Another month is nearly over – which means you get another roundup of resources on the topic of the month! This February on blog, we investigated different topics related to 21st-century skills – those invaluable competencies that propel us into the future! We also call them, aptly, future-facing skills, as these capabilities encompass a spectrum of proficiencies vital for success in the 21st century and beyond.
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And what’s more, there’s no better companion for future-facing skills than games. All month long, we investigated the symbiotic relationship between game-based learning and these skills. From critical thinking to communication, problem-solving to creativity, read on and you’ll find that games are not just entertainment but powerful tools that equip learners with the skills to thrive in the complexities of the 2020s!
Before we get into this resource roundup, follow us on X and Facebook for more articles like this one. Don’t lose track of these valuable resources – bookmark this post!
In this installment of our Game Your Way to a Career series, we focus on the convergence of game-based learning, entrepreneurship, and esports within K-12 education. Through the framework of the Esports Ecosystem by the North American Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), this blog examines the critical role entrepreneurs play in esports organizations. From website design to sponsor decks and marketing plans, entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the industry’s growth. This post details the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurial activities, and dissects esports ads to showcase the intentional decision-making behind marketing and advertising materials. Emphasizing the link between game-based learning and entrepreneurial skills, we also include recommendations of educational games that help prepare learners for future careers as entrepreneurs!
This next blog covers the symbiotic relationship between game-based learning and critical thinking skills. Through summarizing multiple studies, we explore how game-based interventions stimulate critical thinking. From an 8th-grade social studies classroom to nursing students engaged in Electrocardiogram training, each study offers unique insights. The findings of each piece of research showcase the effectiveness of game-based learning in fostering critical thinking, as evidenced by improved performance, attitudes, and motivation among participants. The evidence presented in this collection of studies reinforces the idea that game-based learning serves as a powerful catalyst for enhancing critical thinking abilities across various educational contexts.
In this post, we reveal how digital experiences can shape the communication proficiency of young learners. Effective communication in various life contexts is incredibly important, after all! This article breaks down how video games, serving as shared interests, can positively impact literacy and communication skills among youth, contributing to overall mental well-being. We also note several popular multiplayer games, which foster direct communication and collaboration among players. We also cover how games encourage social-emotional learning, showcasing how role-playing games (RPGs) and esports provide platforms for students to build social connections. Read the full blog to discover all the ways that video games are excellent conduits for young learners to refine their communication skills for future success!
In the concluding chapter of Game Your Way to a Career, we shed light on the integral role of content creators in the esports ecosystem, unraveling the skills and versatility these individuals bring to various career paths. Defined as skilled storytellers, content creators weave engaging narratives for esports teams and organizations through diverse mediums such as written materials, live shoutcasting, streaming, software development, and artistic design. The multifaceted role of content creators demands creativity, technical expertise, and a profound understanding of the entities they represent.
Drawing from insights by gaming and tech content specialist Kiesha Richardson, we provide a list of seven transferable skills acquired by content creators, ranging from marketing and community management to video editing and tech support. This post also explains how game-based learning serves as a valuable resource for aspiring content creators, offering them a fun approach to develop skills in media literacy, storytelling, design, coding, and more. Game-based learning is a potent tool for shaping the storytellers of tomorrow!
That concludes this month’s resource roundup! As you can tell, games are an essential part of education in the 21st century and beyond. They’re powerful tools for equipping learners with the skills they need to thrive. So, bookmark these resources, follow us for more insights, and let your journey with game-based learning continue!
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