On today’s show… We know Minecraft can be used for building, and you’ve heard on previous episodes about how educators are using it to help students make connections around the world. We’ve talked about building great lessons too. Did you know you can also code with Minecraft?! We’ll be talking to Steve Isaacs about that and more.

Steve Isaacs

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mr_isaacs

• Hour of Code is an easy way to take your first steps in coding. It is 100% self directed, and anyone can do it with no prior knowledge of coding. https://education.minecraft.net/hour-of-code
• If you’ve already done the Hour of Code, we have a new set of extension activities that pick up where the fun left off. Code Town is part 2 which picks things up right where students left off. Find it under Computer Science in the Minecraft: Education Edition Library or on the web: https://education.minecraft.net/lessons/minecraft-code-town/
• If you’re an educator looking to teach coding to your students we offer over 50 hours of coding curriculum that is based on CSTA standards on our web site. Computing with Minecraft is for beginners and Coding with Minecraft covers topics such as conditionals, functions, and coordinates. Both courses are free to download in OneNote. https://education.minecraft.net/class-resources/computer-science-subject-kit/
• Educators who want to learn more about coding in M:EE can take the Building Blocks of Code online professional development course on the Microsoft Educator Center: https://education.microsoft.com/en-us/course/7dd3d540/overview

Join the Minecraft Education Challenge! This virtual build challenge invites students around the world to learn about issues related to sustainability and inclusion, then design solutions with Minecraft: Education Edition.

Create your own prompt that invites students to address a local issue impacting your school, community or region. This could be something like designing a more accessible version of your classroom in Minecraft. Think about people with different learning styles and disabilities, so the space is a safe and inspiring environment for everyone to be healthy. 

Or build a more sustainable version of your school in Minecraft. Consider a holistic definition of sustainability, which may involve rethinking energy systems, recycling, transportation, and how nature plays a role.

Share progress and stories of your Challenge experience via Twitter and Facebook, and tag us using our Twitter handle @PlayCraftLearn and the hashtag #MinecraftChallenge, and then post your results on the Minecraft Challenge Flipgrid page.