Photo by Julia M Cameron, sourced from Pexels 

Why Online Engagement is Difficult

It can be difficult for teachers to keep students engaged, especially during virtual classes. This leads students to struggle to grasp complex concepts and retain the information presented to them. As a result, their overall academic performance may decline. In fact, a 2022 study found that 72% experienced a poor learning experience due to low engagement. 

This blog explains how an esports curriculum increases online participation. It also gives practical steps for bringing esports into existing lessons.

How Does Esports Ignite Online Student Participation?

There are many benefits of esports in schools, from an increase in student motivation to learn to opening up new pathways for careers. Esports can be instrumental in improving engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students. Below are the core areas where esports supports online learning.

Game-Based Learning

Unlike passive learning methods, esports immerses students in interactive experiences where they actively engage with content, make decisions, and solve problems within the context of the game. 

In a history class, for instance, students could explore historical events and periods by playing strategy games set in those time periods, such as Civilization or Age of Empires. By leading civilizations, making strategic decisions, and experiencing the consequences of their actions firsthand, students develop a deeper understanding of historical contexts and cause-and-effect relationships. 

Moreover, the competitive nature of esports motivates students to strive for mastery and excellence, driving them to actively seek out knowledge and hone their skills to succeed in the game.

Collaboration and Teamwork

Many esports titles require students to work together. Players communicate, share information, and divide tasks. This mirrors the social skills needed in school and work.

Online teamwork helps students

• Speak clearly

• Listen to others

• Adjust plans

• Support classmates

Students who might not participate in a typical class discussion often feel more comfortable communicating through structured gameplay.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Esports gives students clear problems to solve. They watch the game state, make quick decisions, and predict outcomes. This strengthens:

• Spatial reasoning

• Pattern recognition

• Logical thinking

• Strategy adaptation

When teachers connect these moments back to academic content, students see how problem solving in a game matches the thinking they need in math, science, and other subjects.

Health and Wellness

Esports can promote health and wellness among online students by providing them with a way to improve their mental well-being and reduce stress. Some games, particularly those that make use of virtual reality (VR), may also help encourage physical activity. 

A 2022 study found that fifty eight percent of students felt a positive impact on their mental health when playing games.

• Physical Activity: Esports games that involve motion or physical activity, such as virtual reality (VR) games, encourage players to move their bodies and engage in physical exercise while gaming. This can help your students combat sedentary behavior and promote cardiovascular health, strength, and flexibility. 

• Mental Well-being: Esports can have positive effects on mental well-being by providing your students with a sense of accomplishment, enjoyment, and mastery. Through games, they can achieve goals, overcome challenges, and improve skills. In turn, this can boost self-esteem, confidence, and motivation in online students. 

• Stress-relief: Esports also serve as a form of stress relief and relaxation for students, offering an escape from academic pressures and daily stress. Engaging in gaming activities can help students unwind, recharge, and experience feelings of enjoyment, satisfaction, and flow.

How to Bring Esports into your Curriculum

Photo by Julia M Cameron, sourced from Pexels

There are many ways to utilize esports in a curriculum. Extracurricular, after school programs, esports clubs, or directly within the curriculum. The following steps can give you an idea about what to expect for integrating esports into your curriculum so you can keep your students engaged as they learn.

1. Choose Games That Fit Your Goals

Identifying relevant games for online education involves considering factors such as class size, accessibility, affordability, and relevance to the curriculum. Here are some considerations for selecting esports games:

• Class Size: Choose esports games that can accommodate the size of your class, whether it's a small group or a larger cohort. Games with flexible multiplayer options, such as team-based modes or custom lobby settings, can accommodate different class sizes and ensure all students can actively participate.

  
  

• Accessibility: Look for games that are available on multiple platforms, including PC, console, and mobile, to accommodate students with different gaming setups and preferences. You should also consider the system requirements and technical specifications of the games to ensure they can run smoothly on students' devices without requiring high-end hardware or specialized equipment.

  
  

• Affordability: Pick games that offer a free base version or trial period, allowing students to participate without having to purchase expensive licenses or subscriptions. There are a lot of options out there, even if you’re on a tight budget.

  
  

• Relevance to Curriculum: When selecting educational games, looking for titles that entertain and reinforce learning objectives is essential. While browsing, consider how the games' gameplay mechanics, narrative elements, or thematic elements can support or enhance learning outcomes in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and creativity.

  
  

  Games that simulate real-world challenges can also help them identify strengths and interests, guiding them to answer the question, "What degree should I get?" This engagement may lead them to pursue fields they hadn’t previously considered.

2. Add Esports Into Existing Lessons

While it can be overwhelming to manage change with your class, you can use these tips to get them on board:

• Start Small: Begin by integrating esports into one lesson or unit to gauge student interest and effectiveness before expanding further.

  
  

• Make Connections: Tie esports activities directly to course content to demonstrate relevance and reinforce learning objectives.

  
  

• Encourage Collaboration: Design multiplayer or team-based esports activities to promote teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.

  
  

• Provide Flexibility: Offer a variety of esports options to accommodate different interests, skill levels, and learning styles among students.

  
  

• Reflect and Adapt: Solicit feedback from students and colleagues to continuously evaluate and refine the esports curriculum for optimal engagement and effectiveness.

3. Create a Supportive Learning Environment

The most important thing about leveraging gaming in education is making sure that you can provide enough support for your students and that you are well-supported as well.

You can:

• Assign student leaders who can help classmates

• Work with a colleague familiar with the game

• Ask students for advice when you need technical help

• Set simple rules for communication and teamwork

This keeps the class organized and lowers frustration for you and your students.

4. Use a Structured Curriculum

While it is possible to undertake this yourself, there are always external platforms that you can get help with that will help you set up your esports program, offer an esports curriculum that is aligned with CTE pathways and standards, eligible for state funds, and offer you help along the way. If this sounds like something you are interested in, please schedule a call here. We’d love to help you out.

Engage Your Students With Esports

In conclusion, esports shifts students from passive to active learning. Students make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate. They see direct outcomes from their choices. This keeps them involved and improves participation.

When esports is linked to your curriculum, it creates an online environment that feels purposeful. Students stay focused. They communicate more. They build confidence. They also see how their interests connect to future careers in technology, media, and digital fields.