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In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, it's crucial for educators to find innovative ways to engage students and prepare them for future careers. Enter the "Game and Make" approach—a revolutionary method that leverages students' passion for gaming to develop essential skills and attain industry certifications. In this guide, we'll explore how this approach can transform education by meeting students where they are and turning their love for gaming into productive, career-ready skills.
Contrary to outdated narratives, gaming has proven cognitive benefits. A report from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights that video gaming enhances cognitive performance in children. This research flips the script on the misconception that gaming is detrimental, demonstrating instead that it can improve mental agility, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills. Incorporating gaming into the curriculum can thus offer cognitive advantages that traditional teaching methods may lack.
Esports uniquely combines quick decision-making, strategic thinking, and physical coordination. Unlike traditional sports, which emphasize physical prowess, or chess, which focuses solely on cognitive skills, esports requires a blend of both. For instance, games like Overwatch demand rapid reactions and strategic planning, making esports a well-rounded activity that challenges and develops both the mind and body.
One of the most compelling aspects of esports is its inclusivity. Esports levels the playing field, allowing students of all abilities to compete and excel. For example, a student with physical limitations might struggle in traditional sports but can shine in esports. Real-life stories, like that of a wheelchair-bound student excelling in national esports tournaments, illustrate how gaming can provide unique opportunities for those with special needs.
Esports fosters a sense of community among students from diverse backgrounds. It's a space where students can connect, collaborate, and support each other, regardless of their physical or social attributes. Personal stories from esports communities highlight how these platforms promote camaraderie, inclusivity, and mutual support, creating a positive and supportive environment for all participants.
The growing importance of esports in education is closely tied to STEM fields. Many colleges now offer scholarships for esports, and career opportunities in gaming-related fields are expanding. For example, students can pursue careers in game design, software development, and IT engineering, using their gaming skills as a foundation. This pathway shows students that their passion for gaming can lead to lucrative and fulfilling careers.
Esports is an excellent tool for developing essential soft skills like collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, and character. Participating in esports teaches students how to work as a team, think creatively about strategies, communicate effectively, and develop a strong character. These skills are invaluable in both academic and professional settings.
Promoting a positive mental attitude (PMA) and non-toxic gaming environments is crucial. Esports communities often emphasize the importance of supportive behavior and mental well-being. For instance, students who encourage their teammates and foster a positive atmosphere contribute to a healthier and more productive gaming community. These experiences teach valuable lessons in empathy and mutual support.
To implement esports effectively, educators must first recognize its educational value. Gaming can be a powerful tool for engaging students and enhancing their learning experience. Providing resources and evidence of the benefits of gaming can help convince parents, school boards, and administrators of its potential.
Learn more about the benefits of esports in our research paper or learn how educators can use gaming as a tool to make math class more engaging in our webinar, Using the Power of Video Games to Boost Math Scores.
Successful implementation of esports programs requires appropriate hardware and software, standards-based curriculum, and professional development for educators. These elements ensure that the program is sustainable and effective in the long term. Ongoing support and continuous feedback are also essential to keep the program running smoothly and to address any challenges that arise.
Securing funding for esports programs can be challenging, but there are numerous federal and state grants available for STEM and esports initiatives. Educators should explore these resources and seek assistance in applying for grants to support their programs. Accessing these funds can provide the necessary financial support for hardware, software, and curriculum development.
Many colleges offer scholarships to talented esports players, providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education while continuing to engage in their passion. Connecting students with scholarship opportunities can motivate them to excel in both their academic and gaming pursuits, opening doors to future careers.
The Game and Make approach is transforming education by leveraging students' passion for gaming to develop essential skills and attain industry certifications. By recognizing the cognitive benefits of gaming, fostering inclusivity, and providing clear pathways to STEM careers, educators can harness the power of esports to engage and motivate students.
Join us for an exciting webinar where we’ll share proven strategies to increase student engagement in the STEM classroom. Learn how to equip teachers and school administrators with the necessary tools to ensure that their students are ready for a digital world changed by technology. Awaken your students’ passion for STEM while setting them up for success with opportunities for career exploration and pathways to industry certifications. Listen to feedback from teachers implementing the game-and-make approach in their classrooms and find out how you can do the same.
Alan Sitomer
CEO and Founder of Mastery Coding
Alan is Mastery Coding's CEO and a California Teacher of the year award winner who has written 22 books. He left the classroom and started this company because he sees the opportunity for students to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty through obtaining jobs in emerging technologies.
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Rich Conti
VP of Academic Esports
Rich is the VP of Academic Esports at Mastery Coding. He was the creator and captain of his champion college esports team, he has authored our game design curriculum and basically, built the academic esports program he wishes he had when he was in middle and high school.
