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.

What is the 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.

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, according to a study. Games also allow for immediate feedback and adaptability to different learning paces, which is crucial for individualized learning experiences.

Examining the facts reveals an even more powerful narrative:  73% of children over the age of two engage in video games¹, 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 college⁴. 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:

How Video Games Can Be Used for Education

Video games can transform learning by providing interactive scenarios that encourage problem-solving and adaptive thinking. For instance, simulations in games can replicate complex real-world systems, allowing students to experiment and learn from trial and error in a risk-free environment.

Aside from the myriad benefits of gaming in education, there are several ways to utilize and use video games in education: 

► Scholastic Esports: Scholastic esports is not just about playing games competitively; it's about harnessing the educational potential within that competitive space. It involves structured programs that blend the excitement of gaming with the rigors of academic standards. In these programs, students participate in organized teams, learn about esports health, develop strategic thinking, and learn the value of digital citizenship and cybersecurity.

► Esports Curriculums: Integrating esports into the curriculum requires careful planning and consideration. Educators must identify relevant subjects and learning outcomes that align with the principles of esports. Educators can create an immersive and interactive learning environment that taps into students' passion for gaming by designing esports-based lesson plans and projects. To support the integration of esports in schools, educators can leverage digital learning platforms that provide a structured framework for incorporating esports into the curriculum. 

► Extracurricular Activities: One of the best and easiest ways to incorporate gaming as an extracurricular activity is through esports clubs. Starting an esports club can profoundly impact student engagement, mental health, and even academic performance. One of the standout features of esports is its inherent inclusivity. Esports provides a medium that attracts a diverse range of students to participate in organized school activities. Joining an esports club allows students to make friends who share their interests, gain confidence as part of a team, and develop valuable physical and cognitive skills that extend far beyond the school environment. Don't be intimidated by the game titles; you can take the lead in coaching these games for your students. 

How Can Digital Games Transform Learning in 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.

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: Lessons That Resonate

For schools and teachers eager to tap into the power of gaming, partnering with platforms like Gameplan can provide the resources and frameworks necessary to make educational gaming a reality. Our comprehensive approach brings popular esports titles into education, ensuring that students learn, grow, and succeed while they play. Get a demo today and begin your journey!