Why esports should be in middle schools and high schools

TL;DR "Esports in schools promote teamwork, critical thinking, and personal growth. Drawing from successful sports integration examples, embracing esports offers scholarship opportunities, enhances STEM education, and increases student engagement, fostering an inclusive educational experience."

Introduction

In the world of athletics, traditional sports like basketball, soccer, and football have long held a prominent place in middle and high school curriculums. However, as technology advances and the world becomes more interconnected, it's time to consider expanding the scope of school-based athletics to include esports. Esports, or competitive video gaming, has rapidly gained popularity worldwide and has even garnered attention from the Olympic Committee. By integrating esports into middle and high school programs, schools can offer new opportunities for students to develop critical skills, foster social connections, and even pursue career paths.

Our examination delves into the advantages of integrating esports into middle and high school education, drawing on successful case studies and historical examples of new sports, like basketball and soccer, being adopted by educational institutions. By the end of this piece, the benefits of school esports will be clear, and we'll make a strong case for their integration into the educational system.

The benefits of esports in education

There are several reasons why esports should be in schools, as they offer numerous benefits for students, teachers, and the wider educational community. Here are a few key advantages of incorporating esports into middle and high school education.

Esports promote teamwork and collaboration

Much like traditional sports, esports require effective teamwork and communication to succeed. Participating in esports teams allows students to develop crucial collaborative skills, which can be translated to other aspects of their academic and social lives. This fosters a strong sense of camaraderie among team members and encourages them to work together towards a common goal.

Esports encourage critical thinking and problem-solving

Esports are more than just video games; they involve strategic thinking and problem-solving. By participating in esports, students learn to analyze situations, make split-second decisions, and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. These critical thinking skills can prove invaluable in academic and professional settings, as they prepare students for the challenges they may face in the future.

Esports improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills

Playing video games has been shown to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, which can benefit students in other areas of their lives, such as playing musical instruments or engaging in traditional sports. These skills can also contribute to improved academic performance, particularly in subjects that require precision and dexterity, such as art and design.

Esports offer a sense of belonging

For students who may not be interested in traditional sports, esports provide an alternative way to become part of a team and connect with their peers. Esports clubs and teams can foster a sense of community and belonging, giving students the opportunity to form friendships and social connections that may have been difficult to establish through more conventional means.

Esports provide a platform for personal growth and development

The competitive nature of esports requires dedication, discipline, and resilience. By participating in esports, students have the opportunity to develop essential life skills, such as time management, goal setting, and coping with setbacks. These skills can positively impact students' academic performance and personal lives, preparing them for success in various aspects of their future.

Esports support mental health and well-being

Research has shown that participating in organized esports activities can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Students involved in esports report increased self-esteem, reduced feelings of isolation, and improved social skills. By providing a supportive and inclusive environment, esports can contribute to the overall well-being of students and help to alleviate some of the stress and pressure associated with adolescence.

Successful implementation of esports programs in education

To understand why esports should be in schools, let's take a look at some case studies of successful implementation of esports programs in education.

Orange County High School Esports League

In 2017, the Samueli Foundation launched the Orange County High School Esports League in California. The program provides a structured, competitive environment for high school esports and has expanded to include more than 40 schools in the region. Students participating in the league have reported increased engagement in school activities and improved academic performance. The league has also focused on providing workshops and resources for students to develop valuable skills, such as game design, broadcasting, and event management.

British Esports Association's Esports in Schools Program

In the United Kingdom, the British Esports Association has developed an Esports in Schools program, which provides resources and guidance for educators looking to introduce esports into their curriculums. The program has seen great success in engaging students and providing a platform for skill development, teamwork, and communication. Schools participating in the program have reported increased student attendance, academic achievement, and overall school pride.

High School Esports League (HSEL)

Founded in 2012, the High School Esports League (HSEL) is one of the largest competitive gaming organizations for high schools in North America. With over 3,100 partnered schools, HSEL offers students the chance to compete in various esports titles, while also providing educational resources, such as workshops on game design, programming, and marketing. HSEL has been successful in fostering a community of students who are passionate about gaming and interested in pursuing careers in the gaming industry.

