Microsoft has announced that it is offering a free trial of Minecraft Education Edition for teachers to test out over the summer.
The Minecraft Education Edition comes with a range of new features designed for teachers and students.
Introduction to Minecraft: Education Edition
Today, we are excited to announce the release of Minecraft: Education Edition early access for educators around the world. The early access version of Minecraft: Education Edition gives educators a chance to install and try an early version of the product for free.
Minecraft: Education Edition is built based on feedback from the educator community and the features and capabilities they have told us are important to enhancing the learning experience. This edition is not just a game but a powerful educational tool that can be used to teach a variety of subjects, from mathematics and science to history and art.
Easy Classroom Collaboration
One of the most common requests we get from educators is the ability for students to collaborate together to build projects and solve problems. In Minecraft: Education Edition, an entire classroom of up to 30 students can play in a world together without a separate server required. Or, students can work together in pairs or groups simply by joining their classmates’ worlds.
This collaborative environment fosters teamwork and communication skills, which are essential in today’s interconnected world. For example, students can work together to build a historical monument, learning about its significance and the historical context in the process. Alternatively, they can create a sustainable city, applying principles of environmental science and urban planning.
Enhanced Learning Features
Minecraft: Education Edition includes several features specifically designed to enhance the learning experience. One such feature is the “Classroom Mode,” a companion app that allows teachers to manage settings, communicate with students, and view a map of the world. This app gives teachers greater control over the learning environment, enabling them to guide students more effectively.
Another notable feature is the “Camera and Portfolio” tool, which allows students to document their work by taking screenshots and saving them in an in-game portfolio. This can be particularly useful for assessment purposes, as teachers can review students’ progress and provide feedback.
Real-World Applications
The educational potential of Minecraft: Education Edition extends beyond the classroom. For instance, it can be used in after-school programs, summer camps, and even at home for supplementary learning. The game’s open-ended nature encourages creativity and problem-solving, skills that are valuable in any setting.
Moreover, Minecraft: Education Edition supports various subjects and learning styles. For example, visual learners can benefit from the game’s 3D environment, while kinesthetic learners can engage with the material through hands-on building activities. This versatility makes it a valuable tool for differentiated instruction.
Community and Resources
Microsoft has also created a robust community of educators who share lesson plans, resources, and best practices for using Minecraft: Education Edition. This community-driven approach ensures that teachers have access to a wealth of knowledge and support, making it easier to integrate the game into their curriculum.
Additionally, Microsoft offers a range of professional development opportunities, including webinars, workshops, and online courses, to help educators get the most out of Minecraft: Education Edition. These resources are designed to equip teachers with the skills and confidence they need to use the game effectively in their classrooms.
You can find out more details about the Minecraft Education Edition over at Microsoft at the link below.
Source Microsoft
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