How students describe Minecraft...

Now that we’ve had a few learning experiences with Minecraft PE, I thought it would be interesting to ask the Grade 4 students to explain what Minecraft is in their own words.

Here is what they said: Minecraft is...

• a computer game made out of blocks

• cool and awesome because I can build lots of stuff
• a game of creativity
• like building with lego on the computer
• a way to tell stories
• a great way to use my imagination to build things
• my favourite way to learn math
• awesome because I can do challenges with my friends

If you ask students a question like this be prepared for a variety of answers. Some of the responses from the students included comments about killing mobs like creepers, skeletons and zombies but it is important to note that they bringing their experiences from playing at home into their answers. This then presents the opportunity to talk about how we will play in class.

What was clear from their responses is that Minecraft is a at its core a social game of creation, making it a great tool for students to express their ideas, communicate, collaborate, be creative, and solve problems.  

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!