The Gaming Concepts podcast is a forum to discuss esports and scholastic gaming in education. Since its inception, gaming concepts has been used in more than 200 schools across the country with enormous success for both students and teachers. This podcast will focus on the trends and topics of scholastic gaming and how they relate to a normalized educational model. Talking with teachers, administrators, students, and professionals, our hosts will take a deep look at the industry and its relationship to education, real world connections, and postsecondary success for students involved in our program. Our hosts include Dr. Michael Russell - former teacher and author of the Gaming Concepts curriculum, Trevor Goertzen - Former principal and recipient of the digital principal of the year award, and Dr. Kristen Craft - Former principal and recipient of the kansas principal of the year. Our show is built for educators by educators...join us!
In this episode of the Gaming Concepts podcast, we talk to two passionate esports coaches from New York, whose insight and determination for esports at their school has led to some amazing outcomes.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Josh Ratliff - Director of Education Initiatives at Trafera. Josh has dedicated his career to deepening the intersection of technology and education by building capacity among educators on the topics of technology integration and digital citizenship. As educators, we're asked to be both researched-based and innovative, two characteristics that can only be made harmonious through technology. His work as Director of Education Initiatives at Trafera allows him to help educators blend research and innovation to create a deeper learning experience for today's youth. Join Us!Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Rob Cassagne, Director of Social Studies and Business at Connetquot Central School District in New York. Rob's district was an early adopter of esports, and is reaping the benefits this year because of their commitment. Join us for a discussion about esports and education! Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_edu
On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Danielle Johnson. Danielle is a recovering middle school teacher and now the Executive Director of the Texas Scholastic Esports Federation. Join us as we talk through her story of building one of the best esports leagues in the country and wehre esports is headed in the future. Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
This week on the Gaming Concepts podcast we talk with Lakin Zamorano, a high school student headed to OU on an esports scholarship and fulfilling his dream of playing Call of Duty on the mainstage. His goals were not always as auspicious as playing division 1 esports, coming from a humble beginnings, he worked hard and stays humble! Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Karen Quinones-Smith, a retired NYC Correction officer that has been active in her community for almost 24 years. She has a wealth of experience in encouraging youth and helping them succeed. As a mother of gamers, Karen found it necessary to learn more about the Esports Ecosystem, and was amazed at the great opportunities. Her mission is to provide positivity and diversity within the esports ecosystem, with zero tolerance for toxic behavior. Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with 2 educators from Basehor-Linwood High School that are blazing a path for students in esports and project based learning. Jayme Breault is an educator with experience working with learners from different age groups, backgrounds, and abilities. She has taken on many leadership roles within districts and served as Redesign Pilot for the Kansas Can Redesign Initiative as well as a mentor teacher for both general education and special education teachers. Currently, Jayme is the lead facilitator in the Innovation Academy at BLHS, a successful redesign program focused on design thinking and real world learning that connects core and CTE content. Cadie Abdo is a current Media Technology High School Teacher in pursuit of her Masters of Science in Education through Fort Hays State University, and has over 6 years of industry marketing experience.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast we talk with Wacey Tobler, 2022 TCEA Instructional Technology Specialist of the Year. Wacey is a next-generation educator with a passion for helping teachers implement dynamic, engaging, student-centered learning in their classrooms facilitated with purposeful instructional technology. He is an Esports coach supporting students on their pathways to industry, taking a community-first approach to building an innovative and future-ready competitive program.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
On this episode of the Gaming Concepts Podcast, we talk with Neal Doolin, an award-winning Mathematics and Physics educator with 8 years' experience in the classroom including 3 years sponsoring and coaching esports, now directing the Client Success department at Generation Esports. Hear about Neal's journey and the takeaways he has from his days in education and how that impact his work ant Generation Esports.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we tlak with Jeremiah Okal-Frink a veteran educator, leader, director and change facilitator. Jeremiah started in the classroom and still centers his work at Dell around the changes we can make there. These changes are impacted by the work done with teaching and learning, technical departments and district leadership and organizational change. Jeremiah has focused on impacting teaching and learning through the catalyst of technology in rural, suburban and urban districts. He has been involved in every aspect of the implementation, evaluation, and planning for sustained change through these initiatives from the strategic planning at the district level to support of students and teachers in the classroom. Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Danielle Rourke (@HiEdDanielle) a technologist, analyst, & strategist at heart, whos true passions is helping broker technological solutions to help students, staff, & faculty across the globe engage more fully in the power of education. She also holds a long-standing love of the way gaming can connect communities & generations. Danielle sees & lives the incredible value in connecting the gaming community with career & educational opportunities.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Alex Hirbe (@ahirbe) a 10 year veteran teacher who has taught it all, from middle school computer applications to high school computer graphics, game theory, and esports. Alex now works with the education team at Generation Esports to curate the online curriculum for Gaming Concepts with their partner Gameplan on their LMS platform for schools around the world.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Beau Hughes (@HSELBeau) who has worked in the esports industry for his whole professional career with a focus on the educational space and how esports can better student's lives. Beau has helped thousands of students and teachers from all over the world start their path in the world of esports. Beau talks with us about esports and the growing trends in the space as well as educates our hosts on some gaming lingo.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Clint Dayhuff (@Clint Dayhuff) an Instructional Technology Specialist for USD 259 in Wichita, KS. He specializes in website design, graphics, video production, broadcast systems, but most importantly...esports. Clint was a pioneer who forged a path to success in esports at one of Kansas's largest school districts and is talking with us about the changes he has seen in the past 5 years offering esports in their district.Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Barry Desain (@MrDSci) who focuses on educational technology integration utilizing his ten years in teaching to engage beyond the classroom to create immersive experiences for varied audiences. Barry is currently a trainer and network support hybrid for Microsoft Office365 and Google Apps for Education/G-Suite. Barry engages in multiple technology support roles including curriculum, instructional design, and creating interactive training sessions. Today, Barry discusses esports and the path his district took to fulfilling the needs of their students through scholastic gaming. Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Julie Mavrogeorge (@jdogmav) 2021-2022 NAECAD High School Esports Director of the Year | Esports Ambassador | Professional Learning Specialist | MIE Expert | Wonder Woman. We discuss her role at Fresno Unified School District and how she is shaping esports in California! Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In this episode we talk with Bubba Gaeddert (@BubbaGaeddert), Executive Director of the Varsity Esports Foundation. ​Bubba is a professional broadcaster, host, emcee, speaker, streamer, content creator, graphic designer, video editor, event manager, and influencer. His focus is on gaming, esports, education, and technology. We dive deep into the rifts of esports and the problems the industry continues to face from politicts, stigmas, and from within. Hosts Michael Russell - @Russtheteach Kristen Craft - @KristenEsports Trevor Goertzen - @Goertzen_eduLinks Gaming Concepts YouTube Generation Esports
In our podcast debut, we learn the origin stories of the Gaming concepts curriculum, how Mike and Kristy started working together, and that job offers are very unique in southern Kansas. Hosts: Mike Russell, Trevor Goertzen, Kristen CraftGuest: Kristy Custer
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