141: Might esports help foster belonging?

How is Minecraft a powerful tool for building community, fostering inclusion, and engaging learners? This week we share an episode of the Shifting Schools podcast featuring the amazing guest Mashfiq Ahmed who has an answer for that question and tons of wisdom to share. ➡️ Mashfiq Ahmed (he/him) is a high school chemistry teacher at John Dewey High School in Brooklyn, New York. He has been playing video games ever since he was 4-years-old and they have positively shaped him into the person that he is today. As a teacher, Mashfiq utilizes classroom gamification tools in order to support all of his students and make science more engaging. When the 2020-2021 virtual school year started, Mashfiq created an after school Minecraft Club in order for students to have a place to relax and de-stress through gaming during the pandemic. Since then, the club has grown to become something so much bigger than he could have possibly imagined. For example, Mashfiq’s Minecraft Club participates in esports building competitions with designs that promote equity, accessibility, and sustainability in New York City. Mashfiq strives to create a safe space for all, especially neurodivergent, people of color, and LGBTQ+ students, to express themselves through Minecraft and gaming. His Minecraft Club members are also Minecraft Student Ambassadors who have provided Minecraft training for other teachers and have showcased their work globally, such as at the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference. Mashfiq hopes that the future of gaming continues to be more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Additionally, he is also a certified Minecraft educator and a global Minecraft mentor. Due to Mashfiq’s efforts he was recently inducted into The Game Awards Future Class of 2022, which honors inspiring individuals who represent the bright, bold, and inclusive future of video games.  🔦 Ready to connect with Mashfiq? Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrAhmedGaming YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MrAhmedGaming Minecraft Club Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdhsminecraftclub/  Minecraft Club Linktree: https://linktr.ee/MinecraftClub 🔗Additional Links discussed and further ways to learn about Masfiq's work: New York City's DIIT presents Minecraft Education - Battle of the Boroughs The Battle of the Boroughs: A Win for Education and Esports BATTLE OF THE BOROUGHS: EMPOWERING YOUTH FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE NYC 🎮 Connect with the sponsors of the Shifting Schools esports series 🎮   Daigon and X-Sense Unlock the potential of Esports for your school with DAIGON's platform, solutions, and expertise guiding your International School to success in the world of esports. X-Sense is an innovative company providing home safety products, including cutting-edge smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and other smart home security systems designed to keep you and your loved ones safe 24/7. With easy-to-install devices and smart technology,  you’ll have peace of mind knowing that X-Sense is always on guard. Protect what matters most with X-Sense. Check out the great X-Sense deals for Amazon Prime Day. Ready to continue your learning with Shifting Schools? Connect with our pathways and continue your journey of learning. Reach out to us with your questions and comments, we LOVE hearing from listeners: info(at) shiftingschools (dot com)