CAMDEN, N.J. – The Camden’s Charter School Network (CCSN) held their second annual Tech Expo on Saturday, May 4 at their Camden Academy Charter High School campus.
This year’s theme was centered on gaming, according to CCSN Technology Coordinator Joshua Fleig. “Online Gaming is rooted in Tech Culture and has matured into organized competition,” he said.
Fleig explained how quickly Gaming and eSports are growing. “Varsity Level Athletic Programs are now being structured, funded, and facilitated which was once six universities over a year ago to close to 100 now. A 50 million dollar eSports Arena is being built in Philadelphia. Again what we thought may have been nonsensical has arrived,” he said.
Horizon AVL System Integration of Blackwood, N. J. sponsored an LED wall which hosted a Super Smash Brothers Tournament. Horizon AVL has close working relationships with Blizzard (World of Warcraft, StarCraft) and Twitch (YouTube for Gamers) Fleig said. Horizon AVL also presented a workshop on eSports curriculum in schools and eSports Broadcasting.
Other highlights from the day was a demonstration of Remote Operated Vehicles (ROV), showing off the hard work of students who have built the robotic underwater vehicles with the support from the Center for Aquatic Sciences at Camden’s Adventure Aquarium.
The high school’s gymnasium hosted a League of Legends 5 vs. 5 tournament. “This game is considered the top eSports platform in the world with the top ranked athletes — game players — earning $1 million per year,” Fleig said.
The Expo also had presentations on Oculus Rift and Augmented Reality which are platforms that have been used throughout classes at the school this year, Fleig said.
One of the main benefits of the Tech Expo, according to Fleig is that students can experience technologies, workshops, and programs that reside throughout the network that they may not have the opportunity to experience.
Even the eSports curriculum presentation will be beneficial. “It will allow information that will bridge an interest of their own (gaming) to the college world (scholarships and gaming programs),” Fleig said.
“Technology is a common denominator between all of us, we can always circle the wagons around interesting topics, workshops, and activities to make an enjoyable day,” Fleig added.
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