I’ve been sharing Minecraft Earth since it was released because it is a truly incredible experience. There is no way I can cover all the components of the app in a single post, but I can show you some of the elements that are important to get started.
The app has many of the same elements of Minecraft in this app, with a few variations. One of the differences in how students can collect items (mining) is similar to Pokemon Go. The app allows students to collect things around them and walk to items outside of their immediate space. Those items collected are used to build in your Minecraft space. If you’re wondering if you can drive and collect, the answer is no.
After collecting items, students will put their build plate on the floor or table. They can walk around the build plate as they interact and create. The space can be small enough to look around it, or it can be large enough to take place across the entire classroom. As you can see in the first image, Minecraft Earth identifies people in the scene and allows items to be in front and behind them (people occlusion).
Similar to Minecraft, students will need to make stuff through crafting or smelting. This process was challenging because I didn’t know what to combine to create new items. Throughout the gameplay, students are presented with challenges that essentially teach them how to collect, craft/smelt, and build in the app. Leveling up is a big deal!
One of my favorite parts of the app is the Adventures. These adventures put Minecraft in XL mode as the trees soar above the player, and the space is filled with dangers such as mobs (creeper, skeleton, spider). The goal is to collect without losing your life first.
Another great benefit of the Minecraft Earth app is the collaboration opportunity. Students can share their QR code and invite another player to build with them. The students that build together can also share items. Students can seize the items placed in the build while in collaboration mode.
I’m a big fan of Minecraft Earth because it’s free, challenging, includes AR, and gets you up and moving. I’ve walked over 6 miles today to collect items for the blog (not really for working but playing). I know your students will enjoy playing Minecraft Earth as well.
This blog is part of the #31DaysofARVRinEDU event. Expect a new augmented or virtual reality resource for the classroom to post every day in March. All subscribers will receive daily notifications.
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