As schools struggle with mental health issues, attendance issues, and disengagement of students post pandemic, many are looking for innovative ways to meet students where they are. Esports can be a powerful tool in the educator tool belt that wraps around students academically, emotionally, and competitively providing an educational, yet fun, scholastic gaming experience.
After spending more than 27 years in education as a former district leader, principal, and teacher, I know firsthand the impact innovative ideas can have on students who do not feel connected to their school. After two years of teaching and learning during a pandemic, I can't imagine a better time in education to try something new.
For many schools, esports is the perfect tool that educators need to add to their toolbelts to not only engage students but also retain teachers. Many educators do not realize that there are many entry points for esports. For some schools, esports may be a completely new concept and they are in the discovery phase, other schools have a competitive esports team, other schools begin their esports journey by offering a for-credit elective course.
All schools are realizing that esports is coming and is here to stay in education. It's not a matter of if but when.
If you are just beginning your journey or have a well-established scholastic gaming program, you will often be asked, “What benefits do esports bring to a school?” Below is a list of 10 reasons esports should be embedded into every school as a for-credit course, club, and competitive team:
It can be intimidating to think about starting a scholastic gaming program in your school, but the excitement that esports brings to school culture is worth the hardship. Reaching out to an established esports provider such as Generation Esports, connecting with an established esports school in your area, and finding a staff member in your school to champion the program will help ensure a successful launch.
Dr. Kristen Craft has served as a teacher, principal, and district administrator in public education for the past 27 years. As the 2021 Kansas Principal of the Year, Dr. Craft works as a leadership coach and consultant to support principals helping them avoid burnout, feeling inadequate and alone by providing customized support, accountability, and feedback. A champion of students, Dr. Craft joined the team at Generation Esports as an account executive to provide information and resources to educators who are looking for ways to engage students through esports.
Increase student engagement with a standards-based and peer-approved video gaming curriculum for schools.
Help your students develop essential life skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork while playing the games they love.
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