This paper seeks to establish the extent to which esports, or professional video gaming, has developed into a significant worldwide activity. However, apart from being seen as just a form of entertainment, esports also presents a great learning platform mainly in the areas of STEM. It is now high time to explore how esports could be an effective instrument in STEM learning and why the traces of it deserve the status of the academic field.
Another violence learned in education is making the STEM curriculum interesting to students let alone making it easy for them to comprehend. The given problem can easily be solved with the help of Esports as learning occurs alongside an activity in which students are engaged. There is nothing quite like incorporating esports into learning processes since this is something that learners already find engaging in some way; thus, when teaching STEM concepts, pro educators can seize the opportunity to do so through the use of esports.
Esports is by default, engaged with technology starting from gaming consoles or computers, to advanced software and networks. Participating in esports can help students develop a range of technical skills, including:
It is imperative to make several decisions within a short span to make a win, which aids in the enhancement of problem-solving skills essential for STEM careers. Esports require that a player or team of players study situations and then devise plans as well as be able to alter plans in a very short space of time. Applicable to STEM training most of these experiences concentrate on problem-solving and critical thinking.
For instance, it is possible to enhance students’ understanding of mathematical concepts and possible solutions when using games. Hence, games also foster the virtue of speed in analysis and thinking, which are very essential in areas such as engineering and technology.
As we see a majority of esports games encompass teamwork in which the players need to coordinate, discuss, and share a common objective. Such experience is valuable for students, as they can work in a group and take turns leading their team, which is highly appreciated in STEM subjects.
This implies that the programs that have incorporated esports place particular emphasis on tasks involving communication, cooperation, and project organization. Students can understand the importance and methods of group work whereby coming together to solve problems or to achieve one common goal is esteemed and well-suited for modern workplaces in STEM careers.
Esports is not just a profession that is limited to being a professional video game player but contains numerous other professions associated with the industry. These are employment opportunities in game design, computer software, computer security, event planning, and broadcasting among others. In this way, educators can introduce students to many different types of possible careers in STEM fields through the avenue of esports.
Also, esports can provoke students to receive higher education and look for a job in the STEM field. The students may comprehend that their chosen hobby, gaming, can create real career options, making the students approach their STEM classes with more interest and passion.
Also, the incorporation of esports into STEM education can allow the students to realize the practical application of what they are learning. For instance, physics in the game mechanics, mathematics incorporated in the scoring system, and the technologies used in the making of the game are all relative to STEM.
STEM has a great capability of enjoying esports as a strong weapon in delivering knowledge by grabbing the attention of students, sharpening technical skills as well as enhancing the aspect of critical thinking amidst the concept of teamwork. Marketing esports in conjunction with STEM subjects can ensure that educators align the content they teach with what students enjoy, hence creating an interest in STEM courses. With the progress of society and the development of new technologies and innovations, the incorporation of esports into STEM enhances students’ readiness for the future and readiness to contribute to society as professionals.