We don't have the Usual LMS
Building the (Minecraft) lost city of Babylon
Regular reports hit my radar of the amazing work being undertaken by global kids as they gain knowledge, as well as knowledgeable about their gaming activities. Many kids, supported by experienced elders (parents and peers) are engaging in this incredible platform. Teachers are helping their students to achieve amazing things.
This beautiful Minecraft build - Babylon in a brand new world for our children's futures - is simply amazing! When I say amazing, I don't mean just building in a gaming environment! I'm talking about engaging in communication and literacy; digital citizenship and story telling and above all, in the realm of creativity and global cultural. It takes effort on the part of adults to support students in this manner.
Minecraft in the classroom is a growing phenomenon. People are jumping onboard to integrate Minecraft into their school's learning culture. Minecraft is turning into a minefield in the world of grown-ups, consultant warning. It is therefore crucial to connect with high-quality users who have a deep understanding of best practices in Minecraft and not with consultants.
Project Mist
Donelle Batty's Project Mist is one of my favorite Australian leaders. She does so much with her kids every day that it's something we would like for all of our children. Donelle has been operating Project M.I.S.T. (Minecraft In School Transforming Education) for what seems like an eternity. Her students have had powerful learning experiences. GMods experience in Minecraft is a great example!
The year's Minecraft experience was truly amazing. The teamwork, the efforts and the creative thinking I witnessed were truly remarkable. In the class, I had the opportunity to socialize with kids that share the same interests as I have, building friendships throughout the year. Cooperation was the biggest highlight; When there was ridiculous number of mobs, and a high death count we sheltered and shared our supplies. If someone needed help in making or building something, it was always satisfying to teach them how to build or create it. I have also learned more about how important it is to show myself online and how I present myself. Your first impression is everything. If you're acting as an online tool people will come across you and think: "Wow, that person seems stupid and rude" And that would be the last time they visit your website/severor profile.
Recently I followed a Twitter to see what Donelle wrote about the 2014 launch of #ProjectMIST.
2014 #ProjectMIST is about to begin, but it will require an entire community of people to accomplish this! http://t.co/HwGMrUlHI5 #minecraft @natbott42
- Donelle Batty (@dbatty1) March 21, 2014
She reminded us that Minecraft is a shared experience as are the many stages of learning involved in gaining Minecraft experience. Donelle is a leader in the world and will soon be visiting Tasmania as a Hardie Fellow (Info re Hardie Fellowship recipients 2013-14).
Donelle also reminded of Jo Kay's incredible work, who I have worked closely with throughout the years on a variety of projects. Jo currently assists and develops our work in the Master of Education, Knowledge Networks and Digital Innovation degree here at CSU. We do not use the typical LMS however, we have created our own to support the degree for now.
Donelle will also explain the same way:
ProjectMIST is very fortunate to have a person who has been there for us from the beginning and is always there even at 12:00 am. Jo Kay is there to support the students when I'm not. Students appreciate her support and have created replicas of her avatars on their own servers. One young man did this last night after he locked himself out of his server. The student was accepted to the Massively @ Jokaydia Minecraft Guild. He is eager to build, learn and explore with fellow players from all over the world.
Massively @ Jokaydia is a excellent place to go if you are an educator, parent, or just are looking to try Minecraft a try.
The Massively @ jokaydia Website - a community that is supported by jokaydia.com – provides parents and kids with gaming-based spaces where they can collaborate, learn and play!
The project is designed for children aged 4-16 years old who are interested in developing digital media abilities, exploring their creativity and developing online social skills. We currently use Minecraft to support a whitelisted, safe server and a wide range of activities that help children to create their own learning routes and adventures.
You can't get better than that! Babylon was a creation by just one of the students!
You can find Donelle on Twitter @dbatty1 and Jo at @JoKay. There's also a student Nat, from the TedEX video below , @natbott42.
Image licensed under CC ( BY NC SA ) flickr photo shared by Jo Kay
How can I set up an Minecraft server at school? 
"Me and my son, and Minecraft" by Jane Costello 
GModGirl's experiences in Minecraft this year 
Three excellent Minecraft books
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