Minecraft: Education Edition Available on Chromebooks for Back To School
As schools across the globe prepare for Back to School and transition to hybrid, remote and in-person learning models educators are making use of Minecraft Education Edition to keep learners engaged and connected. As part of our mission to support teachers, students, and families during this unique transition Minecraft: Education Edition app is now available for download. Minecraft: Education Edition app is now available for Chromebooks.
Since Minecraft: Education Edition first was released to schools in 2016 educators across the globe have been seeking out when the platform will be made available to Chromebooks. We are glad to welcome educators from Chromebooks to the world of Minecraft and our worldwide teaching community in partnership with the Google Education team!
Minecraft Education Edition has new features that are available for all devices, including Chromebooks and Windows Macs. This will allow remote and hybrid learning that can be used to help students go back to School. We have 11 new STEM lessons, including the unique Minecraft world that was created in conjunction with the American Beekeeping Federation's Kids and Bees Program. This Minecraft world will introduce children to honeybees and their pollination. They include new mobs such as bees and foxes as well as beehives and honey blocks, and an improved library of lesson plans with tagged learning activities to make finding lessons much easier.
How can I get Minecraft Education Edition for Chromebooks
Users of Chromebook, iPad, Windows, and Windows will automatically be upgraded to the most recent version of Minecraft: Education Edition. Mac users will have to install it manually. Visit the Help Center for everything you should learn about starting with Minecraft: Education Edition on Chromebook. The Chromebook version of Minecraft: Education Edition offers the same set of features that other versions have that include multiplayer with other platforms. Students using the app on Chromebooks can interact with their fellow students on computers or iPads, for instance. If you're looking to deploy Minecraft: Education Edition to a fleet of managed Chrome devices, refer to this Chromebook deployment guide.
If your school is licensed by Microsoft 365 for Education (A3 or A5), you already have access to Minecraft: Education Edition. Minecraft: Education Edition is licensed through annual subscriptions purchased from the Microsoft Store for Education via volume licensing agreements or through partner resellers. Although logging in requires the use of a Microsoft account, we're working on enabling users to log in using an existing Google account as well.
Educators trying Minecraft: Education Edition for the first time on Chromebook can start here with online trainings, beginner lessons, and onboarding resources.
Minecraft for Remote and Hybrid Learning
Minecraft Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that helps students develop essential 21st-century skills like coding and creative problem-solving. Hundreds of free standards-aligned lessons, design challenges, and STEM curriculum are available in the game and online, in addition to flexible templates that allow teachers to create their own learning activities. In a time when staying connected to the classroom is of particular importance, Minecraft supports collaboration and authentic student-led learning. Visit our page for distance learning to download tools for lessons and other tools for hybrid and remote learning using Minecraft: Education Edition.
Teachers are hard at work to create inclusive classrooms. This can be challenging when students have to adjust to learning at home away from their familiar and social school environment. Minecraft Education Edition encourages social-emotional learning by giving students and educators alike the opportunity to socialize with one another in-game and collaborate on projects.
"We've created new connections with students during this time of remote learning," says James Protheroe who is a Welsh educator and Minecraft Mentor. "They're helping one another in different ways, and it's strengthening the bonds between students and teachers. Minecraft helps them make sense of what's happening. They can communicate their thoughts and ideas reduce stress, and learn in a setting that is safe.
Thousands of teachers in more than 115 countries use Minecraft Education Edition to motivate their students to explore STEM and tell stories, look into the past and tackle problems. There are numerous online professional trainings and peer support. Certified Minecraft Mentors (MIEEs), and Microsoft Innovative Educator Experts, (MIEEs), offer peer support in teaching Minecraft and classroom management. With features such as multiplayer, in-game coding and Immersive Reader, Minecraft: Education Edition provides an innovative learning experience that puts students in a familiar environment that provides engaging learning content and opportunities to express their creative side.
Minecraft Education Edition is committed supporting teachers and students using the platforms as they transition to new models in teaching and learning. Chromebook users have access to Minecraft Education Edition in many more homes and schools around the globe. This lets students, educators, parents and their families to experience the interactive learning and fun that Minecraft provides when it is most needed.