Social Gaming Club
Frequently Asked Questions
And Gaming Insights
Q - What are 'game 'Specifications' or 'System requirements'? Game specifications, often referred to as system requirements, are the technical details that outline the hardware and software needed to run a game smoothly on a computer or console. These specifications are usually divided into two categories: Minimum Requirements: The lowest set of hardware and software specifications that will allow the game to run, albeit possibly at lower settings and performance. Recommended Requirements: The set of specifications that will allow the game to run at optimal performance, often with higher graphics settings and smoother gameplay.
Q - What is Crossplay? Crossplay, also known as cross-platform play, allows players on different gaming platforms/devices to play together. This feature has become increasingly popular, with multiplayer games.
Q - How Are Sessions Conducted? Sessions start on the Outschool platform and then open in Zoom, the conferencing tool. All sessions are recorded for safety and reference. You’ll need to register and log in to Outschool, enrol in a class, and join the class through Outschool at the scheduled time.
Q - What are the prices or fees? You can choose one-time classes or ongoing classes, etc., it's just the class price to pay. There are no ‘membership’ fees or any other extra hidden costs.
Q - What if I wish to cancel? For cancelation time-frame requirements, check out the refund policy on Outschool. (E.g. If you’re subscribed to an ongoing class you can cancel your subscription at any time).
Q - Learner Safety and Privacy: For Parents
Q - What is Outschool and how does it work?
Gaming: Education Insights
The Real Benefits of Video Games
Video games are much more than just a fun pastime—they're an interactive learning tool that can sharpen a variety of real-world skills. Through engaging gameplay, children develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and improved hand-eye coordination. Many games present complex scenarios that require players to think on their feet, make quick decisions, and adapt to new information—skills that transfer directly to the classroom and beyond.
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In my video game classes, students learn how to analyze challenges, experiment with different strategies, and grow through trial and error. Games encourage a mindset where failure is simply a step toward success, which helps build resilience and confidence in all areas of life. Plus, the immersive nature of games makes learning enjoyable, which keeps children engaged and motivated to grow.
Building Leadership and Teamwork
Many modern video games are built around cooperation, whether in competitive multiplayer matches or collaborative missions. My classes emphasize these aspects, teaching children how to work as part of a team, communicate effectively, and even lead others.
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Team-based games, especially, require players to assume roles, make collective decisions, and coordinate their actions for success. These experiences are perfect for building leadership qualities, teaching responsibility, and encouraging students to listen to and respect the ideas of their peers.
By working with others in a fun, low-pressure environment, students also build social skills and improve their ability to work with different personalities.
Developing Resilience and Confidence
Video games naturally encourage a "try again" mentality. When faced with in-game setbacks, players are motivated to adjust their approach and attempt a challenge multiple times until they succeed. This fosters resilience—an important life skill that helps children handle obstacles, failures, and changes in a healthy and constructive way.
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In my classes, I encourage students to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process. Whether it's through levelling up a character or figuring out a new strategy, each small victory contributes to their confidence.
Over time, students build a mindset that reinforces persistence, which helps them tackle challenges outside of the gaming world, such as academic or personal difficulties.
The Social Aspect
Gaming isn’t a solitary activity — many games thrive on social interaction, requiring players to communicate, collaborate, and even compete with each other. For neurodiverse children or those who may struggle with traditional social environments, video games provide a structured, goal-oriented way to engage with others.
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In my classes, students learn to navigate the social landscape of gaming — whether working together to solve puzzles, coordinating strategy, or simply having fun. It’s a safe space for them to practice communication and social skills, while forming bonds with peers who share similar interests.
Over time, they become more comfortable with teamwork, and many even make lasting friendships in the process.
Mental Health Benefits
While video games are often blamed for negative effects on mental health, recent research shows that gaming can have significant benefits when approached mindfully. Games can provide a healthy outlet for stress, helping children manage anxiety and emotions in a controlled, virtual space. They also offer a sense of achievement and progress, which can be empowering for children who may struggle in other areas.
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Additionally, gaming allows students to experience a sense of control, accomplishment, and social connection — all of which contribute to improved mental well-being.
My classes create a positive, supportive environment where students are encouraged to focus on personal growth, enjoy their gaming experience, and develop skills that contribute to their overall mental health.
Screen Time Positives
While excessive screen time can be a concern for parents, structured and purposeful screen time — like what’s involved in my classes, can offer real value.
Rather than mindlessly consuming content, students in my video game classes are engaged in problem-solving, decision-making, and skill-building activities. They learn to manage screen time in a balanced way by using it as a tool for learning and creativity.
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Video games, when approached with purpose and structure, can be a productive and valuable use of screen time that supports personal development and social connections.
