#MinecraftEDU Archive
This chat is dedicated to showing teachers how to use the game MineCraft as a teaching tool and educational experience.
Tuesday July 4, 2017
3:00 PM EDT
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:00 PM EDT
Please introduce yourself: name, location, role/position
#minecraftedu
participatechat
Jul 4 @ 3:00 PM EDT
Participate in the upcoming
#MinecraftEDU
by sharing resources and collaborating at
https://t.co/M5w7eU1M9r
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:01 PM EDT
Welcome to the
#MinecraftEdu
EU Chat - Happy to welcome
@DpDarran
who will be talking about Mathematical Thinking with Minecraft!
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:02 PM EDT
James Protheroe, Wales, Assistant Headteacher Darran Park Primary School
#minecraftedu
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:02 PM EDT
Danny. London. Teach tech and computing across KS2
#Minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:02 PM EDT
Start off by introducing yourselves, and don't forget to let us know how you've seen Minecraft work for students!
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:00 PM EDT
Please introduce yourself: name, location, role/position
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:03 PM EDT
Garrett Zimmer here, a Founder of the
#MinecraftEdu
EdChats. I'm in Canada and am a GBL / MIE Trainer - Teaching Ts to design Edu Games
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:04 PM EDT
Welcome Danny - glad you could make it
#minecraftedu
In reply to @118perdoni
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:05 PM EDT
Hey Danny! good to see you again, I WILL respond to your question to me soon, just been a bit tied up. Can you DM to me?
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @118perdoni
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:06 PM EDT
Hey Garrett - looking foward to a great
#minecraftedu
chat
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:06 PM EDT
@DpDarran
#MinecraftEdu
Agreed! It may be a small group of us today, but summer break does lead many away for the holidays.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:08 PM EDT
#MinecraftEdu
For the NA Audience, if you're hoping to catch a Chat today, this is the time to join us! There will not be a NA evening chat.
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:08 PM EDT
Yasemin Allsop, lecturer, UCL, London
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:09 PM EDT
Hey Yasemin - looking forward to a great
#MinecraftEDU
EU chat
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:09 PM EDT
Getting ready to roll out Question Number 1 via
@DpDarran
for the
#MinecraftEdu
Chat
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:10 PM EDT
Q1 How can we use
#Minecraftedu
to develop mathematical thinking?
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:10 PM EDT
I want to take this question a little deeper! What do we look for in Mathematical Thinkers? What skills does this embody?
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @DpDarran
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:11 PM EDT
Thank you James, great to have you hosting
#minecraftEdu
chat.
In reply to @DpDarran
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:12 PM EDT
A1
#Minecraftedu
promotes many skills which can be applied to mathematical thinking - real world problem solving, collaboration, accuracy
Sfm36
Jul 4 @ 3:12 PM EDT
Using minecraft in school or want to find out more? Jump into the tweetmeet happening now
#MIEExpert
#MinecraftEdu
#MSFTEDU
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:01 PM EDT
Welcome to the
#MinecraftEdu
EU Chat - Happy to welcome
@DpDarran
who will be talking about Mathematical Thinking with Minecraft!
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:13 PM EDT
A1 when I think of Minecraft and Mathematical thinking I see this is driving students to understand how math must be explored.
#MinecraftEdu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:15 PM EDT
A1:spatial thinking which is linked to mathematical thinking.Children can manipulate objects / models and investiagete worlds
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:16 PM EDT
100% agree - Ss. relate to Minecraft so I see it as a perfect vehicle for exploring mathematical thinking
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:16 PM EDT
A1 ctd - within this lies "Desire to Explore" - And to that I go to
#MinecraftEdu
Crafting Tree where math abounds: Infinite possibilities
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:16 PM EDT
A1
#Minecraftedu
Great for problem solving. Kids learn processes for solving a problem e.g. Trial and error, learning from mistakes
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:17 PM EDT
Very true
#MinecraftEDU
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:16 PM EDT
A1
#Minecraftedu
Great for problem solving. Kids learn processes for solving a problem e.g. Trial and error, learning from mistakes
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:17 PM EDT
A1:spatial thinking which is linked to mathematical thinking.Children can manipulate objects / models and investigate worlds
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:18 PM EDT
A1 Ctd - Then continue to think of the
#Minecraftedu
Building as exploration. "What can I build with the tools and materials at hand?"
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:18 PM EDT
A1: Also visualising relationship / making predictions are important skills that are lnk to mathematics.
