How Playing Minecraft Can Help Students Learn Coding Skills
How Playing Minecraft Can Help Students Learn Coding Skills
How Playing Minecraft Can Help Students Learn Coding Skills
Alyson Klein
February, 27, 2025
Summary
Gamified learning varies widely in effectiveness, with some platforms integrating fun, interactive gameplay that teaches real skills, while others add superficial game elements—dubbed “chocolate covered broccoli.” Richard Culatta criticizes such shallow gamification but highlights successful models like the Prodigy-Minecraft partnership. This initiative uses Minecraft Education to teach and assess coding, cybersecurity, and AI, allowing students to earn industry-recognized credentials. It’s especially valuable in rural areas, enabling non-specialist teachers to implement computer science education. Washington state supports the program to address workforce shortages. The game-based approach boosts engagement by connecting academic learning to a familiar, enjoyable platform many students already use.
Reference
Klein, A. (2025, February 27). How playing Minecraft can help students learn coding skills. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/technology/how-playing-minecraft-can-help-students-learn-coding-skills/2025/02