Victorian government school students will have access to Minecraft: Education Edition, a classroom version of the popular game Minecraft, specifically created to immerse students in various Minecraft worlds to promote creativity, problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration.
This is the result of a new agreement between the Victorian Government and Microsoft. “This is about giving our schools and students access to the best digital technology and programs to prepare them for the jobs of the future,” said Education Minister, James Merlino.
Through the partnership, Minecraft: Education Edition, and a broad range of other software, is now available for use by all Victorian government schools, students and staff.
The Education Edition of Minecraft is tailored to teach collaboration and build students’ skills in technology and science. “We know our kids will need skills in science and in technology as well as critical thinking, and programs like this give them the opportunity to develop in these areas,” added Minister Merlino.
Students can interact with virtual learning experiences that directly link and expand on the subjects being taught in the classroom.
Teachers can also use the program to engage students, meet their learning needs and build their skills around a particular subject such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), History, Geography or Coding.