You may have heard that the NSW Department of Education has been piloting Minecraft Education Edition in several schools around the state. We are now ready to release access to even more public schools as part of our Early Access Program (EAP).

But first, do you know what Minecraft Education Edition is?

Minecraft Education Edition is a virtual educational platform, that provides an opportunity for students and teachers to collaborate and create in an immersive environment. It also a platform where students can safely demonstrate their learning and competence in a scaffolded, simulated real world experience. To see how schools in the pilot used Minecraft to engage their learning take a look at some of their stories here.

So what is the Early Access Program?

The EAP will mean you and your students can:

• Receive access to Minecraft for the duration of the EAP. The program commences from the start of term 1 2018
• Have the opportunity to participate in Minecraft professional learning and be part of a Yammer online community of Minecrafters
• Help to shape the continual evolution of Minecraft Education Edition for NSW public schools
• Lead educators from across New South Wales and globally, in the adoption of this virtual learning and collaboration environment

To participate in the Early Access Program there will be certain expectations of your school community:

1. Ensure students and teachers have appropriate access to devices running either Windows 10 or Mac OS to participate. Minecraft Education Edition does not run on Chromebooks, Windows 7 or iOS/ Android tablet devices
2. Nominate a Minecraft Mentor Teacher to support the implementation of Minecraft at your school

The Mentor will need to:

• Participate in MEE Professional Learning    

- Online Sessions (after school)
- Major Event - In Person / Online (1 day – Date TBC - school covers casual relief costs)

• Support the implementation of MEE at your school
• Coordinate the delivery of the case study outlined below
  3. Schools will need to analyse the use of Minecraft and produce either a video or written case study that provides guidance and or inspiration to other schools considering adopting Minecraft as part of their teaching and learning programs

Ready to Apply?

If your school would like to be a part of this exciting EAP, begin by consulting with your Principal and nominating one Minecraft Mentor for your school. Once this person has been selected, direct them to complete the application form to express interest in being a part of the early access program. The NSW DoE Minecraft Education Edition team will then be in touch before the end of term 4 if you have been successful.

NOTE: Due to the anticipated number of applications, if you are not successful, the team will alert you when general access to NSW public schools becomes available.