Development of intellectual and scientific abilities through game-programming in Minecraft

Area of Science:

• Educational Technology
• Game-Based Learning
• Digital Pedagogy

Background:

• The digital revolution has transformed education, necessitating adaptation in didactic planning.
• Digital tools are increasingly integrated into childhood learning, altering educational paradigms.
• Educational institutions are leveraging digital transformation for specialized and personalized learning experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of game-based learning in teaching fundamental science concepts.
• To evaluate the impact of Minecraft Education Edition on learning complex scientific principles.
• To assess knowledge acquisition and foster interdisciplinary connections in young learners.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Minecraft Education Edition as a primary tool for instruction in computer science, geometry, and mathematics.
• Implemented a game-based learning approach to facilitate experiential understanding of scientific concepts.
• Administered anonymous tests via Google Classroom to evaluate learning outcomes in 186 students aged 8-10.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated enhanced learning of complex scientific concepts when presented through the game environment.
• Experiential learning within the game facilitated a deeper understanding and retention of scientific information.
• The study observed a facilitation in learning basic scientific information and fostered transversal capacity.

Conclusions:

• Game-based learning, particularly with Minecraft Education Edition, is an effective pedagogical strategy for science education.
• This approach enhances the learning of fundamental scientific concepts and promotes interdisciplinary thinking.
• Digital tools and game software can significantly improve educational outcomes for young learners.