Personalized learning and gamification in eLearning are critical. But what happens when the paradigm shifts from education toward sports?
Global education industry provider MiEN Company recently released the white paper Using Esports to Teach K-12 Academic and Social Emotional Skills. According to its findings, scholastic esports between schools can be as beneficial to students as traditional athletics.
What Is Esports?
Competitive online video gaming is today referred to as esports. Many may not realize this sector's impact when it is projected to surpass $1.8 billion in 2022.
This increasingly popular industry is now supported by its own nationwide non-profit organization, the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF). For esports that can be used during the day or after school, NASEF produces a free state-approved curriculum for students.
Esports and Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
The primary goal of NASEF is to provide students with the opportunity to use esports to develop STEM- and STEAM-based skills. NASEF also believes in esports, providing solutions to help students succeed in school and their career with social and emotional learning (SEL) attributes, including:
Leadership
Problem-solving
Collaboration
Communication
Much like any new technology for students, esports has its fair share of benefits and pitfalls. It’s crucial to analyze both before deciding whether or not esports is a right fit for your learning environment.
Benefits of Esports
Chris Aviles, a leading advocate and educator of esports, believes that this booming sector of eLearning is capable of providing the same SEL benefits as traditional athletics.
Provides the Same SEL Benefits as Traditional Athletics
A sense of belonging, leadership, and teamwork are critical skills acquired through traditional athletics. In today's world, esports can provide this to students globally.
Can Be Used to Teach a Variety of Subjects
Esports can also provide students with career technical education (CTE). Having the academic and technical skills paired with the knowledge and training through esports helps them to be more successful in their careers.
Prepares Students for STEM Careers
Employers often seek out STEM skills promoted through esports at the student level. Some of the careers students can go on to pursue may include:
Cybersecurity
Video editing
Coaching
Broadcasting
Technology management
Multimedia design
Graphic design
Game design
Potential Pitfalls of Esports
At the same time, it’s important to note the potential pitfalls of incorporating esports for students. Knowing about these helps you find solutions before they become student issues.
Can Develop Poor Sportsmanship
Any time there is a friendly competition, there is the possibility of poor sportsmanship developing amongst players. Unfortunately, moving traditional sports into an esports format does not eliminate this possibility.
May Lead to Keyboard Courage or Cyberbullying
An added facet of poor sportsmanship that comes with moving to esports comes with the facade of keyboard courage. Keyboard courage and cyberbullying are possible any time students are hidden behind a computer screen. The best way to combat these negative aspects of eLearning is by educating students and promoting a healthy learning space.
The Solution
Although keyboard courage, cyberbullying, and poor sportsmanship are all situations educators seek to avoid, they sometimes are inevitable. But, knowing this information, you can do your best to try to stop any attempts before they happen.
One of the most effective ways to help minimize the pitfalls of esports is by educating students before they begin any of the programs. Take the time and energy to commit to developing a safety course that must be completed before joining any esports activities.
Creating a Successful Esports Space
Creating an academic esports team can lead to countless opportunities for student-athletes. The key to creating and maintaining an engaged and successful esports team is to design an effective space. To ensure a functional and engaging space for your students, consider the following factors.
1. Converting an existing space
A space that can flex into a gaming room or an area used by CTE programs should be considered. Building out a multipurpose space can come from converting an old computer or science lab. These spaces already typically provide ergonomic seating for players and an already practical gaming room layout.
2. Seating with function and health in mind
Comfortable chairs promoting good posture are critical since esports players spend hours engaging in play. Ideal seating for esports application include:
Adjustable height tables
Back support
Adjustable cushions
Height-adjustable chairs
Chairs with armrests
Ergonomic chairs
3. Creating a break room
After an intense match, players need to take breaks to rest their eyes and walk or stretch out the kinks in their muscles. If possible, creating a dedicated break room is always ideal. But, if that’s not possible, designating an area, like a breezeway, also suffices. Don’t forget to provide tables, chairs, and snacks.
4. Ensuring ample space for equipment
For gaming competitions, the shoutcasting station serves as the Command Central. To help make esports competitions more engaging and capture game plays, consider having the following items readily available:
Stream decks
Keyboards
Mixers
Lots of power outlets
Other tech devices
5. Planning a collaborative area
A collaborative approach to planning and debriefing sessions can be encouraged with comfortable seating. Mobile whiteboards or whiteboard tables help add to this effect. A great team-building exercise is analyzing replays and brainstorming new strategies by viewing on large video monitors.
6. Using decor to reflect the team
Keep in mind that you want both players and observers to feel the energy in the room during competitions as you design the space. Coordinate with team shirts, uniforms, or the colors of the gaming equipment using a blend of complementary colors. Remember that esports spaces should reflect virtual fantasy worlds and innovative games in which students play and compete.
ryco.io and Esports
Understanding that esports is a growing industry, ryco.io has taken the initiative to help provide educational materials to aid in navigating these new territories.
ryco.io has developed a certification course for esports programs to help curb some of the negative attributes that may be cause for concern in some educators. The primary purpose of the certification course is for students to learn about Trust and Safety in the esports sphere.
Final Thoughts
It can be challenging to stay on top of the latest trends in the online space. While traditional athletics may never entirely be replaced, it’s essential to recognize the increasing popularity of esports today.
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