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Distance Learning: Learning with Minecraft Bedrock and Java

Darrot Bun

We understand that there are users who not eligible for Office 365 Education accounts who would love to learn with Minecraft. The great news is that there are other options to learn using the Bedrock and Java editions of Minecraft!

Family-Friendly Activities

Visit our new Learning at Home page for immersive, fun, and educational self-guided activities for players to try at home with any version of Minecraft.

Educational Worlds in Bedrock

The Minecraft Marketplace team has added a new Education category to make content available to Minecraft players and families during COVID-19 related school closures. These worlds are free to download through June 30, 2020. Read more about how to download and play educational worlds in Minecraft.

Hour of Code

The Hour of Code tutorial is open to all users.  You can download and play the tutorial without an Office 365 Education account.

You can also take advantage of many Minecraft themed coding exercises on the Code.org website.  

Using Education Features 

Minecraft: Education Edition has several features designed for classroom use, to help educators and students build lessons, document their creations and explore STEM subjects. A few of these features are available in Bedrock and some can also can be replicated in the Java version.

  1. To use the Chemistry features in Minecraft Bedrock, turn the Education Edition settings on when you create a new world. Toggle Activate Cheats and Education Edition to the on position in the Cheats menu. We recommend using these features on a desktop device with moderate to high memory.educational_features.png
  2. Some lessons will call for the use of the camera to assess student progress. When using other versions of Minecraft, ask students to take screenshots to capture their progress.  
  3. Some lessons will call for students to use the book and quill to record observations, ideas, or reflections. If you are working in a version of Minecraft where book and quill is not available, have students complete written activities using a text editor like Microsoft Word or a pencil and paper. 

Coding in Minecraft Windows 10 (Bedrock) Edition 

The Minecraft Windows 10 (Bedrock) edition connects to the MakeCode platform, which allows your student to learn block-based, JavaScript and Python coding in Minecraft.  Follow these steps to get started:

Coding with Java Edition

More advanced coders can take advantage of the open-source framework of the Minecraft Java edition to create modifications (mods) of the game code-base.  There are many online tutorials and sites dedicated to learning to mod, as well as courses taught through independent learning centers.  Modding requires more advanced coding skills and knowledge of the Java language, so is a great way to challenge more advanced learners.

Using Lessons and Build Challenges for Inspiration

Educators, parents, and students can still benefit from many of the lessons available for free on the Minecraft: Education Edition web site, even if the worlds are not compatible with Bedrock or Java. 

Challenge your kids to build in Minecraft!  Here are some fun ideas to try even if you don't have access to Minecraft: Education Edition.

  1. Build your bedroom
  2. Recreate your neighborhood
  3. Create a home for a character in your favorite book
  4. Build a roller coaster using Minecarts and Redstone
  5. Build a Redstone circuit
  6. Build a historical building from another era
  7. What can you build with 64 blocks?

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