Microsoft and Code.org use Minecraft to teach kids how to code

Microsoft has made Minecraft available to nonprofit Code.org for use in coding tutorials. The Minecraft-themed coding lesson is now available to try online and is offered to kids during the annual Hour of Code.

The tutorial consists of a workspace and an instance of Minecraft with a perspective from above. For each part of the tutorial, children are given a set of commands such as move forward and place torch. However, these commands symbolize javascript code that the children can view at any time. In total there are fourteen puzzles to complete with elements such as repeat loops and if statements. Along the way, kids have to cut down trees, shear sheep, build houses and navigate lava flows.

In September of last year, Microsoft acquired Minecraft developer Mojang for almost two billion euros. Code.org founder Hadi partovi tells GeekWire that Minecraft is by far the most requested game for use in coding tutorials. Microsoft has donated $3 million to the institution since Code.org was founded in 2013.

The Hour of Code is a global event that schools can organize themselves. At Code.org, organizers can register their event to be featured on the map. Code.org then provides coding tutorials with themes such as Minecraft, Star Wars, and Frozen for kids ages 4 to 18. Code.org not only wants to encourage children, but also underrepresented groups such as girls and immigrants to immerse themselves in the world of programming. Code.org’s partners include Apple, Microsoft, Google and Disney. This year’s Hour of Code events will be held from December 7-13.