Minecraft Education Edition’s Ability to Create an Effective and Engaging Learning Experience

Abstract

Effective game-based learning is possible and incredibly important, as it provides effective, engaging, student-centered learning. While it has been successful for history learning,  effective game-based learning for STEM subjects is scarce. This study explored Minecraft Education Edition's chemistry features and their ability to create an effective and engaging learning experience, as Minecraft's game mechanics along with Education Edition's chemistry features may provide a solution to the lack of effective game-based learning. The study was conducted with a lesson in Minecraft Education Edition, and participants took a quiz and reflection survey after the lesson to gauge Minecraft Education Edition's viability as a learning tool. While the data in the study was too limited to garner a conclusion on how Minecraft Education Edition affects the engagement and effectiveness of a lesson, it provides insight that not all students/players engage with Minecraft the same way, and discusses many factors that should be considered when creating a Minecraft-based education model.