Microsoft has announced a partnership with Code.org, a non-profit dedicated to expanding access to computer science, that will teach kids the basics of programming using Minecraft. Microsoft bought Mojang, the Swedish developers behind the game, for $2.5 billion last year.
The Minecraft tutorial is part of Code.org's third annual Hour of Code campaign, which will run from December 7 -13, during Computer Science Education Week. The tutorial, aimed at learners aged six and over, will introduce kids (and adults) to the basics of coding using the Minecraft platform. Code.org recently launched an Hour of Code tutorial that uses Star Wars: The Force Awakens characters to teach kids JavaScript.
Users who sign up to the Hour of Code Minecraft module will learn the basics of computer science by programming Alex and Steve, the two main characters from the game, to move through a simulated piece of Minecraft's world. This is done using an interactive interface consisting of code blocks that will help build JavaScript skills.
"A core part of our mission to empower every person on the planet is equipping youth with computational thinking and problem-solving skills to succeed in an increasingly digital world," said Satya Nadella, Microsoft's CEO. "With 'Minecraft' and Code.org, we aim to spark creativity in the next generation of innovators in a way that is natural, collaborative and fun."
There are 14 coding challenges in the tutorial, including a free-play board, and it includes helpful pop-up videos from Minecraft developers. If you want an easy way to learn a few lines of JavaScript then you should try out the Minecraft Module now.