(Don’t) Quit Playing Games

Esports is the next big thing at Hartford Public Schools

The television show of the year is The Last of Us. Don’t be surprised if the Mario movie stays in theaters all summer. Nearly 50 years after the invention of the first video games, they are entering the mainstream in a way they’ve never done before. And they’re entering our schools as well with the launch of Scholastic Esports in Hartford Public Schools (HPS).

As part of the growing emphasis on Science Technology Engineering and Math curriculum, also known as STEM, it was only a matter of time before video games found their way in. But it’s not likely that you’ll get to play Pong, Tetris, Super Mario Bros., or GoldenEye for class credit. They give four examples of possible courses: Gaming Concepts Fundamentals: students will explore esports history, technology, and troubleshooting techniques. The curriculum will have a technology focus.

Exploring Interactive Media: a project-based course about digital graphics, print media, computer animation, audio production, web design, and more. Students will learn how to facilitate meetings, serve as team leaders, manage project timelines, and produce professional projects.

Streaming and Shoutcasting: similar to a traditional public speaking course. Students will initiative and participate in collaborative discussions, utilize digital media in presentations and more. They will learn the fundamentals of broadcast journalism and public speaking through the lens of a shoutcaster, which is a fast-growing career field. The skills learned in this course align with the arts, A/V technology and communications. Lessons include story writing and interviewing, media’s influence on society, and producing a broadcast.

Cybersecurity in Esports: students will focus on the fundamentals of cybersecurity including ethics and laws, hacking, ransomware, malware, digital citizenship, and more.

HPS has partnered with Nintendo to secure Switches, their newest gaming platform.

According to a release from Hartford Public Schools, “Scholastic Esports refers to competitive gaming that takes place within an educational context, with the goal of promoting teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic problem-solving skills.”

Great Path Academy student and STEM Director Joanna Ali explore the Scholastic Esports lessons.

Esports, they note, is a fast-growing industry. Over 200 colleges and universities have gotten into gaming by offering scholarships for esports programs.

“Scholastic Esports aligns with our district’s academic curriculum to support the whole student for success in college, career, and beyond,” said Dr. Joanna Ali, STEM Director at Hartford Public Schools. “We are not just playing games. esports is a vehicle that can move the curriculum forward. It’s a well-rounded, structured program that supports students academically and socially through teamwork and collaborative experiences. We’ve heard our students loud and clear, and they are eager for opportunities that bring their outside interests into the classroom. And we plan to deliver.”