A Teachers Perspective on Fortnite Battle Royale

Fortnite has effectively taken over the world, with tournaments and streamers regularly hosting thousands of viewers and the number of people jumping on to try the games themselves climbing by the millions. We’ve previously seen some schools and parents reacting to the game in a less than positive way, so we thought we’d reach out and see if we could talk directly to a teacher and get their thoughts on the craze as it sweeps the world.

Kirsten has been teaching for three years now, primarily math’s and physics, and has a multitude of students who enjoy playing the game. Additionally, Kirsten herself is no stranger to gaming, having been a part of the generation that grew up with gaming as a hobby.

How popular is Fortnite amongst your students?

Kirsten: Extremely. I remember I asked the class to write down on a post-it note what they did in the holidays and so many of them wrote things about Fortnite. I have heard and seen some really good things about the game. The first obvious one is that it is free, allowing all students who have internet access and a pc/laptop to play. Another being the great art work and ability to group up with friends.

TG: Have you seen this kind of “craze” before with other games? Or even books, movies, etc.

Kirsten: Not like this. This is by far the most popular game that I have seen with school-age kids. Students go through phases constantly - planking, fidget spinners, Drake and Post Malone songs - but because this is interactive and is a decision-making game that allows them to play alongside their friends, it's definitely going to be around for a lot longer.

Dele Alli with the Fortnite celebration after scoring England's second?#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VPbrYPOZls

— The Ringer (@ringer) July 7, 2018

TG: Do you think it’s disruptive at all to the classroom environment?

Kirsten: I think anything can be disruptive in the classroom if you haven't set your expectations for your lessons. In saying that, within most classes, you will find that students are bringing their own laptops as teachers are now using technologies such as OneNote to run their classroom. This will (and I'm sure has) lead to students taking advantage of having their device with them all day. Students need to recognize that there is a time and a place, and if they think they can secretly play in class, the rest of class will 100% call them out on it.

TG: Do you play Fortnite at all?

Kirsten: I have not yet played Fortnite, although I have watched people play it. It does look pretty fun.

TG: Do you play Videogames in general?

Kirsten: I haven't really been a pc gamer until recently. I had a Nintendo 64 and really enjoy the classics like Super Mario and Banjo Kazooie. Following a similar trend, when I got a PS3, I played Crash Bandicoot and Ratchet and Clank. Now I have a gaming pc where I started playing Counter Strike which was pretty enjoyable but nothing like Overwatch. Overwatch is the current game I'm playing.

“It is a beautiful day. Give @FortniteGame a break and play outside.”

“How about a compromise?” #ThisIsMyCrew pic.twitter.com/peMh1b8skf

— Milwaukee Brewers (@Brewers) May 9, 2018

TG: Do your students know you play videogames? Do you think that changes their view about you?

Kirsten: Yes they do and for those that game of course! When creating a rapport with students it's easier when you share some interests whether that’s the subject area, sport or something like gaming. I think they find it refreshing to have an adult in their life that has positive experiences with gaming.

TG: Do you, or Have you ever incorporated Fortnite into class discussions?

Kirsten: I have a year 7 class and most of the students are really into Fortnite. While I haven't incorporated Fortnite specifically into the classroom, as they are about 12 years old I have had a discussion about the importance of having a balanced life. In saying this, I do enjoy hearing about their gaming stories while we are walking in or out of class.

TG: Do your students ever play Fortnite during class? On mobile specifically?

Kirsten: Never. There is a time and a place for video games and the students generally understand this.

TG: Within your classes, do you think there is an equal representation amongst the genders when it comes to videogames and Fortnite in particular, or is it still primarily a boy’s thing?

Kirsten: In my classes, both genders have played it, but the dedicated players are definitely male.

Played Fortnite in front of whole school. 10 kills got third. from r/FortNiteBR

TG: What do your fellow teachers think about the game and its influence?

Kirsten: From my short time as a teacher, there is one thing I have noticed across the board, and that is most teachers do not like change. Only now are schools pushing for incorporating technology into each lesson which allows students to become individual learners. Now in terms of video games, many teachers might believe that playing Fortnite and similar games are a waste of time. Fortnite, and gaming in general, carries a lot of negative connotations. People believe that gaming can result in physical and social consequences. Although there are negatives when gamers don't have a balanced and healthy lifestyle, there are many positives of allowing your children or even yourself to play games. There are many cognitive benefits of gaming which can include developing fine motor skills, decision making, spacial awareness, leadership qualities and working with others.

TG: Has your school ever raised the issue of banning Fortnite, like we’ve seen elsewhere in the world?

Kirsten: No.

Evidently not every teacher will agree on these opinions, just like every gamer will never agree on which gaming platform or game is the best. At the very least it’s interesting to note that the current generations of teachers likely have a different perspective on the topic of gaming and the effect it has on kids. For more Fortnite news, check out Ninja’s explanation for his family friendly Fortnite streams, here.