The world of esports has been rapidly growing in popularity, captivating the attention of millions around the globe. But did you know that esports can also play a significant role in education? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of integrating an esports curriculum into your program, discuss how to implement game-based learning, and learn about how esports in schools can be used for student retention. Get ready to level up your understanding of esports in education!

If you are curious about the general benefits of esports in schools, don't forget to check out our other blog!

5 Benefits of Esports in Education

The benefits of esports in education aren’t just about kids playing video games to blow off some steam. While it can be about fun elective classes in high school or any other level of education, it's mainly about harnessing the thrill of competitive gaming to drive engaging, dynamic learning experiences. Authentic, energetic, and immersive esports have the potential to change the game in education, fostering a deep connection with students that traditional teaching methods might struggle to achieve. Let us take you through five key reasons why esports is proving to be a game-changer in education.

1. Boosts Student Engagement

When it comes to student engagement, esports has the power to transform the learning experience. Educators can leverage esports to enhance student engagement in the classroom by tapping into the excitement and passion surrounding competitive gaming. Research* has shown that when students are invested in the subject matter, they are more likely to participate actively, leading to improved academic performance and increased motivation.

2. Fosters Teamwork and Communication

Esports isn't just about individual skill. It's a team endeavor that requires effective communication and collaboration. Through esports, students can learn how to work together towards a common goal, honing these essential skills.

3. Promotes Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 

Esports games often require strategic planning, game scenario analysis, and quick decision-making under pressure. These are all critical thinking skills that can be transferred to many other areas of life and learning.

4. Enhances Digital Literacy

As we move further into the digital age, being proficient in technology is becoming more and more important. Engaging with esports can help students to develop their digital literacy skills, preparing them for future success.

5. Career Readiness

Esports can equip students with many of the skills needed to thrive in today's digitally-driven economy. From teamwork and communication to digital literacy and problem-solving, esports can provide a fun and engaging way to prepare students for their future careers.

Remember, esports is more than just a game. It's a powerful educational tool that can engage, inspire, and prepare students for success in the 21st century.

How to Integrate Esports into the Curriculum?

The integration of esports into the curriculum requires careful planning and consideration. Educators must identify relevant subjects and learning outcomes that align with the principles of esports. Educators can create an immersive and interactive learning environment that taps into students' passion for gaming by designing esports-based lesson plans and projects.

To support the integration of esports in schools, educators can leverage digital learning platforms that provide a structured framework for incorporating esports into the curriculum. These platforms offer a range of educational games and resources specifically designed to enhance learning outcomes through gameplay. Educators can access valuable expertise and resources by collaborating with industry professionals and esports organizations, ensuring the successful implementation of esports in the classroom.

Esports in STEM Curriculums 

In a world where technology and education continuously intersect, the emergence of esports as a tool for teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a game-changer. The integration of esports into a STEM curriculum not only captivates the interest of students but also opens up innovative pathways for learning and development.

Esports-infused STEM curriculums provide an educational framework that combines the competitive and collaborative elements of esports with the academic rigor of STEM subjects. This curriculum leverages the popularity of gaming to teach students critical skills in technology, analytical thinking, and problem-solving, social-emotional learning, and much more.

An esports STEM curriculum encourages computational thinking, fosters problem-solving skills, reinforces social-emotional learning, and advances technological proficiency

The Impact of Esports Curriculums on Student Engagement

Esports has the power to revolutionize student engagement in education. Educators can capture students' attention and foster meaningful connections with the curriculum by incorporating a subject that students are genuinely passionate about. The excitement and enthusiasm surrounding esports translate into increased motivation, leading to improved attendance and academic performance.

It has been stated by a study that having esports courses in the first class of the day, the first-hour attendance rate increased from 86% to 96%. Furthermore, 90% of the students participating in the esports classes had not been involved in extracurricular activities before. This way, esports creates a sense of belonging and community among students. Through team-based gameplay and participation in esports events, students develop strong bonds with their peers, forging a supportive and collaborative learning environment. This sense of community fosters a positive school culture and enhances student well-being.

How Can Digital Games Transform Learning in Special Education?

Digital games are really useful in Special Education because they grab students' attention and make learning more fun and engaging. They help reduce stress and make kids feel more involved and included.

Recent studies have revealed significant benefits of action video games for children with dyslexia, demonstrating notable improvements in reading abilities. 

In the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), video games have shown effectiveness in reducing inappropriate behavior and enhancing play skills and social engagement among children (1). These improvements extend to new game contexts, indicating the intervention's capacity to foster natural, unprompted social interactions and maintain these effects over time.

Furthermore, more research underscores the positive impact of computer games in enhancing impulse control and attention in children with ADHD, boosting motivation and performance, suggesting that gaming is a vital tool in sustaining concentration and impulsive behavior in these children.

Experts (1,2) also say that technology helps students with disabilities interact better and have the same chances to join in activities as everyone else. Plus, these games are a terrific way for kids with special needs to practice everyday skills, solve problems, and get ready to mix more easily with others. (3, 4)

Overall, video games offer substantial advantages in educational settings, particularly for children with special needs. They not only aid in improving communication and spatial skills but also cater to the unique needs of children with physical, sensory, and visual impairments, as well as those with ADHD, enhancing memory function and overall learning engagement. This evidence positions digital games as a valuable resource for educators seeking to support diverse learning needs in their classrooms.

Nurturing a Positive Esports Environment in Schools

To effectively integrate esports into the curriculum, it's important to build an environment that promotes healthy gaming practices. Schools should encourage balanced participation, making sure students remain engaged in their academic pursuits alongside esports. Regular discussions on digital etiquette, fair play, and the importance of physical activity outside gaming can help inculcate a positive gaming culture. Additionally, schools can organize workshops and seminars led by experts to educate students on the importance of mental wellness and maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and other activities.

By creating a supportive and inclusive community for esports in schools, students can feel encouraged to pursue their passion while also excelling in their academic endeavors. This not only fosters a sense of belonging but also promotes teamwork, leadership, and communication skills – all essential qualities for success in both esports and the real world.

Use Digital Tools like Gameplan for Esports Curriculum

One tool that has been instrumental in supporting the integration of esports into education is Gameplan. At Gameplan, we provide educators with the resources and support they need to implement esports curriculum effectively. With features tailored to the needs of educators and students, Gameplan makes it easy to create and manage esports-based lesson plans and projects. Moreover, creating courses takes a significant amount of time.

Our team has measured that using pre-built Esports Curriculums saves educators approximately 200 hours per teacher per course. Don't just take our word for it;  hear from educators and our students who have experienced the benefits of Gameplan firsthand.

Conclusion

The benefits of esports in schools extend beyond the classroom, preparing students for success in the digital age. So, level up your teaching approach and unlock the potential of esports in education. Remember, the power of esports lies in its ability to captivate and engage students. By embracing this innovative approach to education, we can create an exciting, relevant, and empowering learning environment. Let's go on this journey together and unlock the full potential of esports in education. Game on!

Schedule a 30-minute meeting to learn more today! 

* Source: Effects of the Implementation of a Video Game Curriculum on Attendance and Student Perceptions of Their Engagement (Russell, 2021)