Minecraft: Education Edition


Minecraft: Education Edition is an open world game that allows students to create, collaborate and problem solve in immersive worlds. The education edition has been exclusively developed to maximise learning with some amazing features. With the New Zealand Ministry of Education's Schools' Agreement with Microsoft, Minecraft: Education Edition is available at no cost to state and state-integrated schools. At this time, Minecraft: Education Edition is supported on the newest operating systems for PC, iPad and Mac:
  • On PC, it is supported for Windows 10 version 1607 and up. 
  • On macOS, it is supported for Sierra and High Sierra systems. 
  • On iOS, it is supported on iOS 9 or higher.  

Listen to Sam McNeill, Senior Solution Specialist at Microsoft, talk through some of the powerful features that differentiate Minecraft: Education Edition. 

The Minecraft: Education Edition Website provides access to downloadable lessons and worlds to use with your students. You can access curriculum for both STEM and mathematics from the following links:
Key Minecraft: Education Edition features include:
  • Chemistry Update - Manipulate atoms, combine elements to form compounds, walk around the periodic table and perform experiments with the new Chemistry resource pack.
  • Aquatic Update - Explore marine environments, ocean ecology and conservation with the aquatic update. 
  • Classroom Mode - A companion application that allows the teacher to view a map of the world with a list of students, the ability to transport students and interact with students via chat. 
  • Code Builder - Once you have opened a world, simply press 'c' on your keyboard to open Code Builder. Code Builder allows you to work through projects and coding tutorials using block based drag and drop code as well as the opportunity to code in JavaScript. 
  • Structure block - export and save your Minecraft: EE creations as a 3D file which can be imported into programs such as Paint 3D and Mixed Reality.
  • Non Player Characters - Use these NPCs to provide students with instructions, tasks and feedback to help them navigate the lesson.
  • Camera - Students can take photos and selfies within Minecraft: EE to share their learning using the in-game portfolio. 
  • Tutorial worlds - download tutorial worlds to learn how to navigate Minecraft: Education Edition.
  • Secure sign in - Teachers and students sign in with their Office 365 accounts.


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