ENGAGE

Minecraft Camps are events that involve a various number of children.

Each child has their own computer but are all playing in the same virtual
world together. Each child can control what happens on their own
computer but can be affected by and affect what their classmates are all
doing in the connected virtual world. A child can attend these Minecraft
Camps for one day or for the whole duration the camp is run. The kids are
encouraged to work in groups to make a larger virtual community or they
can work individually. This ICT concept can build on teamwork skills as
well as developing social skills.
This ICT concept promotes digital learning and teaching by increasing
childrens computer-based knowledge and teaching the children new
technical skills. Children who are more advanced with computers will be
able to teach their peers how to navigate through the Minecraft virtual
world and will be able to teach them some skills and tips they may have
had no prior knowledge about.
EXPLORE
These Minecraft Camps are accessible to any child whose
parent(s)/guardian(s) are willing to pay the $65 fee for one day. This game
will be manageable for any child who has a basic idea of how their way
around a computer.
Cooperative learning is encouraged in this ICT concept as many children
wish to work together when creating buildings and their world. This gives
the children the opportunity to share their ideas and form a community in
the Minecraft game whilst working together in small groups.
An idea to really encourage cooperative learning would be to split the
group into four smaller groups of children and have them compete to build
the best buildings and facilities in the fastest time. This would build on the
childrens teamwork abilities whilst improving their ICT skills and making it
fun and exciting. The Minecraft group leaders who run the camps could be
the judges and determine the quickest team.

EXPLAIN
Minecraft group leaders are the perfect helpers to assist the children with
any struggles or problems they may be having within the game. These
leaders can give the children one simple idea for them to build on and
their imaginations will run wild. The different range of ideas will surprise
and even educate the leaders. This builds a positive learning environment
for the children to thrive in.
Many of my own computer skills were developed through games that I
used to play as a child. At the time I did not know I was learning anything,
I thought I was just having fun. It is highly important to make the
development of childrens ICT skills fun and exciting, or a negative
connotation may become associated with ICT.
ELABORATE
The group leaders are considered to be Minecraft experts and will help the
children to develop their ICT knowledge and skills in ways that normal
classroom teachers cannot. This developed knowledge and the new skills
are vital for children to have these days as they will grow up in an
extremely technologically based world.
There is significant evidence that students can be deeply engaged in
computer and video games and learn substantial content and processes
(Barko & Sadler, 2013). If computer and video games are proven to
educate children, why are they not prominently involved in the school
curriculum? Barko and Sadler (2013) found two arguments to this
question. One argument is that it is hard for game developers to produce
a game that is fun-filled, action packed and exciting whilst also being
significantly educational (Barko & Sadler, 2013). The second argument
focuses on the negative behaviours both video and computer games have
been known to encourage.
Both of these arguments are valid and after Barko and Sadler (2013)
concluded their investigation into why computer and video games are not
more prominent in childrens education I came up with my own conclusion
on the matter. In my opinion, it is vital that children should be introduced
to all the different forms of technology including computer games

throughout their early primary years so they build the foundations and
skills to assist them with technology throughout their secondary school
years and their future careers.
EVALUATE
Minecraft Camps fit in with Principles of Learning and Teaching (PoLT) by
how supportive and productive the virtual classrooms are as the children
are encouraged to work together to accomplish similar goals in their
virtual Minecraft world.
Independence and self-motivation are both attributes that children may
display when taking part in this ICT concept as they can work selfsufficiently and will want to achieve a great Minecraft community that is of
the same standard (if not better) than their friends.
Minecraft is not an easy game and the children will face challenges
throughout their virtual experience. The children will either use their
current ICT skills to overcome the challenge or they will seek help from
their peers of the group leaders.
Children are thoroughly engaged in this ICT concept as they do not see it
as a learning activity, they see it as a fun and exciting game. This creates
a positive and happy environment where the kids imaginations can
flourish. Developing Minecraft into a learning strategy is an ideal way to
maintain the students engagement whilst allowing them to enjoy
themselves.
As well as ICT skills, children also develop their skills in other educational
areas such as geology, creative thinking, design, maths and geography.

References
Barko, T., & Sadler, T. D. (2013). Practicality in Virtuality: Finding Student Meaning
in Video Game Education. Journal of Science Education and Technology,
Vol.22(2)., pp. 124-132 [Peer Reviewed Journal].