The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

  • The 6 Best TV Remote Apps to Control Your TV With Your Phone

  • The 5 Best Password Managers

  • The 5 Best Free Translation Apps

  • The 15 Things to Do When Your WiFi Is Not Working

  • The 15 Best Deep Web Search Engines to Find What Google Can’t

EdTech News
Home›EdTech News›Tapping into kids’ passion for Minecraft in the classroom

Tapping into kids’ passion for Minecraft in the classroom

By Matthew Lynch
June 29, 2016
0
Spread the love

This article was written by Michael Dezuanni

If you know children aged between about six and 14, then you have probably heard of Minecraft.

Minecraft is a digital game, a popular cultural phenomenon and a powerful platform for learning. It is one of the most successful digital games of all time and continues to grow in popularity.

Educators have a great interest in Minecraft because children and young people seem to be driven to learn new knowledge and skills to play the game with a passion that they often lack for their everyday schooling.

The first Minecraft in Education Summit took place this year in Los Angeles. It illustrates the seriousness with which major international universities and the technology industry are treating the game.

Children learn while playing Minecraft because it rewards them for getting information, combining resources and solving design problems.

A Minecraft Castle. Fenming Wang/Flickr, CC BY

On the surface Minecraft appears to be a rather “blocky”, “sandbox” game. The objective is to collect materials (mine) to create new items (craft). Players can choose to fight monsters, if they wish, but the primary task is to design, build and share ever-more elaborate structures.

You cannot really “win” Minecraft as the game isn’t structured that way. The main reward for many players is to display creations “in world”, but many also share their builds and gameplay on YouTube. Last year, Minecraft was the second-most popular YouTube search term, after “Frozen”.

In a recent article, my colleagues and I showed that year three and four students at an all-girls’ school rewarded each other in the schoolyard and in the classroom for having Minecraft knowledge.

Even young children can quickly progress from building a simple survival hut to creating impressive structures. For instance, the year three girls in a research project called Serious Play rebuilt their school in Minecraft. To achieve this they had to use a range of design, maths, art and geography skills.

Minecraft requires creativity, but also a range of curriculum based skills such as maths, IT, and geography. Mike Prosser/Flickr, CC BY

There is no doubt that it is possible to align learning within Minecraft to curriculum outcomes. A growing number of schools are designing curriculum in the key learning areas using Minecraft.

In one part of our project, students played the game in two teams to undertake a series of design challenges. The students worked in teams, effectively managed resources, communicated objectives, planned their designs and built together, employing important 21st-century skills.

A teacher has designed a Viking World in Minecraft that his year three students explore to learn about Viking exploration, trade and culture. Another has created “Decimal Island”, a maths adventure game that rewards students by providing them with food to survive.

But it is the enthusiasm students have for learning to play Minecraft that is so compelling. Minecraft players share this “impassioned learning” with fans of other forms of popular culture.

Like Harry Potter devotees who engage deeply with the world of the Hogwarts School or football fans who know intricate details about every team and player in the competition, the more players learn about Minecraft, the more pleasure they gain from it.

Apart from experiencing the game itself, players can tap into enormous online repositories of user-produced resources that can be used to modify the game. This invites deeper learning as individuals conduct research online and share their learning with others.

Imagine a Lego fan who can use not just their own blocks to build structures, but who can alter Lego’s original designs and freely and legally access and use thousands of other players’ block designs as well. Minecraft allows its players to do that and much more.

Like Lego, Minecraft is an imagination system for applying design possibilities and then displaying the outcomes for others to see. Unlike Lego, though, Minecraft allows creative media production on a massive scale.

Kids all over the world are devoted to Minecraft. Jay/Flickr, CC BY

The eagerness Minecraft players have for learning about the game is an eagerness to be involved in an immersive digital culture. They aim to communicate within, through and about the game. They are rewarded for knowing how to achieve things in the game and for sharing this knowledge with others.

In this sense, Minecraft is not so much a game, but a social network that values and circulates expertise.

There are many questions to be asked about the use of Minecraft in schools. It is important to ask how teachers can become skilled enough to implement the game in authentic ways and to avoid taking the fun and complex learning out of gameplay.

In addition, there have been no studies to date about whether playing Minecraft increases student performance in specific subject areas.

Despite these challenges, there is no doubt something is going on with Minecraft and learning. Young Minecraft players have a passion for acquiring knowledge and skills in new and complex ways that teachers should not ignore.

The Conversation

Michael Dezuanni, Associate professor, Creative Industries Faculty I Faculty of Education , Queensland University of Technology

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

Why replacing teachers with automated education lacks ...

Next Article

State-of-the-art education software often doesn’t help students ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Policy & ReformHigher Education EdTech

    5 Ways to Teach Digital Citizenship to Your Students

    January 22, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    Is Artificial Intelligence the Future of Education?

    August 30, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech News

    Blended learning emerges as a leading trend in education technology, report says

    October 6, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • EdTech News

    Lower test scores for students who use computers often in school, 31-country study finds

    September 8, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    8 Must-Have High School Apps and Tools

    December 15, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    LMS software and the integration of technology in the classroom

    June 26, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 30, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Spread the loveWindows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, provides users with many advanced features and services. One of the most useful features of Windows 11 is “system restore.” ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    StandStand Review: A Beautiful, Easy-to-Use Portable Standing Desk

    Spread the loveStanding desks have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people choosing to incorporate them into their daily routines. The health benefits of standing frequently throughout the ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Sprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate

    Spread the loveSprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate: What to Do? There are few things more frustrating than purchasing a new phone, only to find out that you can’t ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Spread the Word: Ninite is the Only Safe Place to Get Windows Freeware

    Spread the loveWith the internet being flooded with a plethora of freeware apps and software, it’s not easy to differentiate between the genuine and the potentially harmful ones. This is ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    SSD vs. HDD vs. USB Flash Drive: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveFor many years, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the only storage device available, and it was the most reliable and efficient way of storing data, and it ...
  • EdTech Futures

    The Future Of Effective Digital Learning And Its Role In The Education System

    Spread the loveEffective digital learning is the future of education and it is here to stay. With the ever-growing trend of online learning, it is no wonder that effective digital ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.