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Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

blog.safariflow.com

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Re: Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

#3

I always wanted to take it one step further, that is a "robot" item in-game which can be programmed using logo-like instructions. Mostly I just want to automate the tedius process of mining (why do I even play this game?) but it could also be great for teaching.

ComputerCraft has the turtle[1][2] which allows you to program it using lua.

[1]: http://computercraft.info/wiki/Turtle

[2]: http://computercraft.info/wiki/Turtle_(API)

Re: Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

#5

I always wanted to take it one step further, that is a "robot" item in-game which can be programmed using logo-like instructions. Mostly I just want to automate the tedius process of mining (why do I even play this game?) but it could also be great for teaching.

In Notch's new space game ox10c you'll be able to write assembly programs for the DCPU-16 ship computer (spec at http://dcpu.com/dcpu-16/). The game's release date will mark the end of most programmers' productive careers.

Re: Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

#7
The thing I find stunning about Minecraft is how you can learn about redstone wire and all of gates/flipflops/howtouse/etc and none of it actually feels like learning. Another game that teaches you to code without it feeling like learning is Garry's Mod's Wiremod, which lets you write a program that can manipulate the game world or other wired components.

I can't help but wonder if the formula behind these games is reusable. Imagine if large swaths of technical knowledge could be taught through a creative game like Minecraft/Gmod. Another amazing part of this formula is that it imparts the "Builder's High", an experience that may be completely foreign to children/adolescents, and could completely change how they feel about the creative and engineering process. There's a lot to be learned from the Minecraft formula, I hope there's game devs out there who recognize it and are willing to build on it.

Re: Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

#8

I always wanted to take it one step further, that is a "robot" item in-game which can be programmed using logo-like instructions. Mostly I just want to automate the tedius process of mining (why do I even play this game?) but it could also be great for teaching.

In Notch's new space game ox10c you'll be able to write assembly programs for the DCPU-16 ship computer (spec at http://dcpu.com/dcpu-16/ ). The game's release date will mark the end of most programmers' productive careers.

Unfortunately, 0x10c has been indefinitely shelved: http://www.geek.com/games/notch-indefintely-shelves-mojangs-...

Re: Can Minecraft teach kids how to code?

#9
post #7

The thing I find stunning about Minecraft is how you can learn about redstone wire and all of gates/flipflops/howtouse/etc and none of it actually feels like learning. Another game that teaches you to code without it feeling like learning is Garry's Mod's Wiremod, which lets you write a program that can manipulate the game world or other wired components. I can't help but wonder if the formula behind these games is r…

There is another well-known game/tool that has had this effect for decennia: LEGO