Digital Technology is one of the fastest growing parts of Aotearoa’s economy, generating billions of dollars in exports and creating thousands of jobs each year. The global gaming industry is now worth more than the film and music industries combined.
Yet in 2019 only 30% of senior secondary schools’ students took any type of technology standard. If this trend continues NZ will lag behind in its ability to meet the need of this growing demand.
Digital Natives Academy in partnership with the Ministry of Education has produced a first of its kind event. Get into Gaming is a unique educational experience that helps use gaming as a gateway to inspire young learners (years 7-9) into the digital and creative tech industries.
“We have some of NZ’s best, including top professional esports players, franchise owners, game developers, content creators, shoutcasters, and storytellers all sharing their knowledge on how they have made their dreams of working in gaming a reality,” explains DNA Founder, Potaua Biasiny-Tule (Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Pikiao, Ngai Tuhoe).
Hundreds of schools around Aotearoa NZ will tune in from June 14-18 each day to watch a 50min episode on YouTube during school hours. Each episode will cover a key theme. The Ministry of Education has developed a series of resources including a Teacher’s Guide and Activity Sheets.
Over 350 have registered representing over 6500 students and families. Schools from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South have expressed interest.
There is also a competition that challenges students to create their own avatars, their own esports logo and even their own digital worlds, with cool prizes going to the winning teams.
Kahu Bennett, a successful content creator, actress and model and also one of the Get into Gaming hosts found the event vital to supporting young people saying;
“Events like Get into Gaming are important as it sheds light on the value of the gaming industry; not just the economic value, but also its contribution to today’s pop culture. Video games can be educational, are a form of art and creative expression, and connect people from all social groups and locations. As a country we can either join the early waka and get ahead of the wave, or risk being left behind to watch other countries/economies thrive in a space that could have been ours..”
More information:
- The event is geared towards ages 10-13 but all ages are welcome.
- Episodes are 50mins long, rebroadcast 3x each day (10am, 12.30pm, 2pm)
- Link > www.youtube.com/getintogaming