The year is 2020, and the future is here! Video games, once considered to be cutting edge at best and a frivolous waste of time at worst, are now an institution worthy of being considered a mainstream sport.
For many people, this is not news. Video games have been an intrinsic element in an entire generation, and in the generation that is now raising children who are playing new games. This exciting arena is now referred to as esports, which evokes the spirit of what this field has become.
Even though video games have been a cultural focal point since the 1970’s, our education system still regards them as a recreational activity only. Paul Richards echos the sentiments of many when he points out the opportunity missed by most mainstream education when they fail to integrate esports into some part of their school curriculum. After all, video games can be either competitive or collaborative, and can be used to demonstrate and develop any number of skills.
Richard’s book, Esports in Education: Exploring Educational Value in Esports Clubs, Tournaments and Live Video Productions, illustrates the educational potential found in gaming. This thoroughly researched text shares insights that will be of value of value to teachers, parents, and players alike.
Esports in Education is available in the Amazon’s Kindle store here
https://www.amazon.com/Esports-Education-Educational-Tournaments-Productions-ebook/dp/B083D3WKMW/ref=zg_bs_157364011_f_6
Paul Richard’s book is also available to download for free at this link –
https://ptzoptics.com/book
If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of esports and education, Paul has also created an esports Udemy course to discuss these evolving topics –
https://www.udemy.com/course/how-to-start-esports-club/