The Minecraft BuildAbility world has been revealed as a new map for Minecraft: Education Edition that will teach children about accessibility and the problems faced in public spaces.
While Minecraft has been focusing on improving Bedrock Edition and working towards the next big update, it also has a lesser-known educational version called Minecraft: Education Edition. This version of the game is used in schools to teach children all sorts of subjects such as learning the English language. Now, a new map has been created that explores the topic of accessibility.
How the Minecraft BuildAbility World Teaches Kids About Accessibility
As CGMagazine reports, the Minecraft BuildAbility World has been created as a collaboration between Microsoft and the Peel District School Board as a way to teach kids in school about accessibility and the challenges that some people have to face in the real world.
Students will begin their experience in this map by learning about the five types of accessibility barriers:
- Attitudinal Barriers
- Information or Communication Barriers
- Organizational or Systemic Barriers
- Physical Barriers
- Technological Barriers.
From there, they'll get to explore simulations of a school, a shopping center, and a street corner with a gas station and store. Kids will be tasked with helping to reshape the map in a way that helps people facing various accessibility challenges. The world also included a sandbox area for more free-form learning. Teachers will be able to supplement the experience with guided lessons and discussion prompts.
The Minecraft BuildAbility world has arrived just in time for Global Accessibility Awareness Day which takes place on May 19, 2022. Special co-taught virtual lessons will be hosted over the Internet by Microsoft Global Training Partner The Cobblestone Collective; educators can find out more details in today's announcement.
Of course, the vast majority of us are a little more focused on playing Minecraft for fun; Mojang released some updates to the Minecraft Beta for the next big patch earlier this month. You can join in on the fun by buying Minecraft for PC, mobile, and consoles starting at $19.99 or your regional equivalent.
