Video Games Serve as a Bridge Between Educational Content and Student Interests

Students today are digital natives, and their interests often align with video games' interactive and immersive worlds. From history-rich narratives that bring the past to life to strategy games that sharpen critical thinking, the lessons that stir student enthusiasm are those that mirror the challenge and excitement of their favorite games. Games serve as a bridge between educational content and student interests, providing a platform for blended learning. They also offer an avenue for teachers to connect with students and understand their learning styles.

Power of Gaming in Education

Once considered a distraction, gaming is now recognized as a catalyst for learning. The dynamic nature of video games gets students to engage with content in ways that traditional methods have struggled to achieve. Research suggests that the interactive and immersive qualities of games can significantly improve engagement and motivation.

A research established that using technology in the classroom resulted in a whopping 51% increase in student motivation to learn, a 30% increase in applying their newly learned knowledge to practical problems, and a 23% increase in taking ownership of their learning. Games also allow for immediate feedback and adaptability to different learning paces, which is crucial for individualized learning experiences based on an article on article on digital Games, design, and learning.

Examining more research reveals an even more powerful narrative:  73% of children over the age of two engage in video games, a number that surges to 97% during their teenage years².  Furthermore, young girls who play video games are 3.3 times more likely to explore STEM subjects³,  while teenagers who embrace gaming are 70% more likely to pursue STEM majors in college. Leveraging the educational power of gaming opens doors to a brighter future for all students.

Can Playing Video Games Help with Focus in School?

Yes, certain video games can improve attention, focus, and concentration. Many games' fast-paced, detail-oriented nature requires players to maintain high levels of attention, which can translate into better focus during academic tasks.

Gaming in education can take various forms, from using gamified platforms for lesson delivery to incorporating game design principles into curricular activities. Games provide immediate feedback, allowing students to understand the consequences of their decisions and adapt their strategies accordingly. Let’s see how video games can do all of these:

Gaming Curriculums for Education

There are multiple ways to use video games at your school and in your curriculum.

Co-Curricular: Video games can be utilized within the core curriculum in two main ways. One is through game based learning with educational platforms like Minecraft Education, students can explore traditional subjects such as math, chemistry, and media production in an interactive and engaging way. Second, esports directly supports CTE pathways by teaching technical and creative skills like cybersecurity, game design, and media production. These programs are tied to real-world applications and align with educational standards. Lessons often include project-based learning, giving students hands-on experience while fostering critical thinking and collaboration.

Extracurricular: Schools can offer esports and video games as an after-school program or as an esports club, providing students with a structured environment in which to practice and compete. This approach allows students to engage in esports without interfering with their academic responsibilities, letting students practice and compete in a structured environment while building soft skills like communication, leadership, and time management.

Gaming serves as a high-interest content and engagement tool, offering a unique framework through which students explore curriculum-aligned subjects and skills relevant to their future careers aligned with their interests and passions. Positioning esports behind CTE pathways ensures clarity and purpose in the role it plays in educational approaches.

Schools can start small and scale up. Some might begin with a single esports club, while others integrate esports directly into their elective courses or CTE offerings. To support the integration of esports in schools, educators can leverage digital learning platforms and professional development courses on relevant topics.

Video Games and Special Education

Digital games are really useful in Special Education because they grab students' attention and make learning more fun and engaging. They help reduce stress and make kids feel more involved and included.

Recent studies have revealed significant benefits of action video games for children with dyslexia, demonstrating notable improvements in reading abilities. 

In the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), video games have shown effectiveness in reducing inappropriate behavior and enhancing play skills and social engagement among children (1). These improvements extend to new game contexts, indicating the intervention's capacity to foster natural, unprompted social interactions and maintain these effects over time.

Furthermore, more research underscores the positive impact of computer games in enhancing impulse control and attention in children with ADHD, boosting motivation and performance, suggesting that gaming is a vital tool in sustaining concentration and impulsive behavior in these children.

Experts (1,2) also say that technology helps students with disabilities interact better and have the same chances to join in activities as everyone else. Plus, these games are a terrific way for kids with special needs to practice everyday skills, solve problems, and get ready to mix more easily with others. (3, 4)

Overall, video games offer substantial advantages in educational settings, particularly for children with special needs. They not only aid in improving communication and spatial skills but also cater to the unique needs of children with physical, sensory, and visual impairments, as well as those with ADHD, enhancing memory function and overall learning engagement. This evidence positions digital games as a valuable resource for educators seeking to support diverse learning needs in their classrooms.

What is the Difference Between Esports and Gaming? 

Gaming is a broad term that encompasses all forms of playing video games, from casual mobile gaming to immersive single-player adventures. Gaming is primarily a form of entertainment and recreation. It's about having fun and enjoying interactive experiences, whether alone or with friends. Esports is a specialized subset of gaming that centers around organized, competitive gameplay. It's more than just playing games; it's about mastery and competition. Both can be used for educational purposes, but esports provides a scholar structure when used in schools in the form of curriculum, training, extracurricular activities, and so on.

What Games Do Schools Play?

Educational games are deliberately designed with pedagogical principles in mind. They often align with curriculum standards and educational outcomes, making learning an active rather than a passive activity. A study found that educational games could enhance learning outcomes, particularly in STEM subjects, where complex concepts can be visualized and interacted with in a virtual environment.

Educational institutions are increasingly incorporating games like Minecraft, which offers an open-world experience ripe for teaching subjects like math, science, and even coding. But this does not mean that you can only utilize and use educational games in schools. Combined with a proper curriculum, any video game has the potential to be used in an educational context. For example, Overwatch and Fortnite, while primarily entertainment-focused, can be adapted to foster teamwork, strategic planning, and resource management skills when included correctly in a curriculum.

In other words, educators have a wide array of video games at their disposal for classroom use, such as Minecraft's Educators Edition, which can teach subjects like math, chemistry, coding, and leadership from within the game itself. Additionally, games like Rocket League, Overwatch, Fortnite, League of Legends, and many others can be integrated into the classroom, where these games can serve as a platform for teaching digital citizenship, ethical decision-making, and even health and wellness, based on a study.

Games that resonate with students are those that mirror their interests and challenges. For instance, integrating popular esports games like Overwatch and Fortnite into the curriculum can provide opportunities for students to learn coding, digital storytelling, and even economics within a context that feels relevant and exciting to them.

Conclusion: Leveling Up Education with Gaming Curriculums

Gaming in education bridges the gap between traditional teaching and modern student interests. By incorporating gaming curriculums into education, schools can boost engagement, improve learning outcomes, and prepare students for future success.

Looking to integrate gaming in education? Schedule a demo and discover how to unlock the full potential of video games in your classroom!