When Microsoft acquired Mojang and its mega-popular Minecraft game in 2014, CEO Satya Nadella stated that one of the reasons for the move was to help children learn more about science and technology by playing the sandbox game. Now Microsoft is increasing its efforts in that area with the newly revealed Minecraft in Education program.
In a blog post, Microsoft says:
" We've created this space to connect the community of educators and players with people looking to learn more. So, what can you do? Share your story. Ask a question. Find a partner to help create your first Minecraft lesson. Tell us what you've learned so far, and help inspire the world to change the way we learn."
Microsoft notes that many educators have already been using Minecraft in their classrooms for a variety of programs and lessons:
" Elementary students in Seattle are learning foundational math skills by calculating perimeter, area and volume in Minecraft during a Saturday math program. Middle school students in Los Angeles are learning about major world religions as part of their humanities class. They are visiting sacred sites in their city, researching international sites and then building them in Minecraft. Alfriston College students in New Zealand are partnering with Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn the history of the New Zealand people who served in the 1915 Gallipoli campaign by re-creating the landscape in Minecraft, block by block."
Source: Microsoft; Minecraft in Education
