An Interest In:
Web News this Week
- April 18, 2024
- April 17, 2024
- April 16, 2024
- April 15, 2024
- April 14, 2024
- April 13, 2024
- April 12, 2024
April 4, 2011 03:48 am PDT
Original Link: http://feeds.boingboing.net/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/zlgm3enGv5w/minecraft-the-classr.html
Minecraft: the classroom edition
Here's a great profile of The Minecraft Teacher, AKA Joel Levin, who teaches a computer class at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in Manhattan where he makes extensive use of Minecraft. He assigns complex team-tasks in Minecraft that blend open-ended exploration with problem-solving and cooperation. It's a really clever way of using games as a teaching tool: "From day one, the kids are all playing together in a single world," explained Levin. "They must share resources, take turns, work together, and, frankly, be nice to each other. This is usually the first time these kids have had to think about these concepts in a game, but it goes hand in hand with the big picture stuff they are learning in their homerooms. It's amazing to see how many real world issues get played out in the microcosm of the game. Kids have territorial disputes over where they are building. Kids have said mean things to each other within the game or have been destructive with each other's creations." Levin actually views these negative behaviors as a positive aspect of the lesson, and will often stop the game to address these concerns. He sees it as a way to help shape the way his students behave in an online environment, showing them the importance of acting in a responsible and considerate manner. "Hopefully they will remember some of these lessons when they finally get Facebook accounts a few years down the road," he told Ars. Educational building blocks: how Minecraft is used in classrooms Eight-mile long Minecraft highway - Boing Boing Working computer made out of Minecraft blocks - Boing Boing Minecraft seeds - Boing Boing Minecraft wolves - Boing Boing Why Minecraft works - Boing Boing Minecraft papercraft - Boing Boing...Original Link: http://feeds.boingboing.net/~r/boingboing/iBag/~3/zlgm3enGv5w/minecraft-the-classr.html
Share this article:
Tweet
View Full Article