' Minecraft' Releases New Education Edition That Integrates Fun In Learning; 'Minecraft' Can Now Be Played In School?

Minecraft is a popular game that uses blocks to create anything and everything and lets users go on adventures. Now, Minecraft released a full version Minecraft Education Edition that is available around 50 countries worldwide in 11 languages.

The features had early access in June 2016, but the full version has just recently been released. The full version of the Minecraft Education Edition features Classroom Mode companion app which allows teachers to manage the world settings, communicate, transport and give items to students in the Minecraft world. It also has a map view of the world with the list of students that are in it, a world management settings and chat window. The Classroom mode allows educators to interact with students from its central UI.

Minecraft Education Edition is not completely different from the Minecraft itself. It is like the same game but with integration tools that make it easier for educators to interact with students. The vision of Minecraft Education Edition is to enhance students’ interest in exploring other subjects. Through this version of the game, the educators can build worlds that can enhance the lessons that will be taught. The possibilities are endless; educators can teach history lessons by building castles or landscape in a specific era, or they can build a human eye in the game and show students how it works.

Students and educators alike will be able to learn by means of the Minecraft Education Edition. There are already over 35,000 students and teachers who have signed up for the program. The developers are aiming to provide a more diverse learning environment, such as STEM summer camp in New York City, and other classrooms worldwide. “This version of the block-building sensation strives to teach kids in the classroom by promoting creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving,” writes Venture Beat. The Minecraft Education Edition subscription costs $5 USD per user annually.

Perhaps the Minecraft Education Edition will open doors to integrating fun in learning. Hopefully, students will enjoy Minecraft in school as they would at home.