Competitive Gaming and Your Student: Friend or Foe?

Electronic Sports (Esports) is a form of competition that is facilitated through computer gaming. It’s a global phenomenon with games such as “Fortnite”, “Overwatch” and “League of Legends” leading the way. Around 90% of teenagers play video games and around 8,600 high schools in the United States have started gaming teams and clubs. More than 170 colleges and universities take part in Esports, alongside a professional gaming industry that generated more than one billion dollars in 2021. Those numbers are only projected to increase in 2022 as these activities become more popular.

Esports teams and clubs have been credited with reducing truancy and increasing student engagement. More importantly, this extracurricular gaming may even have a hand in enhancing your student’s academic interests and performance. As some teaching professionals are finding, Esports encourage communication, collaboration and problem-solving, all of which are highly coveted skills. Student gamers are forming communities and developing  socioemotional skills that are important in today’s world.   

Apart from the “softer” skills, Esports is also proving to be valuable in developing skills in data science, high-end theory crafting, math, technology, and engineering. Dr. Constance Steinkuehler, Professor of Informatic at University of California, Irvine led a three-year study which reflected significant outcomes. The researchers reported increased student interest in learning about STEM and STEM-related careers, along with enhanced analytical skills.

The North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) promotes its mission to develop STEAM-based skills through its clubs, classes, and events. This organization is connecting learning and playing both in and out of the classroom. Its vision to provide students the tools to become educated, productive, and empathetic individuals certainly surpasses any goal of your local arcades back in the day!