#minecraftedu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:19 PM EDT
A1: Also visualising relationship / making predictions are important skills that are link to mathematics.
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:20 PM EDT
Q2 What areas of maths are best suited to
#Minecraftedu
?
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:20 PM EDT
A1 - Another example is Pattern Recognition & spatial when Ss have a desire to recreate physical objects, or create pixel art.
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:22 PM EDT
Great way to use Minecraft to develop mathematical thinking
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:22 PM EDT
YES! Predicting is huge! Some players can quickly predict how many Skeletons they need to defeat before getting a bow drop.
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:22 PM EDT
Shape and space, measurement, pattern, scale and problem solving in different areas
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:23 PM EDT
A2 I love giving blocks a monetary value and getting pupils to work within a given budget.
#MinecraftEDU
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:23 PM EDT
A2 - With
#MinecraftEdu
the Areas of math are not limited. Basics of structures can easily be substituted for manipulative blocks.
In reply to @DpDarran
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:24 PM EDT
A2 Great for exploring 3D shape, area and perimeter
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:24 PM EDT
A2 Ctd But i have seen some amazing examples of
#MinecraftEdu
users going deep into Fractal Algorithms using World Edit.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:23 PM EDT
A2 - With
#MinecraftEdu
the Areas of math are not limited. Basics of structures can easily be substituted for manipulative blocks.
In reply to @DpDarran
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:25 PM EDT
A2 ctd our Ss. created an extended problem called George's Garden - included budgeting, profit and loss, area and perimeter
#MinecraftEDU
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:25 PM EDT
A2
#Minecraftedu
Area and perimeter and fractions lessons have been very successful in supporting strugglers to understand concepts
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:25 PM EDT
A2: I remember creating a pattern sequence and I asked them to predict the rule, they then set rules for their patterns
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:25 PM EDT
As an Example
https://t.co/309r78Y0fz
and another
https://t.co/jJ0lbeqIIe
#MinecraftEdu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:24 PM EDT
A2 Ctd But i have seen some amazing examples of
#MinecraftEdu
users going deep into Fractal Algorithms using World Edit.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:23 PM EDT
A2 - With
#MinecraftEdu
the Areas of math are not limited. Basics of structures can easily be substituted for manipulative blocks.
In reply to @DpDarran
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:26 PM EDT
Agree - fractions can often be a tricky concept so Minecraft can be really effective
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @118perdoni
Getting_Smart
Jul 4 @ 3:28 PM EDT
Listen to how
#K12
students are acquiring problem-solving, critical thinking & collaboration skills w/
#MinecraftEdu
https://t.co/LSi4XY3d7Y
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:28 PM EDT
A3 Many advantages - a powerful stimulus, very visual, Ss. are often determined to make thinks work in Minecraft
#MinecraftEDU
clcsimon
Jul 4 @ 3:28 PM EDT
A2 Because each block is 1m3, students can explore/practice area, perimeter, volume etc. I also like number parkour
#Minecraftedu
In reply to @DpDarran
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
A2 With Code Builder
#CodeBuilder
@PlayCraftLearn
students can now go deep with mathematical algorithms with their code!
#MinecraftEdu
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
#Minecraftedu
118perdoni
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
I also saw a great algebra lesson using a crafting table online somewhere. Must try it out!
In reply to @DpDarran
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
I agree, teachers could also use it as a visual tool to illustrate /model fractions
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @DpDarran, @118perdoni
TrYaseminCicek
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:24 PM EDT
A2 Great for exploring 3D shape, area and perimeter
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
Love the sound of this
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @118perdoni
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:30 PM EDT
Q3 What are the benefits and disadvantages of using
#Minecraftedu
in maths lessons?
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:31 PM EDT
Take as an example how Math is used to create a Pyramid with CodeBuilder in
@PlayCraftLearn
#MinecraftEdu
https://t.co/2MxZ3LXXvt
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:29 PM EDT
A2 With Code Builder
#CodeBuilder
@PlayCraftLearn
students can now go deep with mathematical algorithms with their code!
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:31 PM EDT
A3 Many advantages - safe environment for pupils to learn and not worry about making mistakes. Very effective stimulus.
