Friday the 5th: How esports attract students

Key points:

Academic esports programs are not simply a group of students sitting in a classroom playing video games. Rather, teams and tournaments promote collaboration, critical thinking, communication skills, and offer inclusive environments that welcome students of all backgrounds and all abilities.

How can schools create esports programs and teams?

Conversations about the benefits of esports have focused on the college and high school levels, but recently, the conversation has expanded to include elementary esports as well. Like any new business, this is something that takes time to fully understand. The good thing is that there is a room full of experts who travel alongside their teacher. It is incredibly powerful when the classroom is flipped and students have the opportunity to share their passions and expertise with their teacher. Here are 6 tips for starting an elementary program.

Where are esports tournaments held?

Esports tournaments can be held anywhere, including online platforms, sponsor locations, community centers, or schools. There are many resources from educators who have been working to create academic programs worldwide. One of these resources, the North American Federation of Scholastic Sportsfocuses specifically on school implementation of esports, with free curricular modules created by educators through its academic fellows program. Learn more about the basics of creating esports programs and tournaments.

Is esports a good career?

Esports is a solid step into an academic career and, if you put in the effort, a professional career as well. The programs instill important leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills that students will carry with them throughout their education. By looking at examples in schools and in the real world, we realize the potential these programs have for students. When schools invest in esports equipment, they are investing in high-end hardware that also integrates with STEM and STEAM programs, meaning students end up having more opportunities to gain hands-on experience and learn in-demand skills for their careers. . Many of the skills students develop by participating in esports also translate to STEAM and STEM careers, according to Research from the University of California, Irvine. Here's how esports careers help students thrive.

How do I participate in esports tournaments?

You can participate in esports tournaments by searching for leagues in your school district and participating. Often, program directors will offer advice and best practices when it comes to creating your own program in your school or district. An elementary program that meets the needs of young learners should include learning space design considerations and high-quality furniture. Here's how to get started.

What do esports players do?

The benefits of esports are well documented. A significant body of research has found that students who participate in these organizations benefit from greater emotional regulation, academic achievement, and graduation rates. The pageants have made their way into the hearts and minds of students and youth across the country. An increasing number of schools are launching competitive clubs and teams as extracurricular activities that appeal to a wide range of students and can excite fans and spectators around the world. For learning institutions, particularly schools competing for student enrollment, having an established esports program or team can help them stand out in the same way that a good soccer or volleyball team can attract both student-athletes and to fans. Some universities have even started offering full scholarships to talented players. Here's what players can do once they leave K-12 schools.

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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