The video game Minecraft is growing in popularity every day. As the game grows in popularity, so grows the number of high school graduates in the world. The question arises:
If we were to introduce Minecraft more in schools, would the next generation be more electronically and educationally willing?
We all remember a time, past or present, pulling consecutive 16 hour days playing Minecraft.
Night after night I did math, though I did absolutely none while in school.
I know I did, anyway. The one thing that we all had to do in the process was attend school. During the summer, I played every day, and I used math every single day. I used creativity every single day, and most importantly; I talked with my friends EVERY single day.
Hour after hour I slaved on houses and stadiums, but when school rolled around, I didn’t care. I neglected homework and all I did was plan the next big build. Night after night I did math, though I did absolutely none while in school. It is already too late for me, but what about the next generation?
Some Groups Already Get It
People have been creating websites like minecraftedu.com, a site that offers classroom friendly alternatives to the original Mojang Minecraft selection. They have partnered with Mojang and created educational discounts on more technical versions of Minecraft, appealing to schools everywhere, and resulting in countless after-school Minecraft clubs and organizations dedicated to the game. Though all schools aren’t likely to embrace this new form of education, why shouldn’t they?
Why Every School Should Consider Adding Minecraft for Math
Since 2010, graduation rates have risen to their peak point since the 70s. In the same amount of time, Minecraft has reached its prime. Reaching out to over 14 million computers worldwide, and nearly 12 thousand every day alone. This sudden infection of the Minecraft bug can’t be a coincidence. A game that requires skill that is not realized. A game that has trended for nearly four years. A game that belongs in our school system. It teaches simple (and maybe even a little complex) math to those both young, and young at heart.
On the Arts side, What Can’t be Built in the Virtual 8 Bit World (Other than a Sphere or Cylinder)?
Minecraft uses creativity to slowly but surely teach generations many necessary functions.
The answer is nothing.
Want an aquifer? Build it! Want a stadium? Build it! Do you just want to have a sword made of diamonds? MINE IT! The opportunities and possibilities are absolutely endless. Minecraft uses creativity to slowly but surely teach generations many necessary functions.
Minecraft is a Perfect Match for Schools
this game slaps it right in the face and screams, “FEEL THE KNOWLEDGE.”
The educational process is complicated, but this game slaps it right in the face and screams, “FEEL THE KNOWLEDGE.” Appreciate a game that is perfect in every way, right after the most recent bug fix update. But most of all, experience a game that has the opportunity to change the modern educational and generational barriers. Experience Minecraft.
