Today we had the opportunity to meet a few grade 8 students and their teacher who are all avid users of Minecraft. We had a chance to explore Minecraft Education Edition on the lab computers and were able to view other users playing. While we played, the students walked around and offered help to anyone that needed it. They also taught us a little tips that would accelerate our learning about the game. These students seemed very passionate about the game and most have been playing it since a very young age. They shared their experiences with the Minecraft and how it helped them in school since it is a digital tool that is being used more often.

They taught us applications of the game and how we can implement it in classrooms as an educator. For one, it allows students to view a realistic type world where they roam and explore but from a fictional perspective. This game can be used to teach students about agriculture because they are able to grow their own garden and cultivate it. I visualize this game being used for math because it facilitates students to learn about the different axises in a 3 dimensional world. They learn how to navigate the world using the x, y and z axis. This game allows them to experience the dimensions visually which is a far more effective method than simply taking down notes in a traditional math class. This game offers the kinesthetic aspect of learning dimensions because they are physically playing the game.

The game has many modes in which they can play. The game has an educational mode where the players explore and just get to the know world better. They don’t have to worry about surviving or hunting. This method has far more restrictions because it is meant more for learners. The game has a survival method where you have health points and need to keep them up to stay alive. This includes surviving by hunting animals for food and by growing seeds which become plants you can eat. Players have the ability to die and respawn in a predetermined location. The last mode is the creative mode where everything goes and there aren’t many restrictions. Here, you could build where and how much you want. Basically, you get to be an ultimate creator in this world.

 

“Minecraft Castle” by Mike_Cooke is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0