During his two years at JBU, Ericson instilled his students with a love for history through war board games. Instead of computer games that involve only one person or long-winded lectures, Ericson prefers board games that cultivate student interaction with history. Playing board games allows students to learn about history, have fun and interact with other students. Through interaction during the game, students not only solve problems, but also experience the importance of roles in history. Ericson's western civilization class of over 50 students plays Diplomacy each semester.
Students play power politics as they lead European countries around the turn of the century.
The American studies class plays Across Five Aprils to simulate the Gettysburg and Pea Ridge battles of the Civil War. Along with playing the game in two Saturday sessions, students watch the Gettysburg movie and read Shaara's book The Killer Angels. Ericson also offers several other games each semester for student activity logs. According to Ericson, too many professors in academia are hyper-specialized with the idea that all research aids teaching. Conversely, he believes that more than specific knowledge and expertise, professors need to teach students how to approach issues and think in an educated fashion.