Connected Learning Summit 2019

This symposium offers a view into both the theory and practice of NASEF, an esports organization for youth, highlighting ways in which a mission-driven organization found synergies with designers, educators, and researchers committed to reimagining connected learning in the context of esports. NASEF is both a sports program and a model for the design of connected learning environments. The league meets students where they are by tapping into a gaming interest. It helps youth connect this interest to relationships and opportunities through a near-peer coaching program, school-based clubs, associations with professional esports organizations, and a standards-based curriculum. Most critically, it was designed with the understanding that youth learn and develop an interest over time, across settings, and in partnership with others. Founding organizations include the Samueli Foundation, Orange County Department of Education, University of California at Irvine (UCI), OC STEM Initiative, and Connected Camps. Participating groups from UCI include UCI Esports, the Connected Learning Lab, the School of Information and Computer Science, and the School of Engineering. Collaboration among these various stakeholders has helped grow the league into a thriving platform linking researchers, educators, parents, esports players, game companies, and sponsors together in pursuit of genuinely engaging, resilient, and relevant learning opportunities for youth. From its founding mission, to its design, and associated research agenda, the federation has shown a deep commitment to systemically supporting youth in pursuing their interests, developing meaningful relationships, and offering access to opportunity.