Empowering the Next Generation: Audra Yocom’s Mission to Transform Tech Education When it comes to inspiring students in technology, few do it like Audra Yocom. Audra Yocom was recognized by the Women Tech Council as a finalist for the 2024 Women Tech Awards in the Education category. With nearly a decade of experience teaching at Pleasant […]
Empowering the Next Generation: Audra Yocom’s Mission to Transform Tech Education
When it comes to inspiring students in technology, few do it like Audra Yocom.
Audra Yocom was recognized by the Women Tech Council as a finalist for the 2024 Women Tech Awards in the Education category. With nearly a decade of experience teaching at Pleasant Grove High School, Yocom is a leader in Utah’s Alpine School District — not just in the classroom but across the region’s tech education programs. She has helped shape curriculum, build new learning models, and launch opportunities that didn’t exist before. Along the way, she’s become a mentor and role model to hundreds of students discovering their futures in computer science and IT.
Yocom grew up in Pleasant Grove, Utah, and graduated from nearby American Fork High School. After attending Brigham Young University, she explored a variety of career paths — including a stint in civil engineering — before turning toward education.
“I often wondered if there was something that was a better fit,” she says. Her interest in computer science was first sparked by her mom, a computer teacher who helped her see the possibilities early on. “Especially as a girl in a class full of boys, it can be intimidating. I got super lucky that my mom was there.”
While serving as a TA, Yocom had what she calls her “aha moment.” She realized she didn’t just like coding — she loved helping others understand it. “Why don’t you become a teacher? You enjoy this. You’ve taught swimming lessons. Why not?” she recalls. That moment led her to pursue a degree in Technology and Engineering Education at BYU.
Now, Yocom brings that same moment of discovery into her own classroom. “My biggest thing is: You can do hard things. Like the quote on my wall — ‘keep moving forward,’” she says. “It’s more meaningful when students have those aha moments themselves.”
Her teaching philosophy encourages students to take charge of their learning. Whether it’s building apps or designing game mods, she urges students to explore what excites them — and use tech as a tool to enhance it.
She’s also had a major role in expanding esports in Utah schools. As part of the Ken Garff Esports program and in partnership with the Success in Education Foundation, Yocom helped establish and grow statewide participation. “Even though I’m not a gamer — my biggest claim to fame was beating Frogger — I saw how esports created connection,” she says.
Yocom believes esports can be a bridge between students and parents. “I think it would surprise parents how much their student would open up if they showed a shared interest in esports,” she says.
One of her latest efforts is a new district-wide course called Advanced CS & IT. The class uses WebEx to connect students from multiple high schools across Alpine District in real-time. Each participating teacher leads different modules — meaning students gain exposure to a wide range of topics and instructors. “In one class period, I might have students from seven different schools learning five different things, all at the same time,” Yocom explains.
This innovative format has quadrupled the number of tech-related CTE courses available to students across the district — a major leap in accessibility and course variety.
For Yocom, the real reward comes when students stay in touch and share their paths into tech careers. “I just love when students come back and say I helped them see what was possible,” she says.
Her advice to students? “Even if you fail, get up, dust yourself off, and try again. Don’t be afraid to explore.”
It’s a mindset she lives by — and one she’s passed on to a growing generation of tech-savvy Utah students ready to keep moving forward.
SheTech Media Interns, Lynny Gibson and Kate Topham, have participated in SheTech programs, including the SheTech-TechBuzz Media Internship this past year for which they’ve interviewed and written about Women Tech Finalists and Awardees. Their work is published on TechBuzz News, Silicon Slopes, and other media channels.
Lynny attends Taylorsville High School in the Granite School District serves as a SheTech Student Board member, a Keys to Success Ambassador, and has been recognized as a participant in Distinguished Young Women of Utah. Passionate about lacrosse, Lynny plays on Taylorsville’s emerging team and brings that same energy to her academic and leadership pursuits. Through the SheTech TechBuzz internship, she enjoys connecting with inspiring industry professionals across Utah. Lynny plans to pursue a career in Business Management and Administration.
Kate recently graduated from Lone Peak High School, where she led the SheTech chapter for the past three years, taught Science to the academic decathlon team, founded the Chinese Language Honor Society, and was named Sterling Scholar in the Science.
NODWIN Gaming partners with Esports World Cup Foundation to manage media rights sales across South Asia
MUMBAI: NODWIN Gaming, which works in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). it will manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories. NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with […]
MUMBAI: NODWIN Gaming, which works in South Asia’s esports and gaming ecosystem has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF). it will manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories.
NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with media rights sales and distribution strategies for the EWC across South Asia. The partnership aims to bring the Esports World Cup to a broader audience of fans in one of the fastest-growing esports markets globally. Additionally, NODWIN Gaming will act as the EWCF’s marketing partner for the Indian market, to conceptualize and execute local campaigns and initiatives that support the Foundation’s mission of elevating esports and gaming culture worldwide.
The EWCF is the nonprofit organisation behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), a multi-title esports competition. The 2024 inaugural edition featured 1,500 players and 200 clubs from over 100 countries, competing across 21 titles for a record-breaking $60 million prize pool. With 500 million online viewers and 2.6 million in-person attendees, the EWC is focussing on setting a new benchmark for esports competitions worldwide.
NODWIN Gaming added that it has brought competitive gaming to mainstream audiences through multiple broadcast platforms, including television and OTT services. Its marquee IP, the Battlegrounds Mobile India Masters Series (BGMS), is currently the only Indian esports tournament to air on national television, broadcasting on Star Sports for three consecutive years. The company has also delivered top-tier productions and media rights solutions for properties such as the eISL in collaboration with Football Sports Development Limited (FSDL), the VALORANT Challengers South Asia with Riot Games, the Mountain Dew Arena with ESL India, and the Kingfisher India Premiership, among others.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder, MD NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports World Cup is a landmark moment for global esports, and we’re proud to partner with the EWCF to bring that experience to South Asia. This partnership is about more than just broadcasting a tournament – it’s about building a bridge between South Asia’s incredibly passionate gaming communities and the global stage that the EWCF represents. Whether it’s in India, Bangladesh, Nepal or beyond, our goal is to make world-class esports content more accessible than ever. We’re excited to work closely with the EWCF to not only grow the tournament’s reach but to also support the larger ecosystem and community it helps foster.”
The EWCF is dedicated to supporting the long-term growth and financial sustainability of the global esports and gaming sectors. The foundation’s mission is to advocate for the entire ecosystem including players, fans, and businesses and to reinvest any proceeds back into initiatives that fuel the development of the industry.
“Our mission at the Esports World Cup Foundation is to create lasting impact for the global esports industry by setting new competitive benchmarks and forging partnerships that understand the nuances of each region. South Asia represents an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing gaming market, and NODWIN Gaming brings unparalleled knowledge, reach, and local trust to this ecosystem. By partnering with NODWIN, we are not only ensuring that the Esports World Cup reaches more fans, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to making esports more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable,” stated Mike McCabe, COO Esports World Cup Foundation.
Through this association, the EWCF aims to strengthen its global presence while leveraging NODWIN Gaming’s experience in youth engagement, esports content, and regional distribution across emerging economies.
Acer Maintains No. 1 Personal Computer Market Share in the Philippines
MANILA — Acer secured the top position in the Philippine personal computer market in Q1 2025, with a 35.7% total market share, a 34.2% share in consumer notebooks, and an impressive 40.6% share in gaming laptops, according to market research firm GfK. Acer also delivered a strong performance in April, with its notebook segment reaching […]
MANILA — Acer secured the top position in the Philippine personal computer market in Q1 2025, with a 35.7% total market share, a 34.2% share in consumer notebooks, and an impressive 40.6% share in gaming laptops, according to market research firm GfK. Acer also delivered a strong performance in April, with its notebook segment reaching a 36% market share, further cementing its dominance.
Strategic partnerships helped fuel growth by reinforcing local branding initiatives.
Acer’s success can be credited to a multi-faceted marketing approach, including strategic partnerships with brand ambassadors. This method has proven very effective in expanding Acer’s nationwide reach and strengthening its local branding efforts.
A prime example is Acer’s partnership with the “Kings of P-pop,” SB19. This collaboration has been key in maintaining Acer’s relevance to its customer base, especially among the younger demographic. The partnership between Acer and SB19 began before their official ambassadorship for Acer Day and endorsement with Acer and Acerpure in 2021.
“Our partnership with SB19 works because we share the same values and energy. Also, the group’s strong social media presence and its ability to create engaging content have allowed us to reach and connect with our customers,” said Sue Ong-Lim, Managing Director at Acer Philippines.
Recently, Acer co-presented SB19’s “Simula at Wakas” world tour stop in Taiwan, further strengthening the brand’s connection with SB19’s fans. SB19 also visited Acer’s Taipei headquarters as “one-day employees” to experience the brand’s innovations firsthand.
