Exploring Application, Attitudes and Integration of Video Games: MinecraftEdu in Middle School

Sáez-López, J. M., Miller, J., Vázquez-Cano, E., & Domínguez-Garrido, M. C. (2015). Exploring Application, Attitudes and Integration of Video Games: MinecraftEdu in Middle School. Educational Technology & Society, 18 (3), 114–128.

15 Pages Posted: 4 Feb 2020

See all articles by Jose-Manuel Saez-Lopez

Jose-Manuel Saez-Lopez

National Distance Education University (UNED)

John Miller

Chalone Peaks Middle School

Esteban Vázquez-Cano

National Distance Education University (UNED)

Maria-Concepcion Dominguez-Garrido

National Distance Education University (UNED)

Date Written: December 8, 2015

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the use of MinecraftEdu in classroom practice analyzing the outcomes and attitudes of all members of the educational community through a quasi-experimental approach. The research presents three dimensions oriented to assessing the use of this application in a didactic unit “History and Architecture” compared through statistical inference (t-student) to a control group that develops the same unit with slides and traditional expositional methods. The second dimension values the attitudes of teachers, students and parents regarding the implementation of video games in formal education using descriptive analysis and nonparametric statistical inference through the Jonckheere-Terpstra test and the Kruskal-Wallis test, which allows each group ranks to be compared. The third dimension analyzes interactions in a virtual learning environment related to the implementation of MinecraftEdu. Although there are no significant improvements regarding academic outcomes and some parents hold negative attitudes, it is noteworthy that the majority of the sample considered that MinecraftEdu is fun, enhances creativity, develops discovery and is a good application for creating and exploring immersive historical environments.

Keywords: Computer-mediated communication, elementary education, game-based learning, improving classroom teaching, interactive learning environments, teaching/learning strategies

Suggested Citation

Saez-Lopez, Jose-Manuel and Miller, John and Vázquez-Cano, Esteban and Dominguez-Garrido, Maria-Concepcion, Exploring Application, Attitudes and Integration of Video Games: MinecraftEdu in Middle School (December 8, 2015). Sáez-López, J. M., Miller, J., Vázquez-Cano, E., & Domínguez-Garrido, M. C. (2015). Exploring Application, Attitudes and Integration of Video Games: MinecraftEdu in Middle School. Educational Technology & Society, 18 (3), 114–128., Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2700646

Jose-Manuel Saez-Lopez (Contact Author)

National Distance Education University (UNED) ( email )

Calle Bravo Murillo, 38
Madrid 28006, Madrid 28040
Spain

John Miller

Chalone Peaks Middle School ( email )

667 Meyer St
King City, CA
United States

Esteban Vázquez-Cano

National Distance Education University (UNED) ( email )

Calle Bravo Murillo, 38
Madrid 28006, Madrid 28040
Spain

Maria-Concepcion Dominguez-Garrido

National Distance Education University (UNED) ( email )

Calle Bravo Murillo, 38
Madrid 28006, Madrid 28040
Spain

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