Minecraft block coding academy

The modules in Minecraft Block Coding Academy focus on how educators may use Minecraft Education to teach programming skills and concepts to learners at all levels. The modules cover three levels—lower elementary, upper elementary, and secondary. After completing the learning path, you'll receive the Block Coding badge and the Coding and Beyond badge. Path participants learn:

• How to use Minecraft Education to teach computer science
• The goals and progression of the curriculum and identify access points for learners at any grade band
• How to use block-based programming to introduce young learners to programming concepts
• The benefits of using block-based programming to introduce young learners to programming concepts
• About the transition from block-based programming to Python in Minecraft Education's computer science curriculum
• About the organization of the Minecraft Education computer science teaching materials to enhance learning
• How to identify the resources and assessments available to enhance learner knowledge

Supports participant learning styles

• Explore Minecraft Education's computer science curriculum and Minecraft Education worlds as a learner
• Experience a mixture of activities—read module units, view video clips, complete guided steps, practice in game, and examine lesson plans and supporting materials
• Capture thoughts, reflections, and design your own lessons with guided review documents
• Notes can be handwritten, digital, or on any other preferred platform
• Measure progress through reflections and knowledge checks

Course structure inside Minecraft block coding academy

To develop a deep understanding of Minecraft Education's computer science curriculum, it's recommended that you sign into Minecraft Education on your own device and have one window open with Minecraft Education and another window with the Learn module. You'll also need to access the lesson plans for the curriculum. For each module you'll:

• Understand the progression and goals of Minecraft Education's computer science curriculum
• Experience computer science lessons (both block-based and Python) in Minecraft Education
• Understand the scope and sequence of the curriculum
• Plan coding lessons for your students
• Understand assessments included in the curriculum
• Check your understanding at the end of each module

Estimated completion time: Nine hours (includes in-game practice and exploration of lesson plans and unit overview documents).

Learning objectives

• Explain how to use Minecraft Education to teach computer science

• Describe the goals and progression of the curriculum and identify access points for learners at any grade band

• Explain how to use block-based programming to introduce young learners to programming concepts

• Identify the benefits of using block-based programming for young learners

• Explain the transition from block-based programming to Python in the curriculum

• Describe the organization of teaching materials to enhance learning

• Identify the resources and assessments available to enhance learner knowledge