When Kugler first pitched the idea for a video game class, he didn’t think it would actually come to fruition. But to his surprise, the school administration gave him the green light, and the class has been a hit ever since. Kugler’s love for teaching was reinvigorated, and he found himself digging into textbooks to learn about the history of gaming himself.

The class starts by exploring physical games like Jax and slowly progresses through the decades, reaching modern-day gaming. The students not only play games but also develop valuable social and writing skills as they review and analyze the social impact of gaming. It’s not just about fun and games; it’s about developing critical thinking skills and understanding the role that gaming plays in our society.

Kugler believes that incorporating his interests and life experiences into his lessons incentivizes students to connect with the material. By associating what they’re learning with something they already know and recognize, students feel a sense of connection and can more easily relate to the subject matter.

And it’s not just the students who are benefiting from Kugler’s class. His quality of life has also improved since he’s able to teach what he loves. Kugler credits the support of his administration for allowing him to pursue his passion and create a safe learning environment for his students.

Kugler’s class is a testament to the power of breaking away from traditional education and embracing innovative teaching methods that incorporate students’ interests and passions. With Kugler’s course, students are not only learning about the history and impact of gaming, but they’re also developing skills that will benefit them in all areas of their lives. Who knew that playing video games could be so enriching?