An Inquiry To The Institutionalization Of Esports As An Academic Program Through The Lens Of Edmund Burke’s Enlightened Conservatism

Abstract

This study focused to explore the feasibility of institutionalizing eSports as an academic program within college education, and the study utilized Edmund Burke's Enlightened Conservatism as a theoretical framework. Edmund Burke’s theory of Enlightened Conservatism contributed perspectives into how gradual, value centric reforms can reinforce educational innovation without compromising the foundational principles of academic institutions. The study employed a qualitative type of design with descriptive analysis to gather insights of relevant stakeholders in Davao City. The researchers conducted interviews with a group of five university administrators and five students actively participating in eSports programs such as varsity players and competitive gamers to gather the primary data. The results uncovered themes including the institutional readiness, the necessity of technological and financial resources, faculty development, regulatory compliance, and student support. The administrators emphasized the significance of adhering to guidelines and standards while also expressing worries about the requirement for substantial investment in infrastructure and ongoing professional training for educators to adequately support eSports programs effectively. Both students and administrators underscored the advantages of eSports in paving a career path and its ability to captivate students by aligning with the evolving demands of the digital economy. Nevertheless, issues surrounding program longevity, faculty preparedness and the necessity for professional development surfaced as key aspects that merit careful deliberation. This study illustrated that by utilizing Burke’s principle of rounded transformational change schools can carefully integrate eSports programs that match conventional educational principles while accommodating student preferences and technological progressions. The results laid the groundwork for establishments to create a standardized curriculum for eSports that backs up deliberate allocation of resources, enhancement of faculty skills and cooperation on regulations. In essence this strategy hinted at the possibility of integrating eSports into education in a sustainable manner equipping students, for the contemporary digital market while upholding academic rigor and stability.