Notes

MakeCode for Minecraft makes Learning To Code Super Fun

A few years ago, my group within Microsoft's research division began to play around with tools that allow for kids to learn how to code within the context of Minecraft the immensely popular game where players construct fantasiastic virtual worlds using blocks of digital technology, design and play mini-games in the game, and then learn to live through the nightmare nights.



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Confused? That's okay. Many adults don't know Minecraft. Although they believe they do, a lot of adults don't understand Minecraft. It is all about the open-world experience and no rules. Our aim is to capitalize on this enthusiasm to teach kids how to code while playing Minecraft. Games are the best method to learn.



The research is an outgrowth of our TouchDevelop program, which we started in 2011 to help people learn how to code and build apps using the touchscreen of their phones. These phones are far more powerful, graphic and sensor-rich than those we learned to code on when we were kids. Our TouchDevelop group wanted everyone to be able program their phones as easily and quickly as we could with computers that ran 8 bits.



Then Minecraft was the most popular game played by everyone, and we were inspired to program in Minecraft. The rest is, as they say, is the story of history.



Students in my after-school computer science classes lucky enough to tinker with the coding process in Minecraft went nutso crazy, in a good way. My students were able to quickly write code and then see the results in Minecraft. They were able to create avatars that could jump 100 feet high, climb mountains, and even turn into rain chickens. This allowed them to jog around the classroom , shouting out the IP addresses of their servers.



Today, Microsoft Research and Microsoft MakeCode teams are excited about making this educational experience accessible to everyone through Microsoft MakeCode Minecraft on Windows 10.



The MakeCode for Minecraft editor is pixelated and reminiscent of Minecraft. MakeCode lets visual blocks be coded. It is a drag-and drop interface for beginners, and an JavaScript interface with more advanced learners.



Coding with blocks or text, MakeCode teaches the 101 of programming languages, which include variables, control flow loops, if statements, and functions. https://minecraft-servers-list.biz/ Advanced users can easily advance to more complicated concepts such as fractals, recursion as well as object-oriented or distributed programming.



The Microsoft MakeCode team also works on other editors that permit the programming of physical things like micro-controllers, such as the micro:bit and Adafruit Circuit Playground Express. These examples show that programming is directly linked to the creation of something real. This is the reason that most computer programmers begin to code.



Instead of thinking they are programming, students are playing a game and are building their next superpower. Minecraft is an online game. MakeCode for Minecraft fits the gaming experience of coding into itself. It's worth a look.


Homepage: https://minecraft-servers-list.biz/