E-DOSSIER

From early childhood, play is an important part of learning, but for some reason, as we get older, play loses its importance. No matter what the age though, play still has value in learning. Games have the potential to transform elements of education and their benefit is slowly catching on with educators around the world. This series of podcasts highlights, MinecraftEDU, a game with great potentials for classroom use. Through the three episode series, I will inform you of the various features integrated into this modified version of Minecraft.

 

Today’s students from the youngest to oldest are involved in some sort of interaction nearly every waking moment of their day, except when at school. At home, they interact through devices like phones, tablets, game systems, and even new televisions. They interact with the other people through communication and play. At school however, there appears little interaction between students and teachers. It is a one-way conversation with students listening to teachers. Games, especially those like MinecraftEDU, that offer players the opportunity to work and play together, engage students through constant interaction between the player and the game and between players. Currently I am using MinecraftEDU with third graders to simulate settling in a new world. Together they must solve the problem of establishing shelter, food sources, and gathering supplies. They will learn how each of them has a responsibility and that they must work together to promote the good of their settlement. Over time, they will begin to see how their actions change the environment and will even gain experience in civic responsibilities. Throughout this experience, as the teacher, I will facilitate discussions to guide the learning experience; however, I would like to do as little as possible. Too often, I think as teachers we tend to step in too soon, robbing students of the opportunity to utilize their critical thinking and problem solving skills. Games such as MinecraftEDU give students opportunities to engage in their education and utilize 21st century skills. Although, they are not the panacea, I believe strongly that the right games have the potential to make a great impact on learners.