Microsoft's Minecraft: Education Edition game could be the next teaching trend in classrooms around the world. Microsoft bought Minecraft for $2.5 billion in 2014. And it will soon have an academic use this May. Before the final launch of the educational product, Microsoft will conduct a beta program. It will be tested in 100 schools across 30 countries. Leaving Microsoft the opportunity to make some trend adjustments.
The trendy evolution of Minecraft
The popular video game entered the video game scene in 2011. It quickly gathered over 10 million registered users. Currently, registered users of Minecraft are just under 10 million. And the educational version is ready to go global. This will boost the registered users, as the game is very popular in schools. It will also expose people to the game who may never have experienced it before. Educational or other version. Microsoft's "early access" program will be free at first. In exchange for feedback from students and teachers. It will be available in 41 countries and 11 languages. Educators will help develop lesson plans and project ideas throughout the summer of 2016.
Could Minecraft be revolutionary for education?
Those who have enjoyed Minecraft since the game's inception in 2011 have reason to rejoice. Students and teachers who previously played Minecraft at home will now experience the joy at work and school. All in the name of education. And this may be the next big educational trend that will revolutionize learning. As well as the way students and teachers interact. It can allow the teacher-student relationship to become more positive. And the learning atmosphere will follow. This trend can also place students in a different mental space. Students learning via Minecraft will learn essential subjects without even knowing it.
Today's trend may be out of reach
According to Microsoft's January statistics, Minecraft is already being used in 7,000 classrooms in over 40 countries. Could this shift to game education be a control tactic? Control with licensing agreements? The trend could be getting out of hand. Many developing countries are not in a position to pay the licensing fees. Or to own the operating systems needed for the game. The Minecraft: Education Edition will run on Windows 10. As well as on Mac OS. Teachers will have access to Office 365 for free using their school email. This can increase profits for Microsoft. Since the classroom exposure will be global. One thing is for sure. Games have finally found their place in classrooms.