Learning of Tomorrow [Event Report] Can “eSports” Help People Grow? — The Challenge of NTTe-Sports’ “UniCan” Gaming Lessons — The previous Learning of Tomorrow Online Symposium featured a presentation titled “Can Esports Help People Grow?” by Mr. Kagesawa, Executive Vice President of NTT e-Sports, who was constantly told as a child, “All you ever do is play video games!”
In China, the General Administration of Sport recognized esports as a sport in 2003; in 2016, the Ministry of Education (equivalent to Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) approved it as a course of study at vocational schools; and in 2017, the first esports departments were established at four-year universities. In South Korea, many universities have established esports departments, and numerous private esports academies have also emerged.In the United States, 200 universities and many high schools have introduced esports programs.
In contrast, Mr. Kagezawa points out that while various esports tournaments are beginning to be held in Japan, initiatives at educational institutions are still few and far between, and systematic expertise and organizational structures have yet to be established.
On the other hand, research findings suggest that esports can lead to “improved academic performance,” “enhanced brain function,” and “dementia prevention.”For example, Associate Professor Albert Passo and his team at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia, reportedly published research findings indicating that 15-year-olds who play online games regularly scored 4% higher than average on tests measuring math skills, reading comprehension, and scientific literacy.
Of course, it would be unfair to say there are no downsides, such as gaming disorders or addiction, or the breakdown of one’s personal life and relationships.
Therefore, based on the following three principles, NTTe-sports provides “UniCan,” a learning environment that leverages esports.
・Fostering the skills needed to thrive in society (analytical and critical thinking skills; information processing, adaptability, and creativity; communication and teamwork skills; concentration, self-management, problem-solving, and literacy)
・To offer one option that allows people to thrive on their own terms
・Address risks and concerns
Since Mr. Kagesawa is also participating in the Interacademic Esports Education promoted by Learning of Tomorrow, we look forward to continuing our collaboration.
Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
Director, B Lab
Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
Chairperson, CANVAS
After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”
