Cyber in Minecraft: A New Frontier in Education
Innovative Credentialing for Cybersecurity Skills
Prodigy Learning, a global education technology firm based in Ireland, has partnered with Minecraft Education to unveil the ‘Cyber in Minecraft’ credential product. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing the growing demand for cybersecurity skills among students. The partnership, announced earlier this year, aims to leverage the engaging environment of Minecraft to cultivate essential skills in a field that is increasingly critical to the modern workforce.
With businesses worldwide grappling to fill cybersecurity roles, and educators striving to shield students from online threats, the timing of this launch is particularly pertinent. A recent survey by Cyber.Org indicated that 75% of educators believe their students show a strong interest in exploring careers in cybersecurity. The ‘Cyber in Minecraft’ program is designed to meet this interest head-on, offering students immersive learning experiences that not only teach vital cybersecurity concepts but also illuminate potential career paths in the industry.
Delivered through Minecraft Education, this credentialing pathway is structured to engage young learners through game-based learning. It comprises three key units: Digital Citizenship, Networking, and Security. At the conclusion of the pathway, students can take the Cyber in Minecraft capstone exam to validate their skills. Successful candidates will earn a Cybersecurity certificate and a digital badge, providing them with tangible proof of their competencies.
The introduction of the Cyber in Minecraft credential is not just about education; it is also about opening doors to future career opportunities. The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, with Forbes reporting a global shortfall of nearly 4 million workers in this field. By expanding credentialing options in cybersecurity and integrating emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), students are being equipped with valuable skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.
This latest offering builds on the successful implementation of Coding in Minecraft across various educational systems, including regions such as Alaska, Idaho, North Carolina, and New South Wales. The Cyber in Minecraft product is now available for licensing through Microsoft and channel resellers globally, alongside existing Prodigy Learning channels.
Andrew Flood, Chief Executive Officer of Prodigy Learning, expressed enthusiasm about the new initiative, stating, “Building on our partnership announcement earlier this year, we are delighted to introduce Cyber in Minecraft, in collaboration with Minecraft Education. Cybersecurity is a critical area for skills development worldwide. To thrive in this age of AI, every student needs the opportunity to learn cybersecurity concepts. What better way to empower students to develop and prove their cybersecurity skills than through game-based fun in Minecraft Education?”
Allison Matthews, Head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft, echoed this sentiment, noting, “The new Cyber in Minecraft course combines Minecraft Education’s powerful game-based learning platform with Prodigy Learning’s credentialing expertise, and will equip students with essential skills like computational thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Cyber in Minecraft engages learners in an immersive cybersecurity curriculum and rewards their learning with credentials, preparing them for future careers in this critical field.”
As the landscape of education continues to evolve, initiatives like Cyber in Minecraft represent a forward-thinking approach to equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the complexities of the digital world.
