- Schools sign up for a tournament date (available two Thursdays per month from September–February).
- After sign-up, schools receive instructional materials to familiarize them with the equipment, room layout,
rubrics, and spaces available to put on their event. - The week prior to the event serves as an on-site training and planning day.
- Students take the lead on all aspects of marketing, pre- and post-production.
- The event is streamed live to Twitch.tv.
- After the event, students produce a reflection video describing the challenges, successes, and learning
from their participation in the PEEL program. - The live event, stream, and video are evaluated by a panel of industry professionals and esports experts.
- Top-performing schools are recognized at the Annual Esports Awards.
The Power of Esports and Experiential Learning (PEEL)
Real-World Application. Authentic Engagement. Career-Connected Learning.
The Power of Esports and Experiential Learning (PEEL) is a hands-on competition where students apply the technical, creative, and leadership skills they’re learning in Career Technical Education (CTE) classes and esports clubs by planning and producing their own live tournaments in a state-of-the-art esports arena at the Riverside County Office of Education.
From graphics and lighting to sound, streaming, and shoutcasting, students take charge of every part of the event—building real-world experience in media, production, and digital technology. PEEL also strengthens interest and engagement in CTE pathways.
Complementary CTE Pathways
- Arts, Media, and Entertainment
- Marketing, Sales, and Services
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- And, more CTE Connections
RCOE PEEL Opportunities for Your Students
PEEL Experience
Come experience the learning potential of esports with a field trip to the RCOE Esports Arena. Learners experience the esports ecosystem in a station rotation that culminates in a championship tournament that select students can produce.
Interested? Contact Steve Hickman, Ed.D., at shickman@rcoe.us or (951) 826-6304 to schedule a roadshow, tour the arena, reserve your tournament slot, or learn more.
The PEEL Roadshow is a hands-on esports-based academic learning experience that we bring to your elementary or middle school campus. Students participate in structured activities that integrate STEAM, literacy, and problem-solving through game-based learning environments like Minecraft and esports titles such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The goal isn’t gaming for gaming’s sake — it’s using high-interest environments to drive rigorous academic thinking and engagement. For more information, contact Steve Hickman, Ed.D. at shickman@rcoe.us or complete this interest form.
Students apply reading, writing, and math skills through event planning, marketing, scheduling, and production.
Students practice real-world communication: shoutcasting, promoting events, and working as a team.
Career Planning and Management
Students explore careers in media, esports, event production, and marketing.
Students use professional equipment like TriCaster, lighting consoles, and streaming platforms.
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking:
Students troubleshoot live production challenges and make decisions under pressure.
Students learn safe setup and operation of lighting, sound, and video equipment.
Responsibility and Flexibility
Students take ownership of their roles and adapt to unexpected changes during events.
Ethics and Legal Responsibilities
Students can learn about copyright, streaming rights, and ethical production practices.
Students lead teams, mentor peers, and work together to produce successful tournaments.
Technical Knowledge and Skills
Students develop hands-on skills in broadcasting, production, media design, and event management.
