Who Says Minecraft is bad for Kids? Microsoft Gives Teachers Free Trial of Minecraft Education Edition

Microsoft released a free trial of Minecraft Education for teachers to test over the summer after promising about the matter on January making the game be used inside the classroom but solely for educational purposes only.

Minecraft is a video game that lets players create their own experiences by building blocks and using resources that are available to create more things in their online world. The game could be played in different mediums such as on a computer, a smartphone, a table, an X Box, a Playstation and many more. It is very popular among children.

However, the Education Edition of the software is different from the game itself as it aims to be used as a learning tool so students could develop different skills like that of literacy, digital citizenship, and many more. The software could also be used for coding, studying more about science, learning about planning, recreating historical landscapes and events to better understand the matter, Tech Crunch reported.

Aside from that, teachers can create non-player characters and around 30 students can interact at the same time. A chalkboard item will also be available in order to provide instructions to the student as well as a camera for learners to take snapchats of their work.

This is a more interactive approach that could be used inside the classroom by teachers especially now that children are into games and online activities. Microsoft noted that the early access release includes lesson plans in different grade levels and subjects. Some of the lesson plans include subject matters that cover factors and multiples, effects of deforestation, and city planning for growth population.

Microsoft gave early access to teachers as they wanted to hear the feedback from the educators who are mainly the recipients of the software. The early access Minecraft Education Edition will not be the final version of the software. They are planning to incorporate a chat window to manage both private and group conversations.

Minecraft Education Edition is being managed by Microsoft's acquisition of MinecraftEdu. The software will be having a per-student pricing once it is complete but Microsoft promised that their existing customers will have a year of free access. Prices for the software could range from $1 to $5.