Microsoft has teamed up with leading national esports associations for the very first Esports Teacher Academy that will take place this summer.
Esports education: more than just a game
Scholastic esports in both primary and secondary schools has grown exponentially in the last few years with many new esports programs being opened. This interest parallels collegiate scholarships being made available which increases demand from both students and parents.
The pandemic has also helped integrate esports into education by allowing hybrid and remote forms of learning, which helps schools create inclusive esports opportunities.
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Microsoft have shown their interest in using esports in education over the last few years. Understanding that esports help create opportunities for STEM and social-emotional learning, they have used esports in conjunction with Minecraft to engage and educate students, have established leagues in different continents and organized an international finals series.
On Microsoft Educator Center they have also added a course titled “Esports: More than just a game”, teaching educators how and why to integrate esports in education and starting esports programs.
Microsoft flexing muscles
Today, Microsoft announced that they will be collaborating with the North America Scholastic Esports Foundation and the British Esports Association for the inaugural Microsoft Education Esports Teacher Academy.
Taking place between August 16th and 19th, attendants will learn how to build an esports program, level up their coaching skills and grow their esports community. The academy also aims to show how esports can help students form stronger bonds with their learning environment in a more inclusive manner.
Esports Teacher Academy will include live and asynchronous sessions for one hour daily. The topics to be covered will include creating esports curriculums, developing esports cultures and communities, integrating social and emotional learning into esports and best practices in esports coaching.
Those who complete the academy will earn the designation “Microsoft Esports Leader” and will be a part of a global network of esports educators.
