Last year I carried out my own Adventure Learning project, where I built a
chicken house as well as learnt about keeping chickens. Some people will ask
why I bothered to do this. Here are the reasons I personally chose to do it:
1. It put me in the shoes of one of my learners and took me out of my comfort zone.
2. It enabled the children in my class to see me as a learner too.
3. It allowed me to learn something new and forced me to make the time needed to do this.
4. It also provided me with an opportunity to reflect on what I'm asking my students to do during Adventure Learning time and the process they're expected to work through.
This time I've decided to learn about how to use Minecraft in the classroom.
Below are the planning questions that are on the planning proposal that each
group in my class has to complete. I decided that it was only fair that I
answer the same questions.
What do you plan to do and why?
For some time now I've been inspired by how other teachers are using
Minecraft in their classrooms. A couple of my students, who already knew how
to use Minecraft used it in our class last year. We'd been learning about
minibeasts and for their sharing item they created a beehive in Minecraft.
It was detailed and well thought through. One child was a very capable
student, who often became bored if he wasn't challenged and 'hooked in'. The
other child was amazing at hands on activities, but found writing and reading
challenging. Straight away I could see the potential that Minecraft could have
in the classroom.
The problem was that I had very little knowledge about how to use it mysef or
how it could be effectively used in our classroom. We've just got five iPads for
our classroom so I've decided that now will be a good time to learn a bit more
about it.
What do you already know about this topic?
* That you can purchase the full pocket edition of Minecraft for iPads.
* It engages students in their learning.
* It's recommended that you use creative mode, not survival mode in the classroom.
* Minecraft has huge potential for use in the classroom. I'm just not exactly sure what that is yet.
* There's a lot of teachers using it in classrooms already.
What are your 'I wonder' questions?
* How do I physically use the iPad app? How do I get started with building something?
* How are other teachers using Minecraft in the classroom?
* How can I effectively use Minecraft in the classroom to engage students in their learning.
I'm sure there will be a lot more questions as I work through this! These are
just my initial questions.
What research are you going to do? What will you spend your Adventure
Learning time doing?
* I'm going to connect with other teachers through my PLN to see how they're using it in their classrooms.
* I will read blog posts about Minecraft in the classroom.
* I have a much younger brother who is into Minecraft, who might be able to teach me a few tricks.
* I know there a few kids in my class who I'm sure would love to show me what they already know about using Minecraft. Lunch with the teacher and Minecraft lessons, from the kids might be a go next week.
* Connecting with other teachers and reading what is on the VLN. I think there's a Minecraft group I may be able to join, or something similar.
* Explore! There's nothing like just getting in and having a go. I think that's when the questions will start to arise.
* The Pocket Edition Minecraft iPad app.
* Access to the VLN group, access to Twitter etc.
* I will need help with learning how to use the app.
* I will also need help with finding ideas around how to effectively use Minecraft in the classroom.
http://www.edutopia.org/made-with-play-game-based-learning-resources
ReplyDeleteThere's a few resources halfway down the page, and the http://minecraftedu.com/page/ provides both cheaper Minecraft licenses and a modified version of the game they say is custom built for the classroom. I've never used it, but there is sure to be Youtube videos on it. :)