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 educational programs, 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 creating a strong and meaningful incentive for kids to attend school. Video games, when incorporated into the curriculum, become a method of engaged instruction and learning that not only students love but has a multitude of benefits.

Let us take you through five key reasons why esports is proving to be a game-changer in education.

1. Boosts Student Engagement and Attendance

When it comes to student engagement and attendance, esports has the power to transform the learning experience. Educators can leverage esports to enhance student engagement in the classroom by tapping into the passion surrounding gaming. A study in a California school district found that students involved in esports had a 33.5% lower absence rate compared to their peers. On average, these students attended school 7.34 more days, generating an additional $354,000 in funding through Average Daily Attendance (ADA). In addition to ADA funds, schools can access various state funding sources to support esports program expenses.

2. Fosters Teamwork and Communication

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

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. Teachers who have incorporated games into their lessons show that games increase the likelihood of students being more motivated to learn and show greater willingness to work with peers and engage in problem-solving. 

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 helps students to develop their digital literacy skills, preparing them for future success.

5. Career Readiness

Esports equips 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 provides 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.

How to Integrate Esports into the Curriculum?

There are multiple ways to use esports at your school and in your curriculum.

Co-Curricular: Esports can be utilized within the core curriculum in two main ways. One is through game based learning with educational platforms like Minecraft Education, students can explore traditional subjects such as math, chemistry, and media production in an interactive and engaging way. Second, esports directly supports CTE pathways by teaching technical and creative skills like cybersecurity, game design, and media production. These programs are tied to real-world applications and align with educational standards. Lessons often include project-based learning, giving students hands-on experience while fostering critical thinking and collaboration.

Extracurricular: Schools can offer esports as an after-school program or as an esports club, providing students with a structured environment in which to practice and compete. This approach allows students to engage in esports without interfering with their academic responsibilities, letting students practice and compete in a structured environment while building soft skills like communication, leadership, and time management.

Esports serves as a high-interest content and engagement tool, offering a unique framework through which students explore curriculum-aligned subjects and skills relevant to their future careers aligned with their interests and passions. Positioning esports behind CTE pathways ensures clarity and purpose in the role it plays in educational approaches.

Schools can start small and scale up. Some might begin with a single esports club, while others integrate esports directly into their elective courses or CTE offerings. To support the integration of esports in schools, educators can leverage digital learning platforms and professional development courses on relevant topics.

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

Video 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.

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. 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!