Jason Lane | Director of E-Learning
Villanova College

Jason Lane is a passionate and curious education leader, currently serving as Director of E‑Learning at Villanova College (Qld). As a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Minecraft Global Mentor, Adobe Education Leader, and regional esports coordinator, Jason presents with authority on leveraging Microsoft 365, Minecraft Education, and Adobe tools across the curriculum, as well as building thriving, student‑centred esports communities. In 2022, Jason pioneered the first live competitive Minecraft esports for AIC secondary schools at Villanova College. This format has since been adopted by schools and organisations across Australia and expanded into regional competitions in partnership with The FUSE Cup. Beyond esports, Jason represents independent Catholic schools in Queensland on the ethical and responsible use of AI, leading and influencing working groups to help schools implement AI safely and effectively. Curious about the metaverse and committed to creativity in edtech, Jason champions students as authentic digital creators rather than mere consumers. At EDUtech 2026, he will share practical strategies and real‑world insights for launching and scaling school esports programs that boost engagement, inclusion, and achievement.

Appearances:

Day 1 @ 16:00

From little things big things grow: Building inclusive and sustainable esports programs in schools

Jason Lane, Director of E-Learning, Villanova College

Day 2 @ 11:00

Advancing the value of esports

If you thought esports was only about producing better gamers, then you’re in for some amazing new insights. We will share how academic esports can develop STEM skills, creativity, wellbeing, community building and engagement.

Join professional educators as they share their school’s journey in esports and how their programs evolved, in big and small ways, to support student and curriculum needs. These are not gaming gurus. These are teachers who embraced esports in order to enhance curriculum, motivate underserved students, offer physical sport alternatives and build school pride. Students (girls and boys) are benefitting from a spectrum of esports programs where they compete, strategize, analyse performance data, design and program games, host and promote tournaments, and develop skills valued across many career options.

The schools in this session have developed strong internal programs and equally found success in high profile external tournaments, some even groundbreaking.

If you ever wondered how esports might be of benefit to your students, then this is a session for you. A session presented by teachers for teachers where you can ask all the hard questions and learn how you too could make esports your own.

Educators sharing their stories at ConnectED

Host: Dr Bron Stuckey, Director, Innovative Educational Ideas