Like the subtitle suggests, this is a version of Mojang’s popular block-based virtual sandbox designed to teach students more than just how to craft, explore, and recreate their favorite video game settings. Included in the Education Edition are “hundreds of free standards-aligned lessons, design challenges, and STEM curricula,” in addition to flexible templates for teachers to create their own lessons.
RELATED: Minecraft: Education Edition Announced
The official Minecraft: Education Edition blog states that this new version launching today comes with a slew of new features on all available platforms, including Chromebooks. This includes 11 new lessons, an updated lesson library that makes it easier to find lessons, and new mobs like bees and foxes. The update also comes with a special in-game world developed with the American Beekeeping Federation to teach Minecraft students about bees and pollination, complete with the ability to explore beehives and ride bees.
“Educators work hard to create inclusive classrooms, which is challenging when students are having to adapt to learning at home, away from the predictable and social school environment,” the blog post reads. “Minecraft: Education Edition supports social-emotional learning by giving educators and students alike the opportunity to socialize with one another in-game and work on projects together.”
Minecraft: Education Edition is available through licenses for iPad, Chromebook, Mac, and Windows devices. Minecraft, meanwhile, is available for Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
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Source: Minecraft: Education Edition
