Beta Version of Minecraft: Education Edition Available for Download for Schools and Educators!
The time has come. The beta version of Minecraft’s highly anticipated education edition is available for testing for schools and educators starting today.
Teachers and administrators will be able to test out the beta version for the rest of the summer to provide Microsoft with feedback on how the game would work in classrooms.
As Education World reported last month, Minecraft is available in over 11 languages and its owner Microsoft is hoping to work with educators around the world this summer to perfect the game’s classroom value. For educators looking to keep busy this summer, the partnership could be ideal.
Microsoft has been looking to expand Minecraft’s influence in education since it purchased the game several years ago. In 2011, an educator created an educational version of the game and it took off in schools almost immediately.
In 2011, educator Joel Levin developed MinecraftEdu. Not long after, the potential for Minecraft in the classroom was realized when the program expanded to over 5,500 educators and received support from Minecraft’s former owner, Mojang. Microsoft bought MinecraftEdu earlier this year to supplement the upcoming launch of its own education version.
Microsoft plans to be busy this summer working with educators to use their feedback as it continues e to develop the game.
“During the summer months, we are also going to be focused on working with educators on building out lesson plans, sharing learning activity ideas, and creating re-usable projects,” the Minecraft Education Team said in a blog post last month.
“If you are new to Minecraft, or if you aren’t sure where to start in bringing Minecraft into your classroom and incorporating into your curriculum, the early access program is going to be a great way to familiarize yourself with Minecraft: Education Edition. We also suggest educators check out our many resources on education.minecraft.net, including lesson plans like the Great Pyramids of Giza, or electrical circuits using Redstone. In addition, the Minecraft Mentors program connects you with educators experienced in teaching with Minecraft and demystifies the process,” it said.
Beta Version of Minecraft: Education Edition Available for Download for Schools and Educators!