Any parent of a child over 8 years old knows the word: Minecraft, which is a game where you dig (mine) and build (craft) different kinds of three-dimensional blocks inside a world of different terrains and habitats. Time passes as you play so the light changes and you find yourself hungry, tired or running away from monsters/zombies who are trying to kill you. It is an ongoing game, with no real “winners”. There are different servers, or worlds, to move among and kids can team up and play with their friends, or strangers, sharing raw materials and building houses together.
While parents know the word Minecraft, most have little idea why it consumes so much of our children’s time. We have been programmed to think that all electronic games are the enemy, but some experts say they can have positive uses and influences. Could this Minecraft revolution be a frenemy: part-enemy but also part-friend?
As an IT teacher at the American International School in Abu Dhabi, Habeeb Mustafa encourages Minecraft play and says he actively uses it as part of his curriculum.
How can Minecraft be a positive influence in schools?
“From an educator’s perspective, I find Minecraft beneficial for my students in many ways, from engagement and enrichment of curriculum content and delivery. Many children who would not normally partake in an exercise, become suddenly enthused when Minecraft is the delivery vehicle and can develop newfound confidence and recognition among their peers.”
“Minecraft is a game, yes. But it can also be used as a tool for education and unleashing the imagination. Gamification is a known phenomenon that entices learners into interacting with educational software, by embracing the same principles that attract them to video games. That is why I think Minecraft can be so beneficial in the classroom. It can be used to make learning more attractive and relevant to students, encouraging and rewarding them for their interactions. Learners become more enthusiastic and engaged and hence leave acquiring greater knowledge and understanding of the content covered as well as skills related to problem solving, group work and good communication.”
Specifically, how can it be part of the curriculum?
“The possibilities are nearly endless and limited only by the imagination and time available. A good example could be in history and geography. Students can examine worlds built to scale by the Minecraft community, such as the Forbidden City of ancient China, Greek temples, ancient Rome, or the Pyramids of Giza. They can also experiment with recreating or rebuilding such landmarks as the Seven Wonders of the world to gain a greater insight into how magnificent they were. Experiencing for themselves the logistical difficulties of finding, gathering, transporting and organising the vast amounts of resources needed for such gargantuan projects alone can be eye-opening and help with logical thinking, analytical skills and problem solving strategies.”
This is an online game. What about safety concerns?
“In class, I will most often use Minecraft EDU, a licensed version that affords the complete control of the server, world settings and multiplayer access. I will usually only allow people physically present to join. I understand though the risks young people face while accessing the Internet in general. I would advocate for the education of the risks, as well as empowerment with open and frank advice.”
With thanks to Heather Long Vandevoorde, Ph.D.