Investigating the role of Minecraft in educational learning environments

Abstract

This research paper identifies the way in which Minecraft Edu can be used to contribute to the teaching and learning of secondary students via a multiple case research study. Minecraft Edu is recognised as a gamification tool that enables its users to create and evaluate project-based learning activities within a classroom context. Learning through edugames was found to enhance learning as well as allow students to attain overall learning outcomes. This permitted an enhancement of engagement, collaboration, the creation of authentic learning activities as well as the attainment of learning outcomes. The role of the teacher was also found to play a considerable role in students attaining these twenty-first-century teaching and learning capabilities.

Keywords:

• Minecraft
• Minecraft Edu
• gamification
• edugames
• ICT
• e-learning
• technological tools
• technology
• online spaces
• Australian secondary schools
• middle schools
• engagement
• self-directed learning
• Australian curriculum
• BYOD
• cloud computing