Enhancing Focus and Attention
Many video games require sustained focus and concentration over long periods. Players need to pay attention to detail, follow multiple threads of action, and stay mentally engaged to succeed. In my classes, students learn how to manage their attention and focus on tasks, which can carry over into their schoolwork and daily lives.
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The fast-paced nature of many games also helps improve reaction times and decision-making under pressure. These skills can be especially helpful for children who may struggle with maintaining attention in traditional environments, offering them a fun and stimulating way to practice staying on task.
Improving Cognitive Flexibility
Cognitive flexibility — the ability to switch between tasks or think about multiple concepts simultaneously, is a key skill that video games naturally cultivate.
Many games present ever-changing challenges that require players to adapt their strategies in real-time. My classes encourage this type of mental flexibility by presenting students with diverse in-game scenarios that force them to think creatively and adjust their tactics on the fly.
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Developing cognitive flexibility can help children excel in a variety of real-world settings, including academic problem-solving, sports, and other activities where quick thinking and adaptability are important.
Tech Literacy and Problem-Solving
Gaming also introduces children to the world of technology in an interactive way. Through regular gameplay, students become more comfortable navigating digital environments, learning basic tech skills, and even solving technical issues (such as troubleshooting connection problems or adjusting settings).
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In my classes, we can touch on how to manage gaming software, adjust in-game settings for better performance, and even explore some basic aspects of game design and strategy. This hands-on exposure helps students build digital literacy—a skill that is increasingly important in today’s tech-driven world.
Fostering Independence and Self-Motivation
Many video games encourage players to take initiative, explore their environment, and set personal goals. Whether it’s completing a difficult mission, leveling up a character, or achieving a high score, players are often driven by self-motivation and a desire to succeed.
In my classes, I emphasize independent thinking and personal responsibility, allowing students to take charge of their gaming experience.
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This fosters a sense of independence, helping children build the confidence to tackle challenges on their own while staying motivated to improve. These skills translate well to real-world situations, helping students approach their academics and personal goals with greater initiative and responsibility.
Spatial Awareness and Visual Processing
Many video games involve navigating 3D environments, which can enhance spatial awareness and visual processing skills.
Games that require players to move through complex maps, solve spatial puzzles, or recognize visual patterns help improve a child’s ability to understand and interpret visual information. This skill is useful in real-world applications like mathematics, engineering, and even sports.
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In my classes, I highlight games that encourage students to think spatially, improving their ability to process visual information in ways that are both educational and engaging.
Developing Emotional Regulation
Video games often present frustrating challenges, such as losing a level or getting stuck on a difficult task. Learning to handle these frustrations is an important part of emotional growth.
I guide students through moments of disappointment, helping them manage their emotions and approach problems calmly and methodically.
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This ability to regulate emotions under pressure can benefit children in other areas of life, such as school and social interactions, where staying calm and resilient is essential for success.
Encouraging Goal-Setting and Achievement
Video games are structured around objectives, rewards, and achievements, which naturally foster a sense of goal-setting. Whether it’s completing missions, earning points, or unlocking new levels, students learn the value of setting both short- and long-term goals.
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I help to emphasize how to break down larger tasks into manageable steps and work steadily toward those goals. This practice of setting and achieving goals builds a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy that helps students thrive in academics and other real-world tasks.
Hand-Eye Coordination and Motor Skills
Games, especially those that involve precise controls, can significantly enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Fast-paced games, which require quick reactions and precise movements, help students develop these skills in a fun and engaging way.
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My classes focus on games that challenge students to coordinate their movements, improving their reaction times and dexterity. This can translate into better performance in activities that require fine motor skills, such as typing, sports, or even playing a musical instrument.
Cultural Awareness and Diversity
Many modern video games introduce players to diverse characters, settings, and cultures. These experiences can help broaden a child’s understanding of the world, encouraging empathy and cultural awareness.
In my classes, I often explore games that offer rich, diverse narratives, allowing students to engage with stories and characters from different backgrounds.
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This exposure to different cultures and viewpoints helps students become more open-minded and understanding of the world around them, promoting inclusivity and tolerance.
Stress Relief and Relaxation
While many think of gaming as purely competitive or stimulating, it can also serve as a great way for children to unwind and relieve stress. Engaging in a favorite game can provide a much-needed mental break from the pressures of school or daily life.
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In my classes, we strike a balance between challenging gameplay and fun, light-hearted moments. By creating a positive, low-pressure environment, students can use gaming as a healthy outlet for stress, helping them develop better coping mechanisms in their everyday lives.
Developing Strategic Thinking
Many games require players to plan ahead, manage resources, and make tactical decisions. These are critical skills that encourage strategic thinking.
Many of my gaming sessions focus on games that promote this kind of forward-thinking and resource management, encouraging students to develop long-term strategies and learn from their decisions.
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Strategic thinking is a valuable skill that applies not only to gaming but also to problem-solving in school, sports, and other areas of life.
