Tutor bags research funding

Barnsley College University Centre Higher Education Pathway Leader, Lliam Dickinson, is one of five new scholars chosen to benefit from Research Further funding.

The Research Further project has announced funding for five new scholars to support practitioners in colleges to carry out postgraduate or doctorate-level study.

“Also, as a department, we want to continue to be at the frontline of the Esports education industry and contribute to critical developments. We can do that by being involved in knowledge sharing and future research.”

The project is run in partnership with the Association of Colleges and NCFE.  It is supported with funding from the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) and the Edge Foundation. Together, they aim to drive innovation and growth in the Further Education (FE) sector.

Lliam’s funding will go towards his research in ‘Developing Digital Skills Through Esports: An Exploratory Study’. Over the past year, Lliam has been delivering sessions around Esports to schools, and the feedback has been great. Schools have mentioned how it developed the pupils’ digital skills whilst enabling them to have fun. Lliam’s research looks to further unpack the sessions’ benefits and explore how Esports could be further integrated into education.

Lliam said: “It feels great to be one of the five new scholars. I just can’t wait to get started on my research.

“From the research I hope our Esports sessions will become more refined and significantly impact the local area. To achieve this, the plan is for our students will deliver sessions at the forefront of the push to develop digital skills for the next generation.

“Also, as a department, we want to continue to be at the frontline of the Esports education industry and contribute to critical developments. We can do that by being involved in knowledge sharing and future research.”

For more information about the range of Esports or Sport courses available at Barnsley College University Centre, visit www.barnsley.ac.uk/sport, email info@barnsley.ac.uk or call 01226 216 123.