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2017 NGS Super
National Virtual Debating Competition


 


NGS Super - Platinum Sponsor

Clade Solutions - Gold Sponsor​​​


<<2017 Competition Information Flier>>​

 <<2017 Open Final​>>

The 2017 competition sees four  competitions: 

  • Open - Round of 16 schools - Double elimination structure
  • Year 9 & 10 - Round of 32 schools - Modified double elimination structure​
  • Year 7 & 8 - Round of 32 schools - Modified double elimination structure
  • Year 5 & 6 - Round of 16 schools - Double elimination structure

 

2017 Draws

Please access the 2017 Debating Guide here - click​

Background​
In 2015, the project ran a trial to test the concept of Virtual Debating using video conferences. Nineteen (19) schools and thirty three (33) teams took part in a 2 round trial. Debates involved 4 geographically disparate parties: two teams (using Video Conference encoders), a host (on desktop) and an adjudicator (on desktop). Almost without exception all involved found the experience to be valuable and enjoyable.

In 2016, a full national competion was run involving 4 age divisions, 35 schools and 64 teams. the program was opened up to schools with only desktop access. It was extremely well received by all stakeholders and attracted corporate sponsorship by NGS Super. The 2017 program has mapped out events for 96 teams and approximately 140 debates.

 

Why Virtual Debating?

​Formal debating has always been a valued activity for students on a number of levels. An obvious advantage of Virtual debating is that it alleviates the need for travel by students and teachers to the opponent’s venue. Do all your debates on-campus from your own facility. Possibly the biggest advantage however is the range of opponents that your student teams will encounter in a National initiative. It allows you to break away from a normal geographic local group of competitors and have your students extended by a greater range of opponent abilities that only a national stage can offer. The students really enjoy this interaction. Also, all debates are recorded for your private access through the VC system.​ 

​​​​​​​​​​​Anatomy of an online debate

  • Teams and host join the ZOOM Conference to begin argument preparation period

    • Team 1 & 2 join the conference using their VC encoder device from City A and City B respectively

    • TtEDSC host joins from a desktop in City C

    • The host reveals the topic, flips a coin and assigns the Affirmative and Negative sides. Preparation Period – 1 Hour – Audio muted, cameras on.​​​

 

  • ​​One hour later.  The adjudicator joins conference from City D and takes over after brief introduction by host.


 

  • ​The debate proceeds as normal with speaking Teams on pre-set ZOOM and non-speaking team on mute


 

  • ​Adjudicator delivers feedback and result

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 Expression of Interest - 2017 Competition