Beyond the Virtual Realm of Possibilities: An Esports Epiphany
By Pablo Gaeta, English/History Middle School Teacher at Business/Entrepreneur Virtual Academy - Region North, Board District 1
My school is a virtual realm of possibilities. What is that you say? Please allow me to explain. LAUSD created six thematic Virtual Academies. My current virtual assignment encompasses the education of an incredible group of seventh-grade students in English/Honors English and World History/Honors World History–all of whom learn from home. Our school focuses on business and entrepreneurship, so it is aptly named the Business/Entrepreneurship Virtual Academy, or BEVA. We are in our second year in what I call the virtual realm of possibilities, and we have accomplished much under the guidance of our strong administration, dedicated support staff, and talented virtual teachers.
As a first-time esports coach guiding the Blazing BEVA Builders, an extraordinary team of five dedicated middle and high school students, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the incredible impact of integrating digital tools and resources into our school’s first esports journey. This integration not only enhanced our gameplay but also fostered essential skills and values that go well beyond the virtual walls of our school.
Our school’s crowning achievement this year was winning in the prestigious Varsity League of the Level Up Los Angeles Esports Competition with Minecraft Education, also known as Level Up LA. However, our victory was not just about winning a beautiful trophy. More importantly, our success was a powerful testament to the effective incorporation of digital tools, such as the Minecraft Education learning platform. Utilizing this platform at our school, our team honed their strategic thinking, improved their communication skills, and gained new problem-solving abilities while immersing themselves in a rich, educational gaming environment.
Our success in Level Up LA echoed our Virtual Academy’s core values outside the digital arena. Throughout the competition process, the Blazing BEVA Builders exemplified a culture of excellence for all, showcasing perseverance, teamwork, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Each member actively engaged in meaningful learning opportunities as they meticulously engaged in the extensive research necessary for each level of the competition. In addition, they learned how to articulate their ideas effectively during team planning sessions via Microsoft Meetings and Zoom, virtually (pun intended) pushing themselves to new heights and embracing every new challenge with enthusiasm and self–determination.
Moreover, our victory this year underscores our school's importance in valuing academic, social, and professional growth, which we've made a part of our identity as the Business/Entrepreneurship Virtual Academy.
According to our school principal, Marco Tolj, “Shortly after opening our virtual doors in August of 2023, as a staff, BEVA created a powerful vision and identified core values that have been the foundation of our work. Esports has allowed our kids to gain valuable experiences as it correlates directly to daily engaging in meaningful learning opportunities and achieving greatness one step at a time.” In this regard, our team of talented students demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, respect for opposing perspectives, and a growth mindset that propelled them toward success.
As an educator dedicated to nurturing the next generation of leaders, it was self-evident to me how the integration of esports as part of our Virtual Academy’s commitment to providing the very best for our students aligned seamlessly with our school's vision that we faithfully profess at every assembly and meeting: “Developing leaders to transform the world.”
Furthermore, another positive outcome of the esports experience was that it equipped our students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. By fostering innovation, creativity, and adaptability, esports has allowed these students to prepare for the challenges of today and the opportunities of tomorrow. The blend of strategic thinking, quick decision-making, and effective communication in esports translates into real-world skills essential for success in a competitive global landscape.
Integrating digital tools and resources in esports has been a transformative journey for the Blazing BEVA Builders of the Business Entrepreneurship Virtual Academy and all of us. Brittany Cooper, our instructional coach for elementary school, shared the following insight: “Our students do not know life outside of technology, and using it to guide their learning is critical and powerful. Having the tools and ability to use them appropriately is instrumental to their success.”
This synergy between intentionality and digital integration propelled our team to victory in the Level Up Los Angeles competition for LAUSD. This achievement will culminate in a fantastic opportunity to represent LAUSD at the ISTELive 24 Conference in Denver this year. Esports has enabled our students to practice our core values and vision statement, setting the stage for a generation of leaders poised to impact the world and shape their future endeavors positively. And that is why–thanks to esports and LAUSD’s Instructional Technology Initiative department, I now see beyond the virtual realm of possibilities. Game on!
