With the pandemic going on, online learning became the “new norm” for students all over the world.

School institutions use different platforms to administer online classes to students. Google Classroom is one of those famous platforms that are widely used nowadays.

Educators use different tactics to help students get through remote learning successfully. And amongst the many options is the use of Minecraft in online classrooms!

But how is Minecraft utilized in a classroom setting? Is it an effective teaching strategy in remote learning?

Well, let’s find out below!

How is Minecraft being used for education?

The Minecraft: Education Edition can be used as a useful tool for remote learning during the lockdown.

Educators and learners can access Minecraft: Education Edition using a valid Office 365 Education account.

Minecraft: Education Edition comes with a remote learning tool kit that comprises more than 50 lessons, STEM curriculum, and project-based learning which can be accessed by learners at home.

It also features classroom multiplayer which allows students to collaborate in the Minecraft world, plan, build, or even chat while doing the project.

There are also features like Camera and Book Quill for taking screenshots, writing about their work, and exporting the in-game portfolio to PDF.

Minecraft: Education Edition is one of the best resources students should have during remote learning. Students will be more inclined to do their school activities if they’re put in an environment that motivates them.

And that’s how useful Minecraft is useful in the era of online learning!

Can you use Minecraft: Education Edition at home?

Minecraft: Education Edition can be accessed by learners at home or remotely. It is a game-based education learning platform that is also designed for classroom use.

With the Minecraft: Education Edition, students can continue learning while in the comfort of their homes.

It can accommodate up to 30 students playing at the same time without separate Minecraft servers. Students can also work in pairs or groups by joining their classmate’s world.

The educator can create NPC for guiding the game, a Camera + Portfolio for collecting students’ output, and chalkboards for communicating goals.

With this in mind, students and educators can perform their tasks at home in a fun and interactive way.

Is Minecraft: Education Edition effective?

Schools have been using Minecraft for several years which entails it works as an educational tool.

Minecraft: Education Edition features elements of building, farming, mining, and engineering. This game-based platform can be used to explore architecture, physics, ecology, agriculture, and history.

In fact, Microsoft showed how a school in Scotland got its students to redesign Dundee’s waterfront area in Minecraft. Also, sixth-grade students from Seattle used Minecraft to model a river and learn about the ecosystem.

According to a study on the use of Minecraft: Education Edition as an approach in teaching and learning Mathematics, the said game can help low-achieving students learn better. It can help the learners master their mathematical skills and teachers to convey mathematical concepts effectively.

The findings of the said study also revealed that the use of Minecraft can enhance students’ confidence and curiosity while working to finish their tasks in the Minecraft world.

Clearly, Minecraft is an effective learning tool considering its aim to continue MinecraftEDU with a simplified process and better functionality.

Why schools should have Minecraft: Education Edition?

Schools should use Minecraft as a tool for learning during the lockdown as it makes remote learning easier and more fun for students.

It gives students the motivation to learn and finish their tasks while enjoying the Minecraft world.

It also improves students’ creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and computational thinking skills.

Minecraft: Education Edition fosters emotional and social learning which helps students acquire soft skills. These include communication skills, time management, and self-motivation.

In other words, the use of Minecraft as an educational tool presents various academic benefits. It requires a lot of reading, sequencing, and computational thinking skill to play the game properly.

Indeed, Minecraft is one of the best educational tools schools should consider using as a learning platform!

Bonus Question: How to Install Minecraft: Education Edition

You don’t need to be an expert Minecraft player to use the Education Edition!

All you have to do is download the app and start exploring free online tutorials, lessons, and support for using Minecraft.

The good news:

Students and educators can access this version of Minecraft for free using a valid Office 365 account. The Minecraft: Education Edition is also available for Windows, Mac, or iPad.

Also, don’t forget to look for the Minecraft Challenge Guide to view dozens of free educational challenges which work on any version of the game.

Final Say on How Minecraft Supported Education during Lockdown

Minecraft extends its support to the education system in these uncertain times. It’s now available in 115 countries with more than two million users and over 250 educator-created lesson plans.

The transition to online learning paved a way for Microsoft to extend its access to Minecraft: Education Edition. You can access it using a valid Office 365 Education account.

Minecraft: Education Edition is a fascinating game that can help students get through their learning during the lockdown. With this tool, students can do better in terms of academic performance.

In other words, Minecraft is not just a mere game but also an educational platform that promises good results to its users.

So, go on, explore the Minecraft: Education Edition now!