Integrating esports in education by Matthew Phelan

As the world of esports continues to grow, so does its potential to positively impact education. Integrating esports into educational settings can help engage students, develop transferable skills, and promote inclusivity. We’ll look at how educators can start using esports to enrich their student experiences, ensuring that both educators and students get the most out of this exciting new opportunity.

Step 1: Understanding the esports landscape

Before diving into the world of esports, it's essential to understand the landscape and identify the most suitable games for your educational institution. Popular esports titles include League of Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, Valorant, Smash Bros and Overwatch. When selecting a game, consider factors such as the game's age rating, the skills it develops, and its popularity among your students.

Step 2: Establishing an esports club

Creating an esports club is one of the easiest ways to introduce competitive gaming into your school or college. Here are some steps to get started:

1. Find the right team: Identify teachers who are enthusiastic about esports and willing to lead the club. This person will be responsible for coordinating activities, organising events, and liaising with external organisations.
2. Gauge student interest: Organise a meeting or survey to gauge the level of interest among students. This will help you determine the size and structure of your club.
3. Secure equipment and space: Ensure that you have the necessary equipment, such as gaming PCs or consoles, peripherals, and a reliable internet connection. You'll also need a dedicated space where club members can meet and practice.
4. Set a schedule: Establish a regular meeting schedule for your club, considering students' availability and any potential clashes.
5. Create a code of conduct: To ensure a safe and inclusive environment, establish a code of conduct for club members. This should cover topics such as respectful behaviour, anti-bullying policies, and sportsmanship.

Step 3: Connecting with the esports community

Collaborating with other schools, colleges, and organisations can provide valuable support and resources for your esports endeavours. Reach out to local gaming organisations or join online communities, such as Digital Schoolhouse, the British Esports Association or the National University Esports League (NUEL), to access resources, advice, and potential partnerships.

Step 4: Integrating esports into the curriculum

Esports can be incorporated into lesson plans to make learning more engaging and relevant. For example:

1. Maths: Use in-game statistics and probabilities to explore mathematical concepts.
2. English: Analyse the storytelling and character development in narrative-driven games, or encourage creative writing through fan fiction.
3. Computer Science: Examine the programming and game design aspects of esports titles, inspiring students to create their own games or mods.
4. Physical Education: Promote physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and wellness activities alongside esports training sessions.

Step 5: Organising esports events and tournaments

Hosting esports events and tournaments can foster a sense of community and excitement among students. Here are some tips for organising successful events:

1. Determine the format: Decide whether your event will be a single or multi-game tournament and whether it will be an individual or team-based competition.
2. Set a date and venue: Choose a date that avoids conflicts with exams or other major events, and secure a suitable venue with adequate space, seating, and internet connectivity.
3. Promote the event: Advertise your event to students, staff, and the local community using posters, social media, and school newsletters.
4. Enlist volunteers: Recruit staff, students, and parents to help with tasks such as setting up equipment, managing brackets, and overseeing the competition.
5. Establish rules and regulations: Create clear rules and regulations for the event, including game settings, match format, and tiebreakers. Ensure that all participants understand and adhere to these guidelines.
6. Plan for technical support: Make sure that you have a plan in place to address any technical issues that may arise during the event, such as internet connectivity problems or hardware malfunctions.
7. Live-stream the event: Consider live-streaming the tournament on platforms like Twitch or YouTube to reach a wider audience and showcase your school or college's commitment to esports.
8. Celebrate achievements: Recognise the accomplishments of participating students with certificates, trophies, or other rewards. This will help to foster a sense of pride and achievement among competitors.

Step 6: Supporting students in pursuing esports careers

As the esports industry continues to grow, there will be an increasing demand for professionals in various fields, such as game design, coaching, management, and marketing. Schools and colleges can support students interested in pursuing esports careers by:

Offering career guidance: Provide information on the different career paths available in the esports industry and the qualifications required for each role.

Facilitating work experience: Collaborate with local gaming organisations or esports companies to arrange work experience placements or internships for students.

Developing esports courses: Consider creating specialised courses that focus on the skills and knowledge required for careers in esports, such as game design, event management, or marketing.

Integrating esports into your setting offers a wealth of opportunities for students and educators alike. By following the steps your institution can harness the power of esports to engage students, develop transferable skills, and prepare them for future careers in the rapidly expanding gaming industry.

Remember that the key to success is fostering a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages students to pursue their passion for esports while maintaining a healthy balance between gaming and their academic responsibilities. By doing so, schools and colleges can help to shape the next generation of esports professionals and enthusiasts, ensuring a bright future for competitive gaming in the UK and beyond.

To find out more information about running UAL esports, contact j.watkiss@arts.ac.uk.

Matthew Phelan is a Curriculum Leader with over 15 years of experience, currently working at a college in Cambridge. Known for embracing new and changing technologies, he created a successful esports course at his college, leading to increased recruitment and student engagement. In addition to his work in the classroom, Matthew enjoys sharing his thoughts on the future of education through public speaking. Committed to inspiring students, Matthew's goal is to create engaging educational experiences that empower them to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.