Acer Chairman and CEO Jason Chen, along with Pan-Asia Pacific President Andrew Hou, personally met with the group and gifted each member a Predator Helios 18 gaming laptop.
During the group’s visit to Taiwan, SB19 visited Acer’s product experience center. They also tried the latest gaming laptops and the FreeSense Ring smart wearable developed by Acer Fashion. They participated in a design workshop to brainstorm ideas for laptop aesthetics and compact home appliances.
As the partnership marks its fifth year, Acer and SB19 look forward to more fruitful and productive years together.
For more information about Acer, follow Acer Philippines on its social media platforms: @AcerPH on Facebook, @acerph on Instagram, and @acerphils on Twitter, or go to www.acer.com.
NODWIN Gaming partners with EWCF to handle media rights sales across South Asia
Esports company NODWIN Gaming has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories. The EWCF is the nonprofit organization behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest multi-title esports competition. NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic […]
Esports company NODWIN Gaming has officially partnered with the Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) to manage media rights sales across South Asia including India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other surrounding territories. The EWCF is the nonprofit organization behind the Esports World Cup (EWC), the world’s largest multi-title esports competition.
NODWIN Gaming will act as the strategic support for the EWCF in the region, supporting with media rights sales and distribution strategies for the EWC across South Asia. Additionally, NODWIN Gaming will act as the EWCF’s marketing partner for the Indian market, to conceptualize and execute local campaigns and initiatives.
Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director, NODWIN Gaming said, “The Esports World Cup is a landmark moment for global esports, and we’re proud to partner with the EWCF to bring that experience to South Asia. This partnership is about more than just broadcasting a tournament – it’s about building a bridge between South Asia’s incredibly passionate gaming communities and the global stage that the EWCF represents. Whether it’s in India, Bangladesh, Nepal or beyond, our goal is to make world-class esports content more accessible than ever. We’re excited to work closely with the EWCF to not only grow the tournament’s reach but to also support the larger ecosystem and community it helps foster.”
“Our mission at the Esports World Cup Foundation is to create lasting impact for the global esports industry by setting new competitive benchmarks and forging partnerships that understand the nuances of each region. South Asia represents an incredibly dynamic and fast-growing gaming market, and NODWIN Gaming brings unparalleled knowledge, reach, and local trust to this ecosystem. By partnering with NODWIN, we are not only ensuring that the Esports World Cup reaches more fans, but we are also reinforcing our commitment to making esports more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.” stated Mike McCabe, COO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.
NMC helping pioneer Esports industry at the collegiate level
TRAVERSE CITY — Esports are being offered at colleges across the country and that includes Northwestern Michigan College. The NMC Esports program started up in 2021 and offers gamers the opportunity to participate in the thriving form of competition that continues to evolve. In our lates Jimmy John’s Sports Corner we catch up with program […]
TRAVERSE CITY — Esports are being offered at colleges across the country and that includes Northwestern Michigan College.
The NMC Esports program started up in 2021 and offers gamers the opportunity to participate in the thriving form of competition that continues to evolve.
In our lates Jimmy John’s Sports Corner we catch up with program director Kyle Morrison and head coach Andre Dean to see what goes into making Esports at the college level a reality.
If you would like to learn more about the NMC Esports program you can check out this link.
Tencent Unveils Parental Tools to Curb Excessive Gaming During School Break
TLDRs; Tencent rolls out new parental controls during China’s two-month summer break to reduce minor gaming addiction. The initiative includes real-time monitoring, customizable playtime limits, and educational tools for families. This move aligns with China’s long-standing regulations that restrict minor access to online games. Tencent’s efforts reflect a growing global trend toward stronger digital safeguards […]
Tencent rolls out new parental controls during China’s two-month summer break to reduce minor gaming addiction.
The initiative includes real-time monitoring, customizable playtime limits, and educational tools for families.
This move aligns with China’s long-standing regulations that restrict minor access to online games.
Tencent’s efforts reflect a growing global trend toward stronger digital safeguards for young users.
Tencent Games has launched a new summer initiative aimed at helping parents better regulate their children’s gaming behavior during the extended school break.
With minors now having more free time and screen exposure likely to rise, the company is offering a suite of parental tools designed to limit gaming hours, track usage in real-time, and promote healthier digital habits.
