Abstract
This chapter is about the importance of establishing a brand new esports BTEC and its relevance in education moving forward. The author will share the successes and failures of a new esports BTEC course, whilst also considering how it lends itself to other subjects at both school and sixth-form level and also routes into university and new careers. Having helped write parts of the first-ever BTEC for esports, the author will share the progress made with its inception and subsequent journey from its launch during a pandemic and touching upon its future as a career for students in an ever-changing world.
TopThe Integration Of Esports In Education
Video games and scholastic esports have slowly muscled their way into schools and classrooms in the UK; however, the idea has been around for over a decade (New London Group, 1996). It seems the field of education lowered its guard about the use of video games as learning tools and their potential (Marlatt, 2020; Harvey, 2016). Recent research in the field has provided the empirical clout needed to defend and implement video games and esports into the educational environment across grade levels (Granic, et al., 2014). In recent years, the integration of video games and esports as a supplemental resource has educators the chance to explore and research its use, and now, esports is now a learning vehicle for schools all around the world (Gee, 2007).
Key Terms in this Chapter
Queen Mary’s College (QMC): Is a sixth form college in Basingstoke, Hampshire, England and teaches post-16 education.
Future-Proof: A product or system that is unlikely to become obsolete.
Pearson: Leading provider of vocational subjects in the UK.
BTEC: Specialist work-related qualifications. They combine practical learning with subject and theory content.
British Esports Association: A not-for-profit national body established to promote esports in the UK, increase its level of awareness, improve standards, and inspire future talent.
Esports: Human vs. human competitive gameplay on computers or gaming consoles.
Discord: Is a VoIP, instant messaging and digital distribution platform designed for creating communities.