More than just fun and games

What does the esports phenomenon mean for the broader education landscape? Schools that embrace esports are beginning to see shifts in student participation and engagement. Esports can be a powerful tool for inclusion, offering students who may not excel in traditional sports or academics a chance to shine. It’s also a way to bring a sense of community and school spirit into the classroom. Listen in for more details.

The computer-generated transcript is shown below:

Kevin Hogan:

Okay. Hello and welcome to the latest episode of Innovations in Education. My name is Kevin Hogan. I'm the content director for eSchool News and I'm glad you found us here today.

In this episode, I'll be exploring some of the latest and greatest developments in the world of esports.

Now, what started as a niche hobby for gaming enthusiasts in recent years has become a global phenomenon.

And it’s not just about fun anymore. In recent esports tournaments around the world, games are competing for millions of dollars in prize money, with hundreds of thousands of people following the action online. The International Olympic Committee has even taken note, and in a pioneering move, the IOC has announced a partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia.

To host the inaugural Olympic esports Games in 2025, this 12-year partnership marks a monumental step for esports, integrating it into the esteemed world of the Olympic Games, IOC President Thomas Bass stressed the importance of upholding Olympic values ​​such as gender equality.

And the participation of young people in this new format.

That says a lot about Rocket League these days, if the Olympics are anything to go by.

Also, just this month, Verizon made headlines with the launch of the first-ever Scholastic High School Esports League.

In partnership with nonprofit Games for Change, Verizon is bringing professional-level training and resources directly into high school classrooms. Schools participating in this league will receive guidance on technical skills, health and wellness for players, paving the way for a new type of competitive environment.

What's really interesting about this initiative is that it's designed to integrate esports into the educational experience, something that historically hasn't been so elegant. Promoters say it's not just about gaming, but about learning through gaming. Verizon's Innovative Learning Hub offers a wealth of professional development resources.

For teachers to project study-based learning materials.

This includes toolkits for creating gaming clubs and hackathons.

Great ways for students to gain hands-on experience with game design and technology. Once again, proponents claim that it’s not just about having fun – esports in schools can help students develop valuable skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, and problem-solving.

Additionally, esports can open career paths in technology, game design, and even sports management.

It is an opportunity for students to explore interests that would not traditionally be covered in any typical curriculum.

But what does this mean for the broader educational landscape?

Schools that embrace esports are starting to see changes in student participation and engagement. Esports can be a powerful tool for inclusion, offering students who don’t excel in traditional sports or academics a chance to shine. It’s also a way to bring a sense of community and school spirit into the classroom.

So there are more positives that esports advocates will point out.

They say not to forget the impact on educators with new resources and professional development.

Educators are getting the support they need to incorporate esports into their teaching strategies.

This includes understanding how to manage teams, integrating game-based learning, and even using esports to teach other subjects like math and science through game mechanics.

Today, integrating esports into education is not without its challenges. Balancing gaming and teaching is critical to ensure that esports does not overshadow traditional learning. Schools must find a balance that supports academic achievement while also incorporating the benefits of these esports games and techniques.

Additionally, health and wellness issues need to be addressed in terms of screen usage, time, etc. of esports. Prolonged gaming can lead to physical and mental health issues such as eye strain, poor posture, and stress.

It is critical that schools promote healthy gaming habits and provide resources to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

Diversity and inclusion are also important considerations. The esports community has faced criticism for its lack of diversity. Educational programs implemented in districts should prioritize creating inclusive environments that welcome all students, regardless of gender, race, or background. Furthermore, with the rise of betting on these sports.

Responsible gaming practices need to be addressed.

Schools need to educate students about the risks associated with gambling and provide resources to support responsible decision-making.

I didn't have the dangers of online sports betting for students on my bingo card, but that's where we'll be in 2025.

So how do you start an esports league in your own school district?

Here are some steps to help you get started.

First, get out there and find interested students and staff members. You know they're there. The kids are out there playing these games, and so are probably some of your faculty members.

Spread the word throughout your school to find players and teachers or staff members who will support and sponsor your club.

Number two, select a game.

It seems like for most esports leagues, there is a particular game that there is a level of expertise that the school participates in. #3 Then you create the team.

You can assess student interest, announce tests, and develop a regular practice schedule.

You can even consider roles for your team, such as coach, analyst, or manager, and then start deciding the details. Consider things like the time and location of the meeting.

And then, the Esports Association's paperwork prioritizes local esports events in your district. You can also compete in a high school esports league, such as the High School Esports League, HSEL.

The High School Star League, HSL or Youth Esports of America, also known by the acronym YEA.

Once again, the rise of esports is transforming not only the entertainment landscape, but also our schools, classrooms with major events like the esports Olympics and initiatives like Verizon’s. Esports are playing a major role in both sports and education globally.

So you can't just watch this happen, you need to participate as a district in this evolution.

It’s clear that esports are more than just a game. They will become a dynamic force that will shape the future of learning and competition.

Thanks again for listening to this episode of Innovations & Education. To learn more about esports and other essential information on how to run a school district.

Go to eschoolnews.com and look through the tabs. We have a wealth of information and resources available for you.

Once again, I’m Kevin Hogan with eSchool News and I hope you’ll join us for a future episode.

Kevin is a forward-thinking media executive with more than 25 years of experience building brands and audiences online, in print and in-person. He is an acclaimed writer, editor and commentator covering the intersection of society and technology, especially education technology. Kevin can be reached at [email protected]

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