To create better classroom experiences, the Department of Education (DepEd) has tapped video game Minecraft to utilize game-based learning and teaching for Filipino teachers and students.
In partnership with Microsoft Philippines, DepEd encouraged teachers and learners to download the mobile application Minecraft: Education Edition (M:EE) for Mobile that is now available in the Philippines.
During the M:EE nationwide launch this week, DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua said that the mobile application is for “our public and private school teachers and learners for their use in game-based learning and in the creation of better classroom experiences.”
The Philippines, he added, is one of the two countries where Minecraft Education Edition for Mobile is being launched for pilot testing. Thus, he encouraged 900,000 teachers and 23 million learners to make use of the mobile app to enhance the learning and teaching experience.
During the launch, basic training on gameplay was provided by the resource speakers. The attendees were also given access to the resources and materials to help teachers and learners get started with M:EE.
It also provided the attendees with the necessary resources, guides, and demos for easier implementation of the pilot program.
During the launch, Microsoft Philippines Education Programs Manager Grace Co said that “his is the first time that this specific version of Minecraft Education is being rolled out.”
Co added that the Philippines is “actually one of the first countries” where the specific version of Minecraft was launched.
The launch was made possible through the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) through the Information and Communications Technology Service-Educational Technology (ICTS-EdTech) and Youth Formation Division (YFD) in partnership with Microsoft Philippines.
“Through M:EE, DepEd hopes to encourage more teachers and more classrooms to actively use this tool for game-based learning and to improve the teaching and learning process in today’s technologically-advanced world,” Pascua said.