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Is Minecraft Education the same as normal Minecraft? [2023]
Minecraft is a very popular sandbox game that allows players to explore and create their own virtual worlds. However, there is also a version of the game called Minecraft: Education Edition that is specifically designed for use in the classroom. In this article, we will discuss the similarities and differences between Minecraft Education and normal Minecraft.
Minecraft Education vs Minecraft – What are the differences?
1. Purpose
The most significant difference between Minecraft Education and normal Minecraft is the purpose. Normal Minecraft is designed for entertainment and fun, and players can spend hours exploring the virtual world and crafting their own creations. On the other hand, Minecraft Education is designed to be used in the classroom as a teaching tool. It contains features that are specifically designed to be used in an educational setting.
2. Cost
Another notable difference between the two versions of Minecraft is the cost. Normal Minecraft is a one-time purchase, usually around $26.95 for the PC version, and can be played endlessly. In contrast, Minecraft Education is a subscription-based service that costs $5 per user per year, and the license must be renewed annually.
3. Features
Minecraft Education also has several unique features that differ from normal Minecraft. These features include:
- Classroom Management Tools – Teachers can monitor student progress and control the virtual environment.
- Lesson Plans – Minecraft Education comes with pre-made lesson plans that are designed to integrate with different subject areas.
- Minecraft Marketplace – Minecraft Education offers a marketplace that allows teachers to purchase additional content and add-ons specifically designed for educational use.
4. Version
Minecraft Education is a modified version of Minecraft that is designed specifically for use in the classroom. Not only does it include features that normal Minecraft does not, but it is optimized for classroom use with features like Classroom Mode, which allows teachers to control the game environment and limit distractions like chat.
5. Content
Minecraft Education also has some unique content compared to normal Minecraft. Some of the content is designed to be used in specific lessons, such as the Chemistry Resource Pack, which contains elements, compounds, and reactions. Additionally, there are content packs specifically designed for use in different subject areas like History, Language Arts, and Math.
Can you play Minecraft: Education Edition like normal Minecraft?
It is possible to play Minecraft Education like normal Minecraft, but it depends on the goals of the lesson. Minecraft Education can be configured to allow students to play in a more open-ended and exploratory way, similar to normal Minecraft. However, Minecraft Education also has several tools and features that make it more suitable for a structured educational environment.
Is Minecraft Education better?
The question of whether Minecraft Education is better than normal Minecraft depends on how it is being used. For educational purposes, Minecraft Education is a better option because it comes with pre-made lesson plans, classroom management tools, and content that is tailored to different subject areas. Normal Minecraft, on the other hand, is better for entertainment and free exploration.
What is the purpose of Minecraft: Education Edition?
The purpose of Minecraft Education is to provide a fun and engaging way to teach various subjects, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM). It promotes student creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through interactive and immersive gameplay.
Quick Tips and Facts
- Minecraft Education is a modified version of Minecraft that is optimized for use in the classroom as a teaching tool.
- Minecraft Education has unique features such as Classroom Management Tools, Lesson Plans, and Marketplace.
- Minecraft Education costs $5 per user per year and must be renewed annually, while normal Minecraft is a one-time purchase.
- Minecraft Education has specific content packs designed for use in different subjects such as History, Language Arts, and Math.
- Minecraft Education can be played like normal Minecraft, but it is designed to be used in a structured educational environment.
Pros and Cons
Pros of Minecraft Education
- Purpose-built for educational settings.
- Classroom Management tools for teachers.
- Pre-made lesson plans that align with common subjects.
- Unique content packs designed for educational use.
Cons of Minecraft Education
- Cost – Minecraft Education is a subscription-based service and required yearly renewal.
- Can be a little challenging to set up.
- Some features such as Classroom Mode only work on Windows 10, and it not available on Mac.
FAQ
Can you play normal Minecraft with Minecraft Education?
Yes, it is possible to play normal Minecraft with Minecraft Education, but it depends on the goals of the lesson.
Is Minecraft Education worth the cost?
Minecraft Education is worth the cost if it is being used for educational purposes. It contains features that are specifically tailored to education and provides a fun and engaging way for students to learn.
What is the difference between Minecraft Education and normal Minecraft?
Minecraft Education is a modified version of Minecraft that is optimized for use in a structured educational environment. It has unique features such as Classroom Management Tools, Lesson Plans, and Marketplace, while normal Minecraft is designed for entertainment and free exploration.
Conclusion
Minecraft Education is a modified version of Minecraft that is designed specifically for use in the classroom. It has unique features that are tailored to education, making it a fun and engaging way for students to learn. While it is more expensive than normal Minecraft and requires a yearly subscription, it is a worthwhile investment for educational purposes. We highly recommend Minecraft Education for educators who want to enhance the learning experience of their students.
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