Minecraft Education Archives

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft is a digital playground for learning and growth

Minecraft has over 141 million active players and serves as a platform for children to explore, create, and interact, significantly impacting child development, social interactions, and cognitive learning. Researchers from the University of South Australia found that collaborative play in Minecraft fosters skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Dr. Vincenza Tudini highlights that the game encourages creativity and social growth, promoting pro-social behavior among players. Minecraft enhances language development and digital literacy through gameplay interactions. The game cultivates problem-solving and teamwork skills as children collaborate to overcome obstacles. However, there are risks associated with its open online environment, including cyberbullying and interactions with strangers. Parents and educators are encouraged to implement safety measures, such as using private servers and teaching responsible online behavior. Minecraft Education Edition is being used in classrooms to teach subjects like coding and mathematics, transforming learning into an interactive experience. The study on Minecraft's impact is published in the journal Children’s Online Learning and Interaction.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Microsoft Launches The Cybersafe AI: Dig Deeper Minecraft Education DLC

A free DLC for Minecraft Education is now available through the Microsoft Store, allowing players to assume the role of a student organizing a fundraiser that highlights the application of AI in 3D printing. The experience encourages players to engage in fact-checking and develop critical thinking skills. This initiative is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to promote computer literacy and AI skills among young gamers.

AppWizard

February 12, 2025

Minecraft Education Launches CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper

Mojang has released a new downloadable content (DLC) for Minecraft Education called CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper, coinciding with Safer Internet Day. This DLC aims to educate players about the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence (AI) through gameplay. Players take on the role of students organizing a fundraiser and explore AI technology for 3D printing animals, facing challenges that emphasize responsible AI usage. The DLC does not involve direct interaction with generative AI but simulates its use to foster understanding of responsible engagement. CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper builds on previous CyberSafe DLCs, which have educated players on digital citizenship skills. The CyberSafe series has achieved over 80 million downloads since 2022, and players can use the Minecraft Family Cyber Toolkit for additional support.

AppWizard

December 10, 2024

Minecraft Education and Cadw join forces to build interest in Welsh heritage

Wales is leading in the global adoption of Minecraft Education, introducing the platform in the Welsh language for the first time to promote the use of Welsh among learners and fluent speakers. The bilingual version will feature Castell Conwy and plans to incorporate a total of 20 historical sites managed by Cadw, with virtual launches and training sessions for educators. Resources will be available on Hwb and the Cadw website. Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture and Skills, supports the initiative for honoring Welsh heritage and inspiring children to explore their history. Justin Edwards, Director of Learning Experience at Minecraft, emphasizes the project's role in cultural heritage and science, aligning with the National Curriculum of Wales.

AppWizard

December 3, 2024

NYC launches annual Minecraft education challenge: How to participate

New York City public school students are participating in the fifth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs (BOTB), which has opened its submission period. The competition invites student teams from grades K-12 to design inclusive urban spaces, with submissions due by March 7, 2025. It is organized in collaboration with Minecraft Education and C40’s Reinventing Cities initiative, aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the city's climate plan. Students will explore their boroughs and engage with local officials while developing skills in coding, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Teams can consist of up to five members, and schools are encouraged to submit multiple teams. Qualifying teams will compete for the Mayor’s Cup in May. For inquiries, participants can contact minecraft@schools.nyc.gov.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Students Test Minecraft World for Hour of Code

Three schools within the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) system collaborated with Minecraft Education for a month to test and refine the Hour of Code 2024 world, named The Show Must Go On. Classes from Tates Creek Elementary, Picadome Elementary, and STEAM Academy participated in this initiative, which provided insights into tech career paths. Educators and students worked with Minecraft's senior program manager, Laylah Bulman, using Zoom and Teams to play through the new Minecraft world and provide feedback. The Minecraft experience is set to launch globally on December 1, allowing students to explore computer science through interactive methods using MakeCode Block or Python. Shad Lacefield, the district's STEM learning coach, played a key role in organizing the initiative.

AppWizard

November 26, 2024

Alpine Partners with Minecraft in Huge New Formula1 Project

The collaboration between Alpine and Microsoft has resulted in the launch of a Minecraft Education world aimed at promoting the Race into STEM initiative, which focuses on engaging youth in STEM education and encouraging gender diversity in motorsports. The initiative includes global outreach events in cities like Mexico City, London, and Melbourne, designed to inspire young people to consider STEM careers in the motorsports industry. A key feature is a Minecraft recreation of Alpine's Enstone factory, allowing players to learn about Formula One car development and racing mechanics. The initiative has seen participation from over 100 students and over 80,000 visits from users in 99 countries. The partnership also involves FIA Girls on Track UK, which curates educational content to motivate young women in STEM fields. Local schools, such as Middle Barton Primary School, have participated by touring Alpine's facility for hands-on learning experiences.

AppWizard

November 16, 2024

Minecraft: Oxfordshire school pupils among first to play F1 version

A group of schoolchildren from Middle Barton Primary School in Oxfordshire previewed a new motorsport-themed minigame within Minecraft at the headquarters of the Formula 1 team BWT Alpine. The minigame allows players to explore the F1 team's base in a Minecraft landscape, learning about the processes involved in creating and racing a Formula 1 car. It is part of Alpine's Race into STEM campaign aimed at increasing female participation in motorsport. Developed with Microsoft, the game features pixelated avatars of real-life team members, including team principal Oliver Oakes. The minigame is available for free on the Minecraft Education platform. BWT Alpine is currently sixth in the F1 constructors championship and recently achieved podium finishes in Brazil with drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.

AppWizard

November 14, 2024

Minecraft bridges AI skills through 4-H collaboration

4-H and Microsoft Corp. are collaborating to enhance AI literacy among youth, responding to the 72 percent of young individuals who seek adult guidance in using AI tools. The initiative aims to educate 1.4 million youth at no cost through the Minecraft Education’s new AI Foundations curriculum. The program includes online animated videos and “train the trainer” sessions for educators, focusing on real-world AI applications and responsible usage. The AI Foundations program is designed to supplement core curricula and encourage family engagement through gameplay. The partnership emphasizes the importance of equipping young people, especially in small and rural communities, with the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world.