Week 6: Technology and Video Games in the Classroom & Tech Task #4

 For this blog post, I would like to draw attention to certain aspects of Mr. DiMuro's discussion topics around incorporating video games, and coding into a classroom. I think this is a fantastic idea for several reasons. The first big reason is because its what the kids are into now. Not just kids, but adults. Technology should not be pushed aside. The amount of kids that are playing video games in their spare time, or watching other people play video games is off the charts. I think that using coding is a great strategy to help kids problem solve and engage their spatial awareness as well. Using this to implement game movements just makes it that much more fun for them!

Draw backs. I think the biggest draw back for this to begin with is inclusion. The big thing would be initially making sure all students have access to technology. Not only that, but it is incredible frustrating to play any game, or work in general with a slow computer, phone, or iPad. This would also mean having good internet, download/upload time etc. Other than that, I think a possible draw back would be that we are enabling a behavior that can deviate from things that are beneficial for students. Liking reading a physical copy of a book rather than digital one, or writing notes rather than typing everything. Evidence has shown that those things help in terms of their learning, and it also helps reduce too much screen time. Something to consider anyways. 

In terms of video game clubs, and potential esport opportunities, it sounds hilarious, but makes total sense. esports is something that has grown exponentially in the last 10 years. It started out as people communing together through websites and playing little online tournaments, and anything serious took place live in one locating (LAN). Now online actually has a platform that encourages players and viewers to play more, see more, and be more engaged with whatever game they enjoy watching. Not only has it changed in its viewership and playing, but how players get paid as well. Competitive players no longer have to rely solely on a YouTube channel, or playing big money tournaments. They can now stream live with more interest from viewers, they can have contracts from teams, they can have sponsorships, and they can also produce more content tht can sell themselves. Was this an option 10 years ago? Kind of, but now its just that much more accessible, and viable. With all that being said, the interest is there to be implemented in school clubs, or even teams, it just needs to be implemented. 

So gearing a little bit towards my tech task, a particular player I have followed since around 2010 has been a pro call of duty player since 2006-2007. Seth Abner (Scump) has lived the evolution of esports and competitive gaming. He streams through twitch, has a youtube channel, is paid a salary through his current competitive team, and has sponsorship. He is also a world champion, so his tournament winnings are fairly substantial. I would not say that I would incorporate his content in my class, but he engages in podcasts with his team owner quite a bit answering questions about himself, being a pro player, the evolution of gaming etc. That's the kind of stuff I would maybe watch with my class. Not only will it enable them to see what esports is like, but normalizing the intrigue within that community. 

This particular video that I am sharing is kind of a background on Seth, and his journey to becoming a pro, and discussing esports community. I really enjoyed watching him, and I think he's just one of hundreds of streamers out there today, so it is important to at least have a basic understanding of the community. This community that may be implemented into schools, and will hopefully bring about more social inclusion in classrooms, and learning. 

OpTic Scump Teaches You How to Go Pro - YouTube