By Alexis Clark
For the love of gaming, kids at a young age can flesh out their skills and get into the multibillion-dollar industry of video gaming, or eSports right here at Tennessee State University.
More than 30 students from the Metro Nashville area and surrounding counties were eager to learn about coding and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Ā programs as they were introduced to virtual reality applications, game design and coding at TSUās first academic eSports event.
For the love of gaming, kids at a young age can flesh out their skills and get into the multibillion-dollar industry of video gaming, or eSports right here at Tennessee State University.
More than 30 students from the Metro Nashville area and surrounding counties were eager to learn about coding and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Ā programs as they were introduced to virtual reality applications, game design and coding at TSUās first academic eSports event.
Students from Backfield In Motion, an academic after school program for students grades 1-12, cheered as they geared up for gaming and coding at the Universityās Avon Williams Campus.
Dr. Robbie Melton, Assistance Vice President of the SMART Innovation Technology Center at TSU said the purpose of academic eSports and coding robotics is to take video gaming and pathway it into the Universityās esteemed curriculum.
āWe want them (students) to know that they can be gamers and also game makers, so weāre going to introduce game design, basic coding skills ā¦ as well as virtual and augmented reality,ā Melton said. āOur goal is to take them from playing, into the world of coding.ā
Upon arrival, the students had a virtual Q & A session with Jyden Mcbath-Spencer, a professional eSports NBA2K League player for the Brooklyn Nets, who talked about his career path and gaming experience.
The students then broke off into groups to begin their academic eSports day.
The first group of students enjoyed playing their favorite games in the eSports gaming area, while others were tasked to code a robotic ball that went through a maze.
The third group of students were in a virtual reality center that, ātakes student into a virtual world so they can now ā¦ immerse themselves into the teaching and learning,ā Melton said.
Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, director of TSUās eSports program said the goal is to recruit students, graduate and have careers within the eSports industry.
TSU alum Micah Kimble Sr., Chief Operating Officer for Backfield In Motion, said he looks forward to what the center has in store for the students.
āI love bringing the students to my alma mater,ā Kimble Sr., said. āThey (students) get to see some of these great STEM careers that eSports has to offer ā¦ and it gives an opportunity for the kids to see something different.ā
āIām really excited for these kids. They will never forget this day.ā