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Title: Is 'Minecraft' a Better Way to Teach Programming in the Age of AI?

Link: https://developers.slashdot.org/story/25/06/2...

The education-news site EdSurge published "sponsored content" from Minecraft
Education this month. "Students light up when they create something
meaningful," the article begins. "Self-expression fuels learning, and
creativity lies at the heart of the human experience." But they also argue
that "As AI rapidly reshapes software development, computer science education
must move beyond syntax drills and algorithmic repetition." Students "must
also learn to think systemically..." As AI automates many of the mechanical
aspects of programming, the value of CS education is shifting, from writing
perfect code to shaping systems, telling stories through logic and designing
ethical, human-centered solutions... [I]t's critical to offer computer
science experiences that foster invention, expression and design. This isn't
just an education issue - it's a workforce one. Creativity now ranks among
the top skills employers seek, alongside analytical thinking and AI literacy.
As automation reshapes the job market, McKinsey estimates up to 375 million
workers may need to change occupations by 2030. The takeaway? We need more
adaptable, creative thinkers. Creative coding, where programming becomes a
medium for self-expression and innovation, offers a promising solution to
this disconnect. By positioning code as a creative tool, educators can tap
into students' intrinsic motivation while simultaneously building
computational thinking skills. This approach helps students see themselves as
creators, not just consumers, of technology. It aligns with digital literacy
frameworks that emphasize critical evaluation, meaningful contribution and
not just technical skills. One example of creative coding comes from a
curriculum that introduces computer science through game design and
storytelling in Minecraft... Developed by Urban Arts in collaboration with
Minecraft Education, the program offers middle school teachers professional
development, ongoing coaching and a 72-session curriculum built around game-
based instruction. Designed for grades 6-8, the project-based program is
beginner-friendly; no prior programming experience is required for teachers
or students. It blends storytelling, collaborative design and foundational
programming skills with a focus on creativity and equity.... Students use
Minecraft to build interactive narratives and simulations, developing
computational thinking and creative design... Early results are promising: 93
percent of surveyed teachers found the Creative Coders program engaging and
effective, noting gains in problem-solving, storytelling and coding, as well
as growth in critical thinking, creativity and resilience. As AI tools like
GitHub Copilot become standard in development workflows, the definition of
programming proficiency is evolving. Skills like prompt engineering, systems
thinking and ethical oversight are rising in importance, precisely what
creative coding develops... As AI continues to automate routine tasks,
students must be able to guide systems, understand logic and collaborate with
intelligent tools. Creative coding introduces these capabilities in ways that
are accessible, culturally relevant and engaging for today's learners. Some
background from long-time Slashdot reader theodp: The Urban Arts and
Microsoft Creative Coders program touted by EdSurge in its advertorial was
funded by a $4 million Education Innovation and Research grant that was
awarded to Urban Arts in 2023 by the U.S. Education Department "to create an
engaging, game-based, middle school CS course using Minecraft tools" for
3,450 middle schoolers (6th-8th grades)" in New York and California (Urban
Arts credited Minecraft for helping craft the winning proposal)... New York
City is a Minecraft Education believer - the Mayor's Office of Media and
Entertainment recently kicked off summer with the inaugural NYC Video Game
Festival, which included the annual citywide Minecraft Education Battle of
the Boroughs Esports Competition in partnership with NYC Public Schools.

Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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