schools, CS4All, NYC Mayor’s Office, Microsoft, and the C40 Reinventing Cities Initiative.
Purpose & objective
The purpose of the presentation is to share a success story to encourage more schools, districts, teachers, and cities to implement competitive gaming curriculum for deep student learning and community engagement. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from and discuss the challenges and opportunities involved in Minecraft Build Challenges and meaningful community initiatives. For example, to build teacher confidence with Minecraft Build Challenges, Urban Arts deploys curriculum with slides, lesson plans, curriculum maps that include unplugged activities and in-game objectives, culminating in a creative project. Such project-based learning has been a proven method of success for 30 years of Urban Arts history, and the Battle of the Boroughs Minecraft Challenge similarly allows students to tackle real issues with implementable solutions.
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Outline
Brief discussion of current state of Scholastic Esports, and Professional Esports.
Brief discussion of STEM struggles, and how the Battle of the Boroughs helped tackle both issues.
Group discussion of ways to recruit new teachers, and current needs of our communities.
Primarily a talk and QnA with short responses. The majority of the time will be spent on the group discussion.
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Supporting research
Handbook of Esports by Routledge
Esports in Higher Ed by Routledge
Handbook of Esports Medicine
The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming
The Trends in Collegiate Esports 2022 - Chris Postell
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