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Is Minecraft Education Basically Minecraft? [2023]
If you're a parent or a teacher interested in using Minecraft Education in the classroom, you might be wondering: is Minecraft Education basically Minecraft? We're here to answer that question and provide a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Minecraft Education and how it differs from the original game.
Minecraft Education Edition vs Minecraft: What's the Difference?
Before we dive into the intricacies of Minecraft Education and how it differs from Minecraft, let's first address the obvious question: are they the same thing? The short answer is no. Minecraft Education Edition is a modified version of Minecraft, specifically designed for classroom use.
Differences in Gameplay
Minecraft Education includes all of the gameplay elements of the original game, such as building and exploring, but it also includes additional features that enhance education and learning. These include non-playable characters (NPCs), educational Minecraft worlds, and customizable skins.
Classroom Integration
The main difference between Minecraft Education and the original game is the classroom integration. Minecraft Education includes tools for teachers to incorporate educational objectives and exercises into gameplay, such as a camera portfolio and a chalkboard.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Another difference between Minecraft Education and the original game is cross-platform compatibility. Minecraft Education works across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and iPad. This makes it easier to integrate the game into classroom lessons.
Pricing
Pricing is also a factor to consider when comparing Minecraft Education and the original game. Minecraft Education is priced at $5 per user, per year. This is cheaper than the original game, which costs $26.95 for the basic version and $79.95 for the Java edition.
Blocks and Items
While Minecraft Education includes all of the blocks and items from the original game, it also includes additional blocks and items specifically designed for education. These include camera blocks, portfolio items, and NPCs.
How is Minecraft Education Being Used in Classrooms?
Minecraft has become a popular tool in classrooms around the world, with teachers using the game to teach everything from history to coding. Minecraft Education takes this a step further, providing additional tools specifically designed for classroom integration.
Coding
One of the main benefits of Minecraft Education is its ability to teach coding. The game includes a coding agent that allows students to learn coding principles in a fun and interactive way.
History
Minecraft Education is also being used to teach history. Teachers can create historical worlds in Minecraft and have students explore and learn about different periods in history.
Teamwork
Minecraft Education is a great tool for teaching teamwork. Students can work together to build structures and solve problems, developing communication and collaboration skills.
STEM Subjects
Minecraft Education is also being used to teach science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. The game provides a fun and interactive way for students to learn these subjects.
Is Minecraft Education Worth It?
Now that we've discussed the differences between Minecraft Education and the original game, as well as how it's being used in classrooms, let's answer the question: is Minecraft Education worth it?
Pros
There are many benefits to using Minecraft Education in the classroom, including:
- Classroom integration tools for teachers
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Additional blocks and items designed for education
- Ability to teach coding and collaboration
- Fun and interactive way to learn
Cons
However, there are also some downsides to using Minecraft Education, including:
- Cost: while cheaper than the original game, there is still a cost associated with Minecraft Education
- Steep learning curve: some students may struggle to learn how to play the game, especially if they are not familiar with video games
- Time-consuming: creating educational worlds and exercises can be time-consuming for teachers
Recommendation
Overall, we believe that Minecraft Education is a valuable tool for teachers looking to incorporate technology into their lesson plans. While there is a cost associated with the game and it can be time-consuming to create educational exercises, the benefits of using Minecraft Education in the classroom outweigh the drawbacks.
What is the Difference Between Minecraft Java and Education Edition?
Another common question is what the difference is between Minecraft Java and Minecraft Education Edition. Minecraft Java is the original version of the game, designed for single-player and multiplayer use. Minecraft Java does not include any of the educational tools or features of Minecraft Education.
Minecraft Java Pros
There are still benefits to using Minecraft Java in the classroom, including:
- No cost: Minecraft Java can be played for free online or purchased for a one-time fee
- Mods: Minecraft Java supports mods, which can be used to enhance gameplay and learning
- Multiplayer: Minecraft Java is designed for multiplayer use, making it a great tool for teaching teamwork
Minecraft Java Cons
However, there are also some downsides to using Minecraft Java in the classroom, including:
- Not designed for education: Minecraft Java does not include any of the educational features or tools of Minecraft Education
- Limited classroom integration: while mods can be used to enhance gameplay and learning, they can also be time-consuming to set up and install
- Not cross-platform: Minecraft Java only works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, which can limit access for some students
Quick Tips and Facts
- Minecraft Education is a modified version of the original game, specifically designed for classroom use
- Minecraft Education includes additional educational features and tools, such as cross-platform compatibility and classroom integration tools
- Minecraft Education is priced at $5 per user, per year, making it cheaper than the original game
- Minecraft Java is the original game, designed for single-player and multiplayer use
- Minecraft Java is not designed for education, but can still be used in the classroom with mods and other tools
FAQ
Is Minecraft Education good for learning?
Yes, Minecraft Education is great for learning. The game provides a fun and interactive way for students to learn while still being engaging and entertaining.
What are the educational benefits of Minecraft Education?
The educational benefits of Minecraft Education include teaching teamwork, collaboration, coding, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects.
Is Minecraft Education expensive?
Minecraft Education is priced at $5 per user, per year, making it cheaper than the original game. However, there is still a cost associated with the game.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Minecraft Education is not simply Minecraft with a new name. While it includes all of the gameplay elements of the original game, it also includes additional features and tools designed specifically for classroom use. Minecraft Education provides a fun and interactive way for students to learn while still being engaging and entertaining. While there is a cost associated with the game and it can be time-consuming to create educational exercises, we believe that the benefits of using Minecraft Education in the classroom outweigh the drawbacks.
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