School: Wai’anae High School
Grade Level: Grades 9-12
Teacher: Jameil Saez
Driving Question: How can we use videogames and digital media to create and share student stories? How can E-sport help strengthen cooperation, problem solving skills and creativity among students?
What did the students DO?
This dynamic digital media hui began as an eSports team, with haumāna dedicating themselves to competitive gaming and teamwork. After reaching the semi-finals at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, the group transitioned into digital storytelling and game development, exploring new ways to express creativity through technology. Their journey reflects adaptability, collaboration, and a growing passion for innovation. The culminating game demo showcased at Hoʻike highlighted their technical growth and ability to engage audiences through interactive media.
- eSports Journey & Competition: Students registered as an official eSports team and committed to regular practice sessions in preparation for their first tournament. One group advanced to the semi-finals and competed at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, marking a major milestone in their competitive gaming experience.
- Successful Season & Transition: After concluding their eSports season in December, students reflected on their accomplishments and shifted their focus toward digital media, embracing new creative challenges.
- Digital Storytelling & Game Development: Students explored the fundamentals of game design and digital storytelling, collaborating to create a playable game demo that showcased their technical and narrative skills.
- Showcase at Hoʻike: The group presented their game demo at Hoʻike, where it was met with positive feedback and excitement. This public presentation highlighted their growth in digital media and their ability to engage audiences through interactive storytelling.
This program provided haumāna with a dynamic blend of competitive gaming and creative digital media exploration. Through eSports, students developed teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance. Their transition into game development and storytelling fostered innovation, adaptability, and confidence in navigating digital platforms. By showcasing their work at Hoʻike, students demonstrated their ability to evolve, collaborate, and express themselves through technology—laying the groundwork for future success in digital arts and media.