Ed Tech Talk

Fantasy sports offer a connection between the classroom and Capitol Hill

I’m a fantasy football fanatic. I manage five teams — three of my own and two on behalf of my son. Fantasy sports have become a huge business, but it’s interesting to note that they have increased in popularity due in large part to the Internet.

Fantasy sports existed before the Internet, as groups of fantasy sports owners would meet to draft players and create teams. The league manager would be responsible for obtaining the Monday newspaper, charting the results of each player and finalizing the report after the Monday night football game.

Most times that information was shared via phone calls or memos posted at the office water cooler. Today’s fantasy sports systems have user-friendly Web pages that allow owners the opportunity to watch the progress of their players live, with real-time scoring.

I’ve wondered how this idea of drafting players, keeping track of statistics and developing outcomes would fit in the educational environment. Enter Fantasy Congress, where, according to the Web site, people play the politics game. Fantasy Congress works just like fantasy sports. You obtain politicians and receive points based on legislation, votes and other elements related to the politician’s performance on “the hill.”

Like other fantasy sports, an “owner” of a political team can compete against friends or virtual strangers. Best of all, as the Web site boasts, the cost is free.
The interface offers tools including e-mail connections to politicians, educational information about the current and past legislature and projects that can be integrated into the classroom.

While I would like to set up a Fantasy Congress team, considering the losses that seem to be building up with my five fantasy football teams, I think the legislators will thank me for not becoming an owner!