Long has the shortage of Software Engineers vexed tech giants like Microsoft and Google the world over. As a complex and often times dry field of study, garnering enthusiasm among young adults, nevermind children, to think of computer science in terms of a career is a global problem and an expensive one as well. At least, in theory (if that theory involves adding money to the federal government's allocation to education which...dream on).
Instead, those industry giants have had to take matters into their own hands. In recent years, non-profit organizations like Code.org, funded by the likes of Google, Amazon and Facebook (to name only a few), have worked tirelessly to bring computer science, a subject which revolves around critical thinking and advanced problem-solving, to K12 classrooms in hopes of breaching the ever-widening skills gap.
Joining the fray, Prodigy Learning, alongside Certiport, have announced an entire K12 computer science curriculum and credentials program, designed for users between the ages of 9 and 16, using Minecraft as its vehicle of choice. It's a sound strategy, one that Microsoft has been slowly developing since 2016 with the launch of their Minecraft: Education Edition. Coding in Minecraft will be delivered via Minecraft: Education Edition and allow students to earn meaningful micro-credentials in programming, mimicing the real-word certification process.
The program was launched last year as a test in 114 schools, in the UK and the US, and contains three courses, two of which are block-based coding which slowly graduate the user to the third course: text-based coding in JavaScript. This is just to start, however, as other industry-standard languages are currently in development for the future. Coding in Minecraft has therefore been tailored to the standards set forth by both the US Computer Science Teachers Association and the UK equivalent, Ofqual.
The CEO of Prodigy Learning, Andrew Flood, claims, "Our vision for Coding in Minecraft is to break down the barriers for students and teachers to increase uptake of computer science in schools. By immersing the curriculum and assessment in Mincraft: Education Edition, we capture the imagination of young learners through one of the most popular games in the world and support them to learn to code, design and problem solve." He added, "The proram is designed to be delivered in a teacher-facilitated model, making it easy for teachers of all abilities to deliver computer science in their school."
What do you think of Minecraft's evolution from digital Legos to computer science learning platform? Sound off in the comments!