Many have seen game-like exercises in K-12 classrooms, but expectations for those pedagogies typically stop at the gates of higher education. Not anymore. On many campuses across the globe, games are also becoming a learning resource at the college level. Although gaming is typically viewed as a pastime or a fun hobby, games are also used in militaries for training exercises, smartphones apply their principles to track fitness, and, in classrooms, they are wielded as a tool for teaching. Gaming in higher education increases student participation, promotes unity, and increases confidence, and there are even scholarship funds for students who game.
Increased Student Participation
Professors who have implemented some kind of gaming into their classroom or curriculum have seen an uptick in student participation of up to 70%. There are a few reasons for this. Some students enjoy gaming, so they might view this engagement as fun. Others might be reserved and hesitant to participate in person in class; by gaming, they can join without having to speak in front of the class or do other extrovert-oriented activities.
Unity
Unity among students and faculty is a primary focus among higher education institutions. Gaming breaks down barriers and invites students to work together in a neutral setting while also having fun!
Increased Confidence
90% of kids play some sort of game now, 90%! According to Pew Research, sixty-five percent of college students reported being regular or occasional game players. Students cited gaming as a way to spend more time with friends, and one out of every five gaming students felt moderately or strongly that gaming helped them make new friends and improve existing friendships. College is a pivotal time in life as young adults are gaining their independence and making crucial decisions; this increased confidence is critical.
Scholarships
Visit a student center at just about any college campus, and you will find a gaming center or gaming area. At first glance, it looks like another student lounge area. However, it is more than just a place for students to play games. Esports is growing in popularity amongst high schools and colleges. Now a state-sanctioned sport in many states, students can compete in state, regional, and national championships. Competitive gaming has been around since the 90s, and since then, studies have shown that the IQ, reflexes, and responses needed to play some of these games are impressive! High School Esports has led to many exciting opportunities, such as college scholarships, broadcasting careers, and countless game and tech industry opportunities. Some students are getting substantial scholarships to major universities to play games such as Rocket League while earning their college degree.
Game On
202.4 million people watched the Super Bowl this year. 457 million people watched the League of Legends World Championship. Higher education institutions have an excellent opportunity to use gaming to build unity and critical thinking skills while providing students some fantastic opportunities.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger, Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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