The Role of Minecraft Build Challenges in Esports
In this case study, a team of educators explored the power of Minecraft Education so that students could advance their learning in core academic subjects. This study examined what happened when students utilized Minecraft Education challenges and scholastic esports in a classroom, across a school district, and around the world. The authors share a variety of challenges that demonstrate the power of Minecraft esports as a powerful pedagogical strategy for engaging students and building an interest in STEM-based initiatives that align with the National Council of Teachers of English and the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. As Steve, Erik, and Laylah worked to create challenges for students to compete in Minecraft, Rick and Miles examined the participation of each event, examined the quotes from students, and analyzed the data for clues into what phenomena or processes occurred as students navigated Minecraft challenges. This study examined the evolution of competitive Minecraft challenges during its early phases of integration.