Photo by Julia M Cameron, sourced from Pexels 

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. 

In this article, we will discuss how implementing an esports curriculum ignites online student participation. We will also provide you with effective strategies on how to incorporate esports into your bespoke curriculum.

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. To be more specific, here are some of the ways that esports can ignite online student participation:

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

Furthermore, esports fosters collaboration and teamwork among students through various multiplayer and team-based activities. 

For example, in a science class, students could engage in cooperative gameplay in a game like Overwatch, where teams work together to achieve specific objectives while utilizing characters with unique abilities. Each player's role within the team mirrors different scientific disciplines, such as biology, chemistry, or physics, requiring collaboration and coordination to succeed.

In Overwatch, a team might consist of players who specialize in different roles, such as tank, damage, and support. Tanks protect the team and absorb damage, damage dealers focus on eliminating opponents, and supports provide healing and utility to sustain the team. To succeed, players must communicate effectively, strategize together, and leverage each other's strengths to overcome challenges and secure victory.

Through these team-based esports activities, students not only develop essential communication, leadership, and cooperation skills but also learn to appreciate the value of diversity and inclusivity within a team. At the same time, collaborative esports experiences create a supportive learning environment where students feel empowered to take risks, express themselves, and grow together as a team.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Esports environments provide fertile ground for the cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For example, in a mathematics class, students could engage in strategic gameplay in a game like Rocket League, where players control rocket-powered cars to score goals in a soccer-like arena. While the game may seem like simple fun on the surface, it actually requires complex mathematical calculations and problem-solving skills to excel.

In Rocket League, players must anticipate the trajectory of the ball, calculate angles and velocities, and execute precise maneuvers to outmaneuver opponents and score goals. They must constantly analyze the game state, make split-second decisions, and adapt their strategies on the fly based on changing circumstances—a process that demands keen spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and quick thinking.

Esports activities not only reinforce mathematical concepts such as geometry, physics, and probability but also develop higher-order thinking skills such as pattern recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving under pressure. They learn to apply mathematical principles in practical, real-world contexts, gaining a deeper appreciation for the relevance and utility of mathematics in everyday life. 

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 be help encourage physical activity. 

A 2022 study found that 58% of subjects experienced a positive impact on their well-being through playing games.

Here's how:

• Physical Activity: Esports games that involve motion or physical activity, such as virtual reality (VR) games or exergaming, 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 stressors. Engaging in gaming activities can help students unwind, recharge, and experience feelings of enjoyment, satisfaction, and flow.
  
  

How To Incorporate an Esports 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. Identify Relevant Esports Games

Identifying relevant esports 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.

  
  

  The game you choose might even inspire your students with an answer if they are asking themselves, "What degree should I get?" as it may spark interest in fields like game development, digital media, or even educational technology. Encouraging students to explore different career paths through interactive experiences can broaden their horizons.

  
  

  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. Integrate Esports Into Existing Lesson Plans

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.

While a new platform for learning can be overwhelming, assign champions in your class to influence their classmates to get on board with the new curriculum.

At the same time, you can work with a colleague that is familiar with the game you want your students to play. They can help you understand and troubleshoot the game as needed. Furthermore, don’t be hesitant to consult with your students, they can help you out as well.

4. There is an Easier Way!

While it is possible to undertake this hefty duty, 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 free call here. We’d love to help you out.

Engage Your Students With Esports

In conclusion, the transition from passive to active learning through esports curriculum presents a promising solution to combat low student engagement in online education. By harnessing the immersive nature of esports, educators can cultivate dynamic learning environments that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and holistic well-being among students. From strategic gameplay in historical simulations to teamwork-oriented challenges in science-based adventures, esports offers an array of opportunities to ignite active participation and meaningful learning experiences.