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Mineclass

Mineclass

This unit we learned about argument and went to several different aldermen. Here I am proposing a class about city planning using Mincecraft.
It is important to learn about urban planning and political systems. The way Minecraft is designed allows for an in depth experience with trial and error surrounding a functional town with several people playing. Teaching with Minecraft opens eyes to a different way of learning.The reason we go to school every day is to learn and to prepare us to become a competent member of society. In Minecraft multiplayer servers you can often find yourselves forming alliances and naturally forming governments. Many servers I'm in, creates automated systems and support for those who don't have the same resources as those who have played for a long time. You have to plan in a very organic way. It can be used similar to a simulation
As a student I have the right to learn about the real world. After all that is what we are supposed to be prepared for. Minecraft may not be real but the socialization and the systems involved are. Minecraft is an environment filled with trying to figure things out and how to make new productive systems. Often times there are servers filled with people who form groups and trade with others. Currencies tend to form naturally after a bit and this creates an organized social system.
How can we form an online environment with an organized system using Minecraft to learn? We can check in and write summaries about what has changed in the past week. Students can create a world where they start with nothing and so everything they work for becomes very personal and ends up feeling like worldly possessions. There can be checkpoints for each week. 
Goals for each week
Week 1: A shelter for everyone to stay in. 
Week 2: Farms that can successfully feed everyone
Week 3: A trading center
Week 4: Designated roles for everyone
Week 5: Currency is formed 
Week 6: Elections and government officials 
Learning environments generally cater to a less interactive form of learning. Learning these subjects using Minecraft allows for learning with a different set of skills. There are city planning jobs. Minecraft worlds can be organized in a way that imitates city planning without the real life consequences. This allows for trial and error without fear. 
In the late 19th century there was an industrial revolution. There became all sorts of automated systems and urban areas became much more structured. If used correctly, Minecraft can follow this too. 
The goals for the end of class
  1. Form a lay out for a city/town in Minecraft
  2. Set up a political system, taking in to account those who don't have the resources others may have
  3. Form automated systems that provide food and supplies. 
Resources that would be used:

  6. Les pollock urban planner lpollock@camiros.com

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