#minecraftedu
TrYaseminCicek
Jul 4 @ 3:31 PM EDT
A2
#MinecraftEdu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:22 PM EDT
Shape and space, measurement, pattern, scale and problem solving in different areas
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:32 PM EDT
A3 As with many other areas the context must be purposeful - it would be a disadvantage if used in a contrived way
#Minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:32 PM EDT
Absolutely! Crafting also gives Ss intuitive understanding of Fractions. 1 Wood Block = X Planks, X Planks into X sticks.
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop, @DpDarran, @118perdoni
TrYaseminCicek
Jul 4 @ 3:34 PM EDT
... and makes the lesson engaging and fun!
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop, @DpDarran, @118perdoni
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:34 PM EDT
Big Disadv. is when we just Substitute
#MinecraftEdu
for Blocks. Doesn't engender a appreciation of Maths, just for game being used.
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:34 PM EDT
A3:there is a danger that full potential of
#minecraftedu
may not be used.For example modelling should involve discussions not just showing!
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:35 PM EDT
A3 Big Disadv. is when we just Substitute
#MinecraftEdu
for Blocks. Doesn't engender a appreciation of Maths, just for game being used.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:35 PM EDT
YES! And to stay true to game - should also involve opportunity to explore and experiment! Leads to deeper understanding
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:37 PM EDT
Very well said!
#Minecraftedu
Kids easily and quickly see through contrived uses of their fave game. There must be connection and context!
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:32 PM EDT
A3 As with many other areas the context must be purposeful - it would be a disadvantage if used in a contrived way
#Minecraftedu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:38 PM EDT
A3:Basically successful implementation of
#minecraftedu
depends on subject knowledge of teacher and how they can connect learning across...
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:38 PM EDT
This is so true. Engaging lessons are always the most memorable
#MinecraftEDU
TrYaseminCicek
Jul 4 @ 3:34 PM EDT
... and makes the lesson engaging and fun!
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop, @DpDarran, @118perdoni
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:39 PM EDT
Definite risk of 'over modelling' taking away from the power of exploration.
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:39 PM EDT
Very true! So what do we do to make our lessons engaging for all the Ss? A good question to consider when designing
#MinecraftEdu
Lesson
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:38 PM EDT
This is so true. Engaging lessons are always the most memorable
#MinecraftEDU
TrYaseminCicek
Jul 4 @ 3:34 PM EDT
... and makes the lesson engaging and fun!
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop, @DpDarran, @118perdoni
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:40 PM EDT
Q4 What mathematical skills might children be able to develop by using
#Minecraftedu
with maths lessons?
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:40 PM EDT
True, it should allow children to manage own learning through conversation which will allow them to construct their knowledge
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @PBJellyGames
EmilyMerritt
Jul 4 @ 3:40 PM EDT
Can't wait for this! So ready to chat about promoting
#stuvoice
with
@mr_isaacs
on Thurs!
#MinecraftEDU
#TedEdChat
#2PencilChat
#edchat
RecapThat
Jul 4 @ 1:00 PM EDT
Join
#RecapChat
on July 6 at 7PM EST for Promoting Student Voice in the Classroom with
@mr_isaacs
!
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:41 PM EDT
A4 They can really explore the mathematical skills related to building. Buildings cost money - this must be budgeted for.
#MinecraftEDU
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:41 PM EDT
Agree W/ Collaborative Constructionist Learning, but even solo play can be constructionist developmental. If done correctly.
#MinecraftEdu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:40 PM EDT
True, it should allow children to manage own learning through conversation which will allow them to construct their knowledge
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:42 PM EDT
Love this point Yasemin, Do you see this conversation as also being internal conversation allowing Ss to construct knowledge?
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
A4 - I think there is so much math that happens in
#MinecraftEdu
that we need to give Ss the Lesson Goals and ask how they want to learn it.
In reply to @DpDarran
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
Conversation can be based on different modes - talking to self or others. Private, inner, social speech.
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @PBJellyGames
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
Great question - I think the power of conversation can often be underestimated
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @PBJellyGames, @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
I've heard great stories of Children surprising Ts with a deeper knowledge of how they can use
#MinecraftEdu
for it then the thought.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
A4 - I think there is so much math that happens in
#MinecraftEdu
that we need to give Ss the Lesson Goals and ask how they want to learn it.
In reply to @DpDarran
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:45 PM EDT
This is the core of my Phd. Using conversation based on different modes to self-regulate learning.
#MinecraftEdu
(private, inner, social)
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:46 PM EDT
Awesome! So much GOOD focus on 4Cs and Collaboration today, but often missing some Ss who deeply internalize learning.
