WOW Wednesday – Gilbert Plains Elementary

WOW Wednesday – Gilbert Plains Elementary

On Wednesdays I highlight some of our amazing MVSD staff on our social media pages. Everyday our staff are using tech in new and exciting ways, are learning new skills, and are sharing ways in which ed tech is assisting them in their practice.

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WOW Wednesday – GPES. (2023). Uploaded by Kirsten Thompson. Available online at: www.fishbowlteaching.com

I am very excited to share that Gilbert Plains Elementary has expanded their Minecraft EDU deployment! Minecraft is now available in their dedicated lab space, as well as on student laptops and compatible tablets.

Exploration with Minecraft EDU has been lead by Megan Porter and allows for:

  • student choice for creation and assessment options, as well as during personal time
  • elementary-accessible eSports programming
  • curricular connections through the dedicated worlds and lessons

I am so excited to see this program becoming more accessible within the GPES building and can’t wait to see how it is being used in the upcoming school year; way to go GPES!

Want To Learn More About Minecraft EDU?

Introduce yourself to Minecraft (and its connection to your Microsoft tools) in the following video below: 

Hear about how Minecraft is being used within MVSD from Chelsea Hockridge. 

Minecraft Teacher Academy 

The three modules in Minecraft Education: Teacher Academy focus on using Minecraft Education as a teaching and learning tool to support strong pedagogical practices in the learning environment. The modules are presented at three levels intended for beginner, intermediate, and advanced users. After completing this learning path, you’ll be a Minecraft Certified Teacher and receive the badge as well as an invitation to join the Minecraft Certified Teacher community. 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/training/paths/minecraft-teacher-academy/

Path participants will learn: 

  • Basic mechanics of downloading, setting up, and logging into Minecraft Education 
  • In-game play by exploring movement within the game as well as learning the process for placing and breaking blocks 
  • In-game features to use as tools for assessment and feedback 
  • The process of creating build challenges utilizing game-based strategies 
  • Key features of world management and classroom settings 
  • Tips on classroom management and readiness 
  • An understanding of basic in-game coding 
  • Skills that allow for learner collaboration, creativity, and communication 
  • How the game supports learner inquiry and curiosity 

Minecraft: Education Edition – Educator Resources 

This online community/resource center, introduced in the PD sessions listed above, houses ALL things related to Minecraft and how it can be used by educators/students.  You will be able to access: 

  • Game tutorials 
  • Educator community connections 
  • Classroom challenges 
  • Tech support 
  • World downloads 

Learn to Play 

A selection of 36 videos from the Minecraft: Education Edition YouTube Channel. 

Stories from the Classroom 

A selection of 22 videos from the Minecraft: Education Edition YouTube Channel. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts; please leave a comment!