Minecraft: is it educational?

Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

Minecraft, created by Markus "Notch" Persson and later developed and published by Mojang Studios, has revolutionized the gaming industry and extended its reach into educational spheres, including homeschooling. Persson, a Swedish video game programmer, developed Minecraft to provide a sandbox game where players could create their own worlds using various blocks, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills. Launched in 2011, Minecraft quickly gained a massive following, boasting over 126 million active users worldwide as of 2020. The game has received numerous accolades, including several BAFTA awards and the prestigious Golden Joystick Award, solidifying its reputation as a powerful educational tool.

Differentiation

Minecraft stands out in the educational realm due to its open-ended, creative gameplay that encourages exploration and innovation. Unlike traditional educational software, Minecraft’s immersive environment allows students to engage with concepts in a hands-on manner, making abstract ideas tangible. Its unique multiplayer feature enables collaborative learning, fostering communication and teamwork among students. Additionally, Minecraft’s adaptability across different subjects and its compatibility with various devices make it an accessible and versatile tool for diverse learning needs.

How to Get Started

Getting started with Minecraft for homeschooling involves a few straightforward steps. First, purchase and install the game on your preferred device, whether it's a PC, Mac, or gaming console. Next, create an account and log in to access the game. For educational purposes, consider using Minecraft: Education Edition, which includes classroom-friendly features and resources. This version offers a free trial, after which a license can be purchased. To begin, explore the tutorials and lesson plans available on the Minecraft Education website, which cover a range of subjects and grade levels.

How It Works

Using Minecraft as a homeschooling program is an engaging and interactive process. Start by setting educational goals and selecting relevant lesson plans from the extensive library available in Minecraft: Education Edition. For instance, a history lesson might involve building ancient civilizations, while a math lesson could include solving puzzles and equations to unlock new areas. The game supports both independent and parent-led activities, with minimal prep needed for setup. Students can work on assignments individually or in groups, enhancing both self-directed learning and collaborative skills.

Educational Concepts Taught

Minecraft covers a broad spectrum of educational concepts, including:

  • Mathematics: Geometry, algebra, and basic arithmetic through building and redstone circuits.

  • Science: Ecosystems, physics, chemistry (with the Chemistry Resource Pack), and renewable energy.

  • History: Reconstruction of historical sites, exploration of ancient cultures.

  • Language Arts: Storytelling, reading comprehension, and creative writing through in-game books and signs.

  • Geography: Map reading, spatial awareness, and environmental science.

  • Computer Science: Basic programming and coding using the game's redstone and command blocks.

What Users Love

Parents and students alike praise Minecraft for its ability to make learning fun and engaging. The game's flexibility allows for customized lessons that cater to individual learning styles and paces. Many homeschooling families appreciate how Minecraft encourages critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills in a way that traditional textbooks often cannot. The multiplayer mode is particularly beneficial, as it promotes collaboration and communication among peers. Additionally, the availability of various educational resources and community support makes it easier for parents to integrate the game into their homeschooling curriculum.

What Could Be Improved

Despite its many benefits, Minecraft does have some drawbacks. The game requires a stable internet connection, which might be a barrier for some families. Additionally, the learning curve for new users can be steep, requiring a time investment to understand the game mechanics fully. Some parents also express concerns about screen time and the potential for distraction, as the game’s engaging nature can lead to prolonged play. To mitigate these issues, it's essential to establish clear guidelines and monitor usage.

Advice from Parents

Homeschooling parents who use Minecraft recommend starting with the Education Edition due to its structured lessons and teacher controls. They suggest incorporating the game into the curriculum gradually, beginning with simple projects and increasing complexity as familiarity with the game grows. Many parents find it helpful to join online communities and forums where they can exchange ideas and resources with other homeschooling families. Additionally, balancing screen time with hands-on activities and outdoor play ensures a well-rounded educational experience.

Evaluation of Minecraft for Homeschooling

Overall Educational Value Score: 76/100

Minecraft scores high in overall educational value due to its uniqueness, engagement, and suitability for homeschooling. The few negatives, such as potential for addiction and mild fantasy violence, are manageable with proper guidelines and controls. Overall, Minecraft is a valuable educational tool that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and collaborative learning

Positive Scores: 87

  • Uniqueness (10): Minecraft's open-ended, sandbox nature is unparalleled, fostering creativity and problem-solving.

  • Engagement (9): Highly engaging for students, maintaining their interest and enthusiasm.

  • Accuracy (9): Reliable information and educational content, especially with the Education Edition.

  • User-Friendliness (8): Generally intuitive, though some initial learning curve.

  • Pedagogy (8): Effective in teaching various subjects, with a focus on developmental stages.

  • Homeschooling (9): Highly suitable for homeschooling, with strong positive feedback from parents.

  • Learning Focus (8): Emphasizes deep, meaningful learning across subjects.

  • Personalization (9): Highly customizable to individual learning needs.

  • Special Needs (8): Accommodates diverse learners, including those with learning disabilities.

  • Value (9): Affordable given its extensive educational benefits.

Negative Scores: 11

  • Boredom (1): Minimal boredom reported due to the game's engaging nature.

  • Addictive Components (4): Some concerns about potential addiction, requiring monitored usage.

  • Violence (2): Contains mild fantasy violence, manageable with parental controls.

  • Unhealthy Competition (1): Minimal unhealthy competition reported.

  • Excessive Prioritization of School Standards (3): Generally promotes deep learning rather than just meeting standards.

Ideal Fit

Minecraft is ideal for families seeking an interactive and immersive learning experience. It suits students who thrive in creative and open-ended environments, particularly those with interests in STEM subjects. The game is beneficial for both independent learners and those who enjoy collaborative projects. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various grade levels, from elementary to high school, and it can be tailored to meet specific educational needs and goals.

Not a Fit For

Minecraft may not be suitable for families who prefer traditional, structured educational methods or those concerned about screen time. Students who struggle with self-regulation or are easily distracted might find it challenging to stay focused on educational tasks within the game. Additionally, families without reliable internet access or compatible devices may face difficulties using Minecraft as a homeschooling tool.

Grades

Minecraft is versatile enough to be used across a wide range of grades, from kindergarten through 12th grade. The Education Edition provides tailored content for different age groups, ensuring that the lessons are age-appropriate and aligned with educational standards.

Cost

The cost of Minecraft varies depending on the version and licensing. Minecraft: Education Edition typically costs around $5 per user per year for schools and educational organizations. The standard version of Minecraft for personal use ranges from $26.95 for the Java Edition to $29.99 for the Bedrock Edition on various platforms.

Ways to Get It

Minecraft can be purchased and downloaded from the official Minecraft website or through various app stores, depending on the platform. The Education Edition is available through the Minecraft Education website, where schools and educators can also find additional resources and support for integrating the game into their curriculum.

Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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