#MinecraftEdu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:44 PM EDT
Conversation can be based on different modes - talking to self or others. Private, inner, social speech.
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @PBJellyGames
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:46 PM EDT
Great point - we often get Ss to set their own success criteria - this often leads to them developing very different outcomes.
#MinecraftEDU
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:47 PM EDT
See I knew we were kindred thinkers :D Love everything you do and say Yasemin, I learn much! Haha! You're Brilliant
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:48 PM EDT
YES! And even more than just criteria is the fact that they know how they like to play
#MinecraftEdu
Meaning Game isn't scapegoated.
In reply to @DpDarran
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:48 PM EDT
Thank you, you are very kind. We are brain twins:) We are sharing one brain across the ocean right!
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @PBJellyGames
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:49 PM EDT
I think a big part of this is knowing that all children enjoy games differently. To be authentic and deepen engagement PT1/2
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @DpDarran
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:49 PM EDT
P1 2/2 we must let the Ss lead much more. It's a balancing act for sure, but we gain more in learning outcomes and engagement
#MinecraftEdu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:49 PM EDT
I think a big part of this is knowing that all children enjoy games differently. To be authentic and deepen engagement PT1/2
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @DpDarran
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:50 PM EDT
Q5 How could
#Minecraftedu
be used to develop skills for solving complex mathematical problems?
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:50 PM EDT
So important - this really creates a meaningful context for learning and creating shared, relatable experiences
#MinecraftEDU
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:48 PM EDT
YES! And even more than just criteria is the fact that they know how they like to play
#MinecraftEdu
Meaning Game isn't scapegoated.
In reply to @DpDarran
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:50 PM EDT
Haha YES! Lets Share Weather too :D When I'm in SEAsia I'll send you sun, when in Can for Winter you send me :D
#MinecraftEdu
In reply to @yallsop
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:51 PM EDT
VERY Well Said my friend! Meaningful is key word right!? No more Train A - Train B. Ss want to learn with relevant context.
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:50 PM EDT
So important - this really creates a meaningful context for learning and creating shared, relatable experiences
#MinecraftEDU
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:48 PM EDT
YES! And even more than just criteria is the fact that they know how they like to play
#MinecraftEdu
Meaning Game isn't scapegoated.
In reply to @DpDarran
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:53 PM EDT
A5 I alluded to this in earlier comments will do so again.
#CodeBuilder
via
@PlayCraftLearn
offers advanced math options
#MinecraftEdu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:54 PM EDT
This may be a simple example but there's so much more Ss can do with Variables, Algebra Trig, & More.
#MinecraftEdu
https://t.co/jliIiveVVd
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:53 PM EDT
A5 I alluded to this in earlier comments will do so again.
#CodeBuilder
via
@PlayCraftLearn
offers advanced math options
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:54 PM EDT
A5 Minecraft provides the perfect context for solving extended and open ended problems.
#MinecraftEDU
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:55 PM EDT
Q5: Sharing a task with students that includes an error, they need to find what it is and then come up with a solution
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:55 PM EDT
A5
#MinecraftEdu
I'm not certain what the fate of Vanilla Minecraft will be but there are so many opportunities to use Advanced Math.
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:56 PM EDT
Oooh That's Awesome!
#MinecraftEdu
I love this and the fact that it can be incorporated easily and engagingly into Learning Game Design!
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:55 PM EDT
Q5: Sharing a task with students that includes an error, they need to find what it is and then come up with a solution
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:57 PM EDT
In Game Based Lessons this is KEY! Game requires Challenge - Solving Errors, Pattern Recognition, Etc all good game mechanics.
#MinecraftEdu
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:55 PM EDT
Q5: Sharing a task with students that includes an error, they need to find what it is and then come up with a solution
#minecraftedu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:58 PM EDT
Love this! The addition on
#codebuilder
links perfectly. Our Ss have been enjoying 'debugging' codes by looking for errors
#MinecraftEDU
yallsop
Jul 4 @ 3:55 PM EDT
Q5: Sharing a task with students that includes an error, they need to find what it is and then come up with a solution
#minecraftedu
PBJellyGames
- Moderator
Jul 4 @ 3:59 PM EDT
I like this point, though I think it needs to be said that the element of safe expression is a systemic issue in many schools
#MinecraftEdu
DpDarran
Jul 4 @ 3:31 PM EDT
A3 Many advantages - safe environment for pupils to learn and not worry about making mistakes. Very effective stimulus.
#minecraftedu