Microsoft’s Minecraft: Education Edition may be the next teaching trend in classrooms across the globe. Microsoft purchased Minecraft for $2.5 billion in 2014. And it will soon have academic use this May. Before the final launch of the education product, Microsoft will run a beta program. It will be tested in 100 schools in 30 countries. Giving Microsoft the opportunity to make a few trend-setting adjustments.
The Trending Evolution of Minecraft
The popular computer game entered the gaming scene in 2011. It quickly collected more than 10 million registered users. Presently, Minecraft’s registered users are just under 10 million. And the educational version is ready to go global. This will boost registered users as the game trends in schools. It will also expose people to the game who may have never experienced it before. Educational or otherwise. Microsoft’s “early access” program will be free in the beginning. In exchange for student and teacher feedback. It will be available in 41 countries and 11 languages. Educators will assist in lesson plan development and project ideas throughout the summer of 2016.
Could Minecraft be Revolutionary for Education?
People who have been enjoying Minecraft since the game’s inception in 2011 have reason to celebrate. Students and teachers who have previously played Minecraft at home will now experience joy at work and school. All in the name of education. And this may be the next big education trend to revolutionize learning. As well as how students and teachers interact. It may allow the teacher-student relationship to become more positive. And the learning atmosphere will follow. The trend may also put students in a different mental space. Students learning via Minecraft will learn essential material without even knowing it.
Today’s Trend May Be Out of Reach
According to Microsoft’s January statistics, Minecraft is already used in 7,000 classrooms in over 40 countries. Could this swing into education for the game be a control tactic? Control with licensing agreements? The trend could become out of reach. Many developing countries are unable to afford licensing fees. Or possess the necessary operating systems the game requires. The Minecraft: Education Edition will run on Windows 10. As well as Mac OS. Teachers will have access to Office 365 for free using their school emails. This may increase profits for Microsoft. Since classroom exposure will be global. One thing is for sure. Gaming has finally found a home in the classroom.
