Let’s talk about video games in school! Bet you didn’t see that one coming. If you did, it’s likely because you’ve seen the latest research trends showing the potential positive impacts of gaming. Or perhaps you’ve noticed the explosive growth of eSports in education since the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) began recognizing eSports as an official sport in 2018. In 2021, the National Education Association (NEA) reported that since that time, roughly 8,600 schools had developed an eSports team. Since knowing things is kind of important to schools, it’s fair to assume there’s something convincing educators that eSports has a place in education.
Research on Cognitive Benefits from Gaming
It may seem like all fun and games, but eSports growth has been aided by growing research showing benefits to cognitive development for students. Even beyond gaming, these studies are crucial to providing parents more information on how to effectively allocate screen time. In the study linked above, when comparing three types of screen time—watching TV or online videos, socializing over social media, text, or video chat, and gaming—it was found that “gaming positively impacted the amount of change in intelligence so that children who played more video games at 9–10 years showed the most gains in intelligence two years later.”
Dr. Constance Steinkuehler, Professor of Informatics at UC-Irvine, describes it as “turning screen time into activity time.”
Esports Career Paths & Opportunities
The general cognitive benefits are impressive, but perhaps more so is the variety of career opportunities connected to the eSports industry. This can include career paths within the industry, which can be anything from player to analyst to coach. And don’t forget shoutcasters! But in addition, eSports in education opens numerous pathways resulting from skills developed by event participants. Dr. Steinkuehler points out that gaming is a cerebral, smart activity that includes high-end theory crafting and data science. It’s an application of advanced STEM concepts that requires discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
Thanks to a growing professional presence, the eSports industry has blossomed into a billion-dollar industry with a projected market revenue of $1.8 billion by 2025. This has resulted in a number of career paths within eSports.
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Esports researcher Nico Besombes went a step further by displaying a still-growing graphic that shows the many career paths outside eSports that can result from the knowledge and skills gained from within the eSports construct.
Versatility of an eSports Lab
This has given schools much to consider when developing new learning environments. Administrators are well aware that funding needs strong justification. There may not be enough research yet to convince parents and influential community members that a gaming learning environment has a place in education. That’s where the utility of an eSports lab can be highlighted. Dr. Sue Ann Highland advises that this can be a learning space full of unique opportunities.
When building an eSports lab, consider extending usage to include programs like architecture, design, animation, video production, or even virtual biology labs.
Dr. Sue Ann Highland, Expert in Learning Environments and National Education Strategist for School Specialty
Getting a competitive program started in such an environment can be difficult. But those in the eSports world say the key, quite simply, is to start. Find a space and make it accessible. You’ll quickly find that interested students and community members will create ways to level up your lab!
Esports Lab Design
Recently, School Specialty and the College Football Playoff Foundation teamed up to design an eSports lab for Morningside High School. Follow the links below to see design ideas and read more about this state-of-the-art classroom makeover reveal and where you can find the same gaming chairs for your school!
Read More: CFPF & School Specialty Build Esports Arena for Morningside High School
