Minecraft to take over from the textbook: Microsoft buys educational version of hit game to teach everything from maths to history
- Mojang will create new version of the game aimed at teachers
- Will allow upto 40 children to work together in the same world
- Minecraft will be used to teach maths and even tour historic buildings
Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and has plans to create a bigger and better version of the popular world-building video game that’s designed for classrooms.
The Redmond, Washington, software company will partner with TeacherGaming LLC, creator of MinecraftEdu, to transform that game into ‘Minecraft: Education Edition.’
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft is buying the educational version of Minecraft and has plans to create a bigger and better version of the popular world-building video game that’s designed for classrooms.
Microsoft says the new version will add and expand features intended to make the game classroom friendly, including better maps and coordinates that will help teachers and students find their way around a Minecraft world together.
Developers will also beef up the game’s multi-player capabilities so that a classroom of up to 40 kids can work together.
The game lets players explore, fight monsters and build surprisingly complex structures – even electrical circuits – out of blocks.
You could easily use it to teach math, said Deirdre Quaranstrom, Microsoft’s director of Minecraft education.
But kids could also explore ancient temples in the game for a history class or view the inside of an eyeball as part of a science lesson.
Perks for educators include an online community with a mentorship program for connecting teachers experienced with Minecraft to those new to it.
Minecraft history: Pupils will be able to tour historic buildings together in the game – and see how they were constructed
Kids could also explore ancient temples in the game for a history class or view the inside of an eyeball as part of a science lesson, Microsoft says.
‘Of course, every Minecraft player learns essential life-skills like tree-punching and good Creeper-defence but, when used in the right way, Minecraft can help people around the world to learn lots more,’ Mojang, the game’s developed said.
Minecraft founder Markus Persson sold Minecraft to Microsoft in September, in a deal that was said to be worth $2.5 billion (£1.5 billion). The latest Windows Phone version (pictured) includes all of Minecraft’s mobile features, including Survival mode, Creative mode and multiplayer features when played on Wi-Fi networks
‘Over the past few years, educators around the world have been using Minecraft to explore subjects that might not spring to mind when you think of our block-based game.
Since 2011, MinecraftEdu – a version of Minecraft built for the classroom – has been used in over 40 countries. Lots of people have learned loads of things since then.’
The site will host lesson plans and give Minecraft: Education Edition users somewhere to discuss ideas and provide feedback.
‘We know teachers can be a rowdy bunch, so we’re looking into the best ways to moderate the forums as I type. Wish us luck.’
The game can also teach basic physics to students