⛏️ Minecraft Education Edition

🎯 How Code Builder Works

Code Builder connects Minecraft to coding platforms where you can write code to control characters, build structures, and solve challenges automatically.

🌐 Setting Up a Shared World

For Instructors:

1. Create a World: In Minecraft Education Edition, create a new world or open an existing one
2. Start a Multiplayer Session: Click "Play" → "New" or "My Worlds" → Select your world → Click "Host"
3. Share the Join Code: Students will see a 6-digit join code (like "ABC123") - share this with your class
4. Students Join: Students enter the join code in Minecraft Education Edition to connect to your world
5. Everyone Works Together: All students can now build, code, and collaborate in the same world!

💻 Collaborative Coding Projects

How students can work together on coding goals:

• Divide the Work: Each student or group codes a different part of a larger project (e.g., one codes buildings, another codes roads, another codes decorations)
• Shared Code Library: Students can share code snippets with each other using the Camera tool to take screenshots of their code
• Test Together: Students can test each other's code and provide feedback
• Combine Functions: Different students create different functions that work together (e.g., one creates a "build house" function, another creates a "build garden" function)
• Code Review: Students can review and improve each other's code before finalizing the project
• Documentation: Students can add comments explaining their code so teammates understand it

🎯 Example: Building a City Together

Here's how a class might collaborate on coding a city:

1. Planning Phase: Class discusses what the city needs (houses, roads, parks, shops)
2. Assign Roles: Teacher assigns different areas or building types to different students/groups
3. Code Development: Each group writes code to build their assigned part (e.g., Group 1 codes houses, Group 2 codes roads)
4. Testing: Groups test their code in their assigned area of the shared world
5. Integration: All code runs together to create the complete city
6. Presentation: Class presents the final collaborative project

📱 Classroom Mode

Classroom Mode is a separate app that gives instructors powerful control over the Minecraft world:

• Download: Available as a separate app (Classroom Mode) or web interface
• Connect: Connect to your hosted world using the join code
• Manage Students: See all connected students, their locations, and what they're doing
• Control Permissions: Give or remove permissions for building, breaking blocks, using Code Builder, etc.
• Teleport Students: Instantly move students to specific locations in the world
• Send Messages: Broadcast messages to all students or send private messages

🔐 Setting Permissions

Instructors can control what students can do:

• Building Permissions: Allow or prevent students from placing/breaking blocks
• Code Builder Access: Control who can use Code Builder and coding features
• World Boundaries: Set invisible walls to keep students in specific areas
• Item Restrictions: Control which items students can use (helpful for focused projects)
• PvP (Player vs Player): Enable or disable students interacting with each other
• Camera Tool: Control who can take screenshots and document their work

👨‍🏫 Managing Student Groups

Best practices for organizing collaborative coding projects:

• Assign Areas: Use world boundaries to give each group their own building area
• Set Clear Goals: Use Chalkboards or NPCs to explain what each group should code
• Monitor Progress: Use Classroom Mode to check in on each group's work
• Provide Resources: Place example code or tutorials in specific areas using Chalkboards
• Facilitate Sharing: Create a "code sharing area" where students can leave code examples for others
• Review Code Together: Use teleport to bring groups together for code reviews

🎮 In-Class Activities

• Coding Challenges: Complete coding tasks using Code Builder and MakeCode
• Building Projects: Design and construct structures based on engineering principles
• Science Exploration: Explore pre-built worlds that teach specific science concepts
• Math Challenges: Solve math problems by building and measuring in Minecraft
• Creative Projects: Express creativity while learning STEM concepts

📝 Portfolio Projects

Many of your Minecraft builds can be added to your portfolio! Use the Camera tool to take screenshots and document your learning.

• Take screenshots of your builds
• Write descriptions explaining what you learned
• Share your code if you used Code Builder
• Document your problem-solving process

🏆 Challenges & Competitions

Sometimes we have special challenges where you can showcase your skills!

• Build contests with specific themes
• Coding challenges with prizes
• Collaborative class projects
• Showcase events where you present your builds

📥 Accessing Minecraft Education Edition

Minecraft Education Edition is available through your school. Your teacher will provide:

• Login instructions for your school account
• Access to class worlds and activities
• Guidance on using Code Builder and other features

💡 Tips for Success

• Start Simple: Begin with basic building before trying complex projects
• Experiment: Don't be afraid to try new things and make mistakes!
• Ask Questions: If you're stuck, ask your teacher or classmates for help
• Take Notes: Use the Camera tool to document your progress
• Have Fun: Learning is more effective when you're enjoying yourself!

1. Understand Before You Use: If you find code online or from a tutorial, you MUST be able to explain what each part does.
2. Type It Yourself: Don't copy-paste - type it out so you see each command and understand it.
3. Modify and Customize: Always change something about the code to make it your own - add features, change colors, or modify behavior.
4. Test and Experiment: Run the code, see what happens, then try changing values and testing different approaches.
5. Explain Your Code: Be prepared to explain what your code does and why you made your changes to the teacher or classmates.
6. Build On What You Learn: Use what you learned to create something new and different, not just copy the example.

Is Minecraft Education Edition the same as regular Minecraft?

Minecraft Education Edition is based on Minecraft but includes special features for learning, like Code Builder, Camera, Chalkboards, and classroom management tools. It's designed specifically for education!

Do I need to know how to code to use Minecraft?

No! You can start by just building and exploring. Code Builder is optional and you can learn coding gradually as you get more comfortable with Minecraft.

Can I play Minecraft Education Edition at home?

If your school provides access, you may be able to use it at home. Check with your teacher about home access policies.

What if I make a mistake while building?

That's okay! Mistakes are part of learning. You can always break blocks and rebuild. Minecraft is a safe space to experiment and try new things.

How do I share my builds with the class?

Use the Camera tool to take screenshots, then you can add them to your portfolio or share them during class presentations!