Staying ahead of the latest edtech can feel like a difficult task–especially in a region hit hard by the pandemic. Find out how educational technology teacher Lisvette Flores Quiñones implemented Minecraft: Education Edition for her students in Puerto Rico in this guest blog. Starting with the basics, she was able to engage students in topics like sustainability and math. She shares insights on helpful tools like Immersive Reader and Flipgrid for all types of learners, and driving student-led learning through Minecraft: Education Edition Subject Kits.
As a technology teacher, I always have to stay at the forefront of educational changes. From the time I bought Minecraft for my children at home, I'd always known it was a tool that helps stimulate critical thinking. I could see their incredible ability to be creative and build fascinating worlds.
I like to innovate in the classroom by using educational tools that are relevant to young people. Learning through play is one of the most exciting strategies for modern teachers, and exploring the resources available for Minecraft has allowed me to be more accessible to learners. Minecraft: Education Edition helps me work through concepts with students so they can reinforce their academic skills.
I support a population of 115 students in grades six to eight. My role involves working with teachers and helping them integrate technological tools that enrich their academic curricula. That includes the responsibility for professionally training administrative staff, teachers, and other officials.
To get started with Minecraft in the classroom, I attended a professional training where we were shown the game's educational resources and went through the process of building worlds. For me, the most significant challenge has been getting acquainted with the inventory items and resources. It took some time and practice, but eventually I decided to implement the platform in my classroom. For an adult who wasn't used to the game, building worlds wasn't easy to master. But I managed to build a scenario where students could explore different areas and start learning about the Sustainable Development Goals.
Since some learners had never used Minecraft, I started slowly with them, beginning with the basics of movement. As a result of exclusion from gaming, I noticed that girls hadn't had the same opportunities as boys to build Minecraft skills. Fortunately, the library has special modules that help students master the keyboard, understand assessment tools like Boards and the Camera, and explore the inventory. When my girls had the chance to immerse themselves in their worlds, they showed tremendous enthusiasm and quickly developed strong capabilities. They proved to be incredibly creative when it came to solving problems and stimulating thinking.
