In a collaborative effort spanning a month, three schools within the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) system have engaged with Minecraft Education to test and refine the Hour of Code 2024 world, aptly named The Show Must Go On. This initiative has provided students with a unique insight into potential career paths in the tech industry.
Collaboration and Feedback
Classes from Tates Creek Elementary, led by teacher Lindsay Ames; Picadome Elementary, under the guidance of Allison George; and STEAM Academy, with Bryan Wilson at the helm, worked closely with Minecraft’s senior program manager, Laylah Bulman. Utilizing platforms such as Zoom and Teams, these educators and their students played through the new Minecraft world, offering valuable suggestions and identifying areas for improvement.
This innovative Minecraft experience is set to launch globally on December 1. It allows students of all ages to delve into computer science through engaging and interactive methods. By utilizing MakeCode Block or Python, learners can ignite their creativity, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and cultivate critical thinking skills, all while establishing a solid foundation in basic coding principles.
Bulman expressed her gratitude towards Shad Lacefield, the district’s STEM learning coach, for his pivotal role in orchestrating this initiative within FCPS. She noted, “Every aspect of this experience—from meticulously scheduling the classroom testing sessions to thoroughly preparing both teachers and students—has created powerful feedback. The fantastic hype and excitement you generated really set the tone for success.”