The campaign focuses on strengthening family oversight at a time when concerns about gaming addiction typically peak. The two-month-long school holiday in China often coincides with a surge in online activity among minors, which has prompted both regulators and gaming firms to take proactive measures. Tencent’s summer move appears to be a direct response to both growing parental concerns and the country’s continuing regulatory push.
China’s strict regulations continue to shape industry behavior
Tencent’s new measures are consistent with the broader regulatory environment in China, where the government has enforced some of the world’s toughest rules on youth gaming. Since 2019, restrictions have included a 90-minute daily limit on weekdays, a gaming curfew between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m., and monthly spending caps based on age.
Rather than waiting for new directives, Tencent has taken a self-regulatory stance by introducing enhanced tools for families. This includes customizable time limits, educational content for parents, and integration with schools to raise awareness about screen time and online behavior. These additions reflect Tencent’s strategic alignment with government goals while attempting to foster a more responsible gaming culture.
Real-time control and education are central to Tencent’s approach
What sets Tencent’s program apart is its emphasis on direct parental involvement. Parents can now access real-time reports of their children’s gaming hours, adjust playtime limits on the fly, and access materials designed to help guide conversations about healthy gaming. This blend of technical control and educational outreach shows a shift toward empowering families to take more active roles in their children’s digital lives.
Research has shown that family-based interventions can significantly reduce problematic gaming behavior. One study involving over 300 students found that when parents were equipped with both monitoring tools and learning resources, children showed better self-control and reduced signs of addiction. Tencent’s initiative appears to build on this model by combining real-time controls with awareness campaigns.
Industry trend points to increased global focus on youth protection
Tencent is not alone in its efforts to safeguard younger users. Globally, gaming and social media companies are under increasing pressure to enforce child safety standards. YouTube, for instance, recently raised the minimum age for live streaming to 16. Similarly, platforms like Roblox have enhanced parental control dashboards to allow parents more visibility and control over their child’s gaming behavior.
While China’s regulatory regime is more rigid than most, companies worldwide are converging around similar goals, limiting excessive screen time and protecting minors from digital harm. Tencent’s summer initiative shows how large platforms are responding not only to legal mandates but also to societal expectations around responsible tech use.
Full Content Creator Schedule for EA Sports College Football 26 Revealed
If gamers can’t wait until the launch date to see everything in EA Sports College Football 26, they can turn to their favorite content creators for coverage. EA Sports has granted a select group of content creators from YouTube and Twitch early access to the game to test the various modes. On Thursday, they had […]
If gamers can’t wait until the launch date to see everything in EA Sports College Football 26, they can turn to their favorite content creators for coverage.
EA Sports has granted a select group of content creators from YouTube and Twitch early access to the game to test the various modes. On Thursday, they had MMG play Road to Glory, Eric Rayweather showcase the gameplay, and Bordeaux reveal everything new in Dynasty Mode.
More exclusive content will be released before the three-day early launch of the game on July 7 and the worldwide release date of July 10. Check out who else will be showcasing everything new and great about College Football 26.
Related Article: Madden 26 Franchise Mode is Getting HUGE Coaching Changes
EA Sports College Football 26 Content Creator Schedule / Image via EA Sports
There will be nine other content creators who will have the opportunity to play the game. All can be found on YouTube, but more will be showcased, including presentation and H2H online.
Here’s the schedule on when content will be released for gamers to watch:
Related Article: EA Sports College Football 26 Overall Top Player Ratings Revealed
If fans are looking to find all the videos under one spot, if they miss one, College Football 26 has them covered. They have created a YouTube playlist where gamers can click on any of the videos that are being showcased.
EA Sports College Football 26 Content Creator Schedule / Image via EA Sports
Gamers will be thrilled to see the first looks at all these modes. Creators like MMG have already shown the challenges of Road to Glory, that every mistake can cost your high school player a five-star rating. Rayweather shared an in-depth look at how gamers can do less of going to the game menu and more strategy in the game. Even Bordeaux showcased the robust recruiting in Dynasty that will make it a much deeper experience than last year’s game.
The two videos that will particularly interest fans are the presentation and the H2H. Gamers would like to experience how gameday will be different in CFB 26 than in CFB 25. The H2H is the first online mode being showcased, so fans would like to see the changes made to it.
With the game less than a week away from release, it will only generate more excitement for players to jump into the game and play against one another. What remains to be seen is what kind of tournaments or other online aspects will be introduced throughout the year from an Esports perspective.
Related Article: EA Sports College Football 26 Deep Dive on Ultimate Team, Online H2H
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