Why Teachers Should Embrace Video Games
Is everybody in your school playing Fortnite? How do you embrace that? Should you? Can you harness the power of what students are interested in? Read on to find out.
Use Games As Leverage
Students are bursting at the seams to talk and show you about their experiences with Fortnite. Use it as an incentive. If they get through __________________ by ______________________, they can talk about it or show you what they’ve made (clip montage videos, etc.) for the last five minutes of class (notice we’re not giving them the option of playing).
Build Relationships
Make a connection. Engage students in conversations about their passions. Whether they’re pumped up on Fortnite, Pokemon, Magic, or something totally different, if you give them a platform to share and you get excited together, they see you as more than the authority at the front of the room. Better yet, get into it yourself. See what the hype is about and share your experiences with students. Show them you care! Ask students to show you how to play!
Innovate
Learn about the game and use what you see to introduce content. Teach geometry or acceleration with the flight time aspect of Fortnite. Use damage per second to teach google sheets. Consider using the distance from the opponent and weapon type to teach physics lessons. Use the scenarios in Fortnite to inspire student creative writing. Capture their interest and focus on different applications of that passion.
Give students Voice and Choice
Fortnite shouldn’t be the only choice. Use a learning menu and have the Fortnite connection be only one of several options. Bring in pop culture and incorporate several different connections within a unit.
Be Aware of Current Trends
Find a way to put current trends to use. Find value in these trends. Allow students to run with them. Frame them in ways that make sense and bolster learning, rather than letting them taking over.
Connect Content With What Students Care About
At every opportunity, remove the abstract from lessons by making hypothetical scenarios (especially in math), about things the students are interested in. For instance, if you’re teaching area, change the problem from talking about painting a room or measuring a garden to something more relevant.
Recognize the Real World Applications
How can these interests lead to careers for students? Is there anything you can do with them now to foster that trajectory?
Don’t Shut Them Out
If nothing else, be aware of the impact of negative reactions to what students care about. When things are so powerfully important to students, consider how they feel when we essentially ban their passions.
Like what you read? Sign up for our email list to get more tips to inspire, motivate, and change how your students read and write for academic success.
Want even more? Join our online professional development community where we’re piloting a new way to teach, learn, and grow your literacy instruction.
