Come June, teachers will be able to download and try out Microsoft’s anticipated Minecraft: Education Edition for no charge. The only stipulation is that teachers must provide feedback to the game’s developing team in order to improve the game for school use.

Before June’s early access, Microsoft will be testing the Beta version of the game in 100 schools throughout 30 countries; it will be the first public trial since the company announced the edition in January.

Available in over 11 languages, Microsoft is hoping to work with educators around the world this summer to perfect the game’s classroom value. For educators looking to keep busy this summer, the partnership could be ideal.

"During the summer months, we are...going to be focused on working with educators on building out lesson plans, sharing learning activity ideas, and creating re-usable projects,” Microsoft said in a blog post.

Before Microsoft announced the launch of Minecraft: Education Edition, the “world’s most popular game” was already being used as a learning tool by teachers everywhere. Microsoft decided to capitalize on this trend following its $2.5 billion purchase of the game.

In 2011, educator Joel Levin developed MinecraftEdu. Not long after, the potential for Minecraft in the classroom was realized when the program expanded to over 5,500 educators and received support from Minecraft’s former owner, Mojang. Microsoft bought MinecraftEdu earlier this year to supplement the upcoming launch of its own education version.

"We hope you join us for the early access program in June, and that you continue to dialogue with us as we build Minecraft into an immersive vehicle for learning,” the Minecraft Education Team said.

Teachers: Will you be testing out Minecraft: Education Edition this summer? Sound off by taking our poll.

Article by Nicole Gorman, Education World Contributor

4/15/2016