Why Teachers Should Play Minecraft--In Class

Joel Levin:

Dig, dig, dig. Break and build. Such are the simple, hallmark mechanics behind one of the world's most popular indie games, Minecraft, which has sold an estimated 20 million copies across different platforms and consoles since its alpha release in 2009.

That includes copies at more than 1,400 schools across six continents, shared Joel Levin, the "Minecraft Teacher" who many accredit for bringing the game into the classroom. Levin, who teaches computer science at Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School in New York City, is the co-creator of MinecraftEDU, the official version of the game specifically tailored for teachers and students. His popular blog serves as a nexus of the Minecraft educator community.

"I see myself more as a gardener," Levin humbly stated in an interview at the recent 2013 Games for Change Festival."
And the garden that he's nurtured has blossomed into a collection of colorful worlds, projects and contraptions of every imaginable scope and scale. Perhaps the grandest is the World of Humanities, made up of ancient cities and landmarks filled with additional readings, missions and quests for students. Its creator, Eric Walker, a teacher at the American School in Kuwait, has poured 600--and counting--hours into the project.

Posted by Jim Zellmer at July 9, 2013 12:04 AM
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