Microsoft has been very creative with its sandbox game Minecraft. Minecraft: Education Edition which is a classroom version of the game is further expanding the company’s vision to empower students and teach them with a different approach i.e., via video games. In a similar attempt, Minecraft Education Edition’s New Zealand team has released a new world for students, focussing on New Zealand’s indigenous Māori culture.
“This week is Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, but if we want our indigenous language to remain a living, and thriving, part of our society it’s crucial that teaching and learning is carried throughout the year. That’s why Microsoft is investing in resources that inspire students to explore te ao Māori while having fun and challenging their imaginations – this is how we create a culture of lifelong learning,” said Anne Taylor, Education Lead for Microsoft New Zealand, in a press release.
With this new feature, Minecraft: Education Edition now incorporates a story that brings conventional Māori to kids – in block form. Called Ngā Motu (The Islands), the experience was appointed for understudies to understand and expand on life in a Māori pā and get familiar with Māori language and culture.
Minecraft is already helping students learn skills and historical lessons in classrooms further making the task of teachers easier and interesting too. Some teachers even use Minecraft to teach programming and other important skills in really interesting ways.