Summary
In Minecraft 101, we explored how Minecraft Education uses game-based learning to provide opportunities to learners of all ages. We modeled an initial lesson plan of building a house and assessing via screenshot. We debriefed that initial lesson plan to understand the questions teachers must ask when designing Minecraft learning experiences.
In Minecraft 201, we spiraled upon the same concept—this time, we built a piece of furniture for our house but adding a modification with the Boards, and tried a different method of assessment using Camera, Book and Quill. We also explore a new modality—hosting a multiplayer game for all of your students to join in.
Finally, in Minecraft 301, we considered more advanced assessment tools and also thought about becoming a world builder to design worlds as learning content for your students.
What's the next stop on your pathway?
Remember, we’re on a pathway to mastering Minecraft. Your journey isn't over. After today, you have the basics of Minecraft and when you finish the Teacher Academy learning path are a Certified Teacher! You can achieve your badge both here in the Microsoft Learn Educator Center, and it is also linked to your account and profile at educommunity.minecraft.net. Be sure to sign in with the same account for both.
This unlocks a few other options for you.
If you want to learn how to train others in Minecraft because you're an instructional technology coach or trainer, then the Trainer Academy might be for you! Complete the Microsoft Learn Educator Center module and sign up for our cohort.
If you're ready to take your Minecraft to the next level, complete the Minecraft 401 module, which covers advanced creation skills like Redstone engineering and advanced blocks like Command blocks and even different game modes like Survival Modes and settings.
Want to be a mentor? Minecraft global mentors join a global community of educators passionate about teaching with Minecraft and helping others. Applications close quarterly—and require the Minecraft Certified Teacher badge and a short video. Find out more and apply.
Optional: Extra resources
Consider how are these educators in these use Minecraft Education as a learning tool.
- Leadership: How Cherokee County School District uses Minecraft Education in K-12 classrooms (3 minutes 31 seconds)
- Secondary: How a school in Puerto Rico brings chemistry to life with Minecraft Education (3 minutes 09 seconds)
- Primary: Teaching STEM across the Northern Ireland Curriculum with Minecraft (3 minutes 06 seconds)
- Autism/learners with exceptionalities: Kids with autism build life skills in Minecraft (CNET News) (2 minutes 41 seconds)
- Read the article, Class of 2030, which addresses these questions:
What skills will today’s kindergartners need to be life-ready by the time they graduate as the class of 2030?
How can technology support their educational journey?
The learning path of the class of 2030 and those that follow will be profoundly social, student-centric, personalized, and supported by technology. Additional reading for Ministries and Leadership on the topic of Transformational Leadership: Leadership & Policy
Game-based learning meets students where they are and where they want to be. For example, educators can provide learners the opportunity to engage in play that challenges them, giving the students room to be creative and “fail forward,” as well as letting the learners take risks that iterate along the way.
According to the article Playing games can build 21st-century skills. Research explains how by Stephen Noonoo, “…games are an effective way to learn because they simulate adventure and keep our brains happily engaged. What exactly do we learn?"
Teach this to your class
Now that you've experienced the teach, release, reflect model, you're ready to teach your first Minecraft lesson.
Use our official Recreate the World Challenge PowerPoint deck to walk your students through their first build! Complete with script and demo videos.
Watch (1 minute)
Minecraft Global Mentor Felisa Ford shares some advice as you continue your journey.
Sign up for the official Minecraft Certified Teacher mailing list
Now that you're a Minecraft Certified Teacher, we invite you to join our mailing list to get exclusive opportunities and meetup invites just for Minecraft Certified Teachers (you can opt out anytime.)