Drawing parallels: integration of new sports in schools

Throughout history, new sports have been introduced into educational institutions with great success. Let's examine four such examples, and how their integration can be compared to esports.

Basketball

Initially introduced to schools as a way to keep students physically active during the winter months, basketball gained popularity and was embraced by educational institutions across the United States. Today, basketball is a staple of school athletic programs, providing students with opportunities for physical activity, teamwork, and personal development. Just as basketball was initially met with skepticism, esports face similar challenges in gaining acceptance within schools. However, by demonstrating the numerous benefits that esports can offer, it is possible for them to become as widely accepted as basketball is today.

Soccer

While soccer has a long history dating back centuries, it was not until the 19th and 20th centuries that it became widely integrated into school curriculums. Much like basketball, soccer provided students with a means of physical activity, teamwork, and personal development. The sport's integration into schools paved the way for its global popularity, and it has since become one of the most played and watched sports in the world. Esports can follow a similar trajectory, as they offer unique opportunities for students to develop valuable skills and engage with their peers in a supportive, inclusive environment.

Volleyball

Volleyball was created as a less physically demanding alternative to basketball, suitable for a wider range of participants. Initially, the sport faced skepticism due to its novelty and perceived lack of competitiveness. However, as schools began to adopt volleyball, its benefits became apparent, such as promoting teamwork, physical fitness, and coordination. Today, volleyball is a popular sport in schools worldwide, enjoyed by millions of students.

Ultimate Frisbee

A slightly unusual sport (not unlike esports) developed in the late 1960s, Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact team sport that combines elements of football, basketball, and soccer. It initially faced skepticism due to its roots in counterculture and the unconventional use of a flying disc. Despite these challenges, Ultimate Frisbee gained popularity in schools as educators recognized the sport's emphasis on sportsmanship, teamwork, and inclusivity, thanks to its self-officiated nature and mixed-gender play. Now, Ultimate Frisbee is played in thousands of schools and universities globally.

Making the case for esports in schools

As we've explored the benefits of esports and their successful implementation in educational settings, it's clear that integrating esports into middle and high school curriculums presents a unique opportunity for students and educators alike. Here are a few reasons why esports should be embraced in schools.

Leveling the playing field

Esports provide an inclusive environment where students of all physical abilities can compete on equal footing. This inclusivity breaks down barriers often associated with traditional sports and allows a broader range of students to experience the benefits of team-based competition.

Providing new opportunities for scholarship and career development

As the esports industry continues to grow, more colleges and universities are offering esports scholarships and programs. By integrating esports into schools, students gain valuable experience that can translate into future educational and career opportunities.

Enhancing STEM education

Esports can serve as a gateway to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields for many students. By incorporating gaming-related technology and programming into the curriculum, educators can engage students in a hands-on, interactive way, fostering a passion for STEM subjects that may not have been sparked through traditional methods.

Attracting and retaining student engagement

Esports have the potential to engage students who may not be interested in traditional sports or extracurricular activities. By offering a diverse range of opportunities for students to get involved, schools can foster a more inclusive and engaging environment.

Encouraging responsible gaming habits

By integrating esports into a structured school environment, educators can help students develop responsible gaming habits and learn about the importance of balancing gaming with other aspects of their lives, such as academics, physical activity, and social interactions.

Preparing students for the future

The esports industry is rapidly growing, with career opportunities spanning game development, marketing, broadcasting, and more. By introducing esports in schools, educators can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in this exploding field, setting them up for success in their future endeavors.

Conclusion

The integration of esports into middle and high school education offers a wealth of benefits for students and educators alike. Drawing on successful case studies and historical examples of new sports being adopted by schools, it's clear that esports have the potential to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and social connections.

By embracing esports in schools, we can level the playing field, create new opportunities for scholarship and career development, enhance STEM education, and attract and retain student engagement. As the esports industry continues to grow, now is the time for educators to recognize the potential of high school esports and seize the opportunity to provide their students with a truly modern and inclusive educational experience. By doing so, we can prepare our students for success in a rapidly changing world and ensure that they are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in the future.