Why Minecraft in the Classroom?

Using MinecraftEdu or MinecraftPE in the classroom is about more than playing a game, it is about learning, creativity and communication. It is about using the magic of Minecraft to engage learners, foster essential 21st Century skills and to create a bridge between the physical and virtual classrooms.

A screenshot by Marci (with MF!)

At it’s heart Minecraft is a tool for creation, that supports teaching and learning. The game can be used to teach curriculum, from language, to media literacy, STEAM concepts, social studies, art and mathematics. Learners can use Minecraft to communicate their ideas and show their understanding of a concept, while at the same time applying new skills, problem solving and communicate with others. It’s an opportunity to learn about digital citizenship in an authentic way and challenge students to explore global issues.

With the popularity of Minecraft, we know that many students are already experts and we can use this to partner with students as co-learners. Through conversations we can build stronger relationships with students, that support risk taking in their learning. Empowering our learners by asking what they think we can learn or teach with Minecraft. Students will feel that what they are learning about is important and that they are connected to it because it matters to them. We see the results of this as students spend time outside of class continuing their learning.

Engaging in deep learning experiences with Minecraft opens up the possibility for real-world connections, building essential skills, cross-curricular connections and connection to the local and global community. Empower your students with Minecraft and see how the journey inspires a culture of thinking and learning!  

What is Minecraft?

“Minecraft is a block-building sandbox game with no set rules, where you can build anything you can possible imagine.” (MInecraft Beginner’s Handbook)

Minecraft Basics:

• Many people describe Minecraft as a game for building with digital lego.
• Minecraft is available on a number of platforms and has multiple versions. This blog will focus on how we can use MinecraftEdu (the computer based educational version) and MinecraftPE (the iPad version) in SCDSB.
• You can play alone in single player or with others in multiplayer.
• Different modes of play:
• Creative Mode - you have a full inventory to build, no monsters will attack you.
• Survival Mode - you have health and hunger. You can die in this mode. You need to craft and mine to survive. This is the mode that most kids play at home because it is challenging and adventurous.
• Hardcore Mode - like survival mode but when you die you lose everything in your inventory and the game is over.
• The Overworld is a dimension where you might explore different environments (or biomes) like swamps, extreme hills, desert forest, plains, jungle, ice plains, or even the ocean biome. This opens up a lot of possibility for inquiry in the classroom.