Minecraft: Education Edition For iPad Released

Minecraft is always a great way to get kids thinking about how to build things in much the same way that Lego has been for years, and now Microsoft has launched a special education-focused version of the game, specifically designed for ages K-12.

Dubbed Minecraft: Education Edition, the new game is available for download for the iPad directly from the App Store.

Built for use in schools, those institutions will need a Microsoft 365 licensing agreement with Microsoft in order to be able to use Minecraft: Education Edition, with the game shipping with a number of tutorials and free resources that give teachers an indication as to how best use the new game as a tool in the classroom. Teachers will need to contact their IT teams in order to make sure that they have the relevant Microsoft licenses in place to take advantage of Minecraft: Education Edition, but the app can be downloaded from the App Store by anyone – they just won’t be able to make use of it.

According to the game’s release notes, there’s plenty for teachers and students to look forward to here.

DESIGNED FOR CLASSROOMS EVERYWHERE
Designed for students of all learning styles, ages K-12 and higher education
Supports development of key 21st century skills including STEM
Over 400 free lessons and tutorials available on our website
Special features allow for formative assessment, teacher controls and classroom collaboration
Online educator community provides peer support

SPECIAL LESSONS & WORLDS
Chemistry features allow students to build an in-game periodic table
Update Aquatic introduces marine life to the Minecraft oceans
Treasure Island and Roald Dahl worlds bring novels to life
In-game features like camera, book and quill, and chalkboards help students document their work
3D export tool for mixed reality and 3D printing

Who would have thought that Minecraft would be a tool for education when it launched all those years ago?

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