As an EA (education assistant), I always heard students talk about this “MinDcraft game”. I was not very interested at the time, simply because I had this reluctance to try anything related to video games and technology. And I kind of regret it. When we were introduced to Minecraft video game, first, I realized I had spelled it Mindcraft and not Minecraft this whole time …
It makes total sense when we started playing! This idea of playing virtually in an infinite terrain, while discovering earth materials, crafting tools, building structures is really creative and fun. I can see how students can benefit from it. I’m excited to talk about it with students during my practicum! No hiding behind my reluctance for tech anymore!
I was looking at Minecraft Education and came across a blog where indigenous students in Australia mixed traditional knowledge and modern technology to envision a different world. (A little like that end of class activity we did envisioning teaching in 2050). I thought that was so neat! “A central part of the challenge was celebrating culture and identity, with students working alongside elders and using curriculum-aligned lesson plans to apply their cultural knowledge in developing new sustainable cities of the future“. Wow!
Something I really enjoyed throughout several courses we had, was the use of Plickers. Tim, our math teacher, used them often in his class. I found them to be very engaging for students and for teacher candidates! What a great way to assess students learning while collecting evidence. Today, in our last Math class actually, Lynda asked Tim if any recording or picture taking happens when devices scan Plickers. Tim’s answer no a confident NO. Which makes their use stress free!
Before the start of our program, I was nervous about classes moving online. Although it did not happen and I am forever grateful for it, I still enjoyed some classes on Zoom. I did not have to commute on rainy days, I had more time to eat breakfast with my partner, I was able to take Rio on a short walk between classes, and I could make unlimited amounts of coffee! It has been definitely an eye opening transition for me to the online and digital world. I am very grateful to have gained this ease and comfortability with technology. My sister always used to call me “the bush boy”. Not anymore 🙂