Microsoft Starts Minecraft For Schools

Minecraft, a video game with which you can build virtual worlds, will be
expanded to classroom use. Microsoft bought the game from its Swedish creator
for 2.5 billion dollars. Now, the software wants to offer schools a special
educational version.
MinecraftEdu is an add-on to the game, that was specially created by teachers
for classroom use. While thousands of classes around the world are already using
Minecraft in their lessons, Microsoft wants to make it easier for schools to use the
software.
Minecraft is a game that can be used in many subjects, including maths, science
and geography. Microsoft wants to add new features to the educational version ,
for example letting students take snapshots and putting them into an online
diary. The new version will allow children to download the game at home without
having to pay extra for it. Microsoft is expected to charge students and teachers
about 5 dollars a year to use the game in school and at home.
According to Microsoft , Minecraft has 100 million players around the world. It
has become one of the best-selling games of all times. Pupils can create their own
virtual worlds with the help of special building blocks. Experts say that Minecraft
helps stimulate the imagination of children in the classroom. In addition,
teachers around the world create new content and share them with others, so
that the Minecraft community keeps growing.
Microsoft plans to make the game available to pupils and students of all ages,
from elementary school through to colleges. The company plans to add Minecraft
to an Office 365 account, so that it can also sell more of its Office software.
Teachers can enrol in courses to learn the game.