Minecraft: Education Edition

Title: Minecraft: Education Edition

Bibliographic information:

Creator: Mojang Studio

• Language: English

Reader's Annotation:  Minecraft - one of the most popular games out there now - has an Education Edition, which allows students to explore a wide range of worlds, as well as engineering and architectural principles.

Interest Level: Ages 8-16

Awards, if applicable: N/A

Resource summary: Minecraft is a game where users dig for resources, build structures and fight off enemies.  They’ve created a version for schools and libraries which includes a set of worlds which can be downloaded onto your computers and curriculum to go with those worlds, as well as a secure student sign on, the ability to capture screen shots and save a portfolio of your work, and a Peaceful Mode, where up to 30 users can interact without the threat of Creepers.  

While Minecraft is available on several platforms, the education edition with the ability to upload worlds is only available for the PC.

Critical Review:

There is a great deal of academic research available which demonstrates the value of Minecraft - it teaches preparation, asset management and basic engineering principles.  The Education Edition takes that a step further, with build in curriculum in both history and engineering principles, and the ability to explore topics and worlds without the dangers of game play.

Why include it?

Libraries are rapidly adding Minecraft programs because of their popularity - who doesn’t love a program with a high attendance?  Isn’t it even better to have a version which allows guided learning and new ways to play?