Learning and gamification: implementation of Minecraft Education Edition in Natural Sciences for Basic Education

Abstract

Introduction: The article explores the integration of Minecraft Education Edition as a gamification tool in the teaching of natural sciences. The study focuses on basic education students and examines how this tool can facilitate meaningful learning and improve student engagement and motivation. Materials and methods: Through a methodology that combines observation, quantitative analysis and qualitative analysis, the article demonstrates that the use of Minecraft not only helps students better understand natural science concepts, but also fosters key skills such as critical thinking and collaboration. Results: The findings suggest that gamification can be an effective strategy to engage students more deeply in their learning, offering a practical and engaging approach to science education. Discussion: When "Minecraft: Education Edition" is applied in natural science education, it allows students to explore ecosystems, simulate scientific experiments, and understand complex concepts in an interactive environment. Conclusions: The challenges in the technological implementation of "Minecraft: Education Edition" point to the initial challenge for some teachers and students, regarding the technological learning curve, which reveals the need for adequate support and training in gamification technologies. Despite the benefits, teachers faced challenges in maintaining a balance between the game and educational objectives. This underlines the importance of careful design of gamification activities to ensure that they complement and reinforce learning objectives.