Digital Technologies learners collaborated to design and code virtual 3D models of future schools in Minecraft Education

Last Semester at Kōtui Ako Digital Technologies learners chose to work together to construct future schools for their location. They collaboratively problem solved, iteratively refining the design in response to feedback. In doing so they considered challenges architects, engineers, and educators might take into account such as sustainability, suitability of materials, sequence of construction, and varied ways spaces might be used. Their imagined future learning areas included active, creative, and social learning spaces.

For future Ladbrooks School Benji M and Finn coded a robotics lab with robots powered by solar panels, signposted accessible school spaces, recycling portals, detailed cafeteria, and transportation portals. Their extensive adventure playground included a colourful climbing wall and forts.

Whataroa School’s future design had digital technologies spaces and Warriors themed rugby facilities constructed by Kobe plus a superb playground with slides, trampoline, pool, river and bridge coded by Benji B. Collaborative technology spaces, basketball facilities, glasshouses with vegetation featured in Cameron and Troy’s Waipahihi-a-Tia’s and Colville future schools. 

For future Halfmoon Bay School Bella coded solar power, flexible, comfortable areas, and an extensive adventure playground. Josh designed a curved railway and bridge. Isla built a glasshouse with flowers. Later, Sayla and Bella coded a museum. The expansive music and performance space was constructed by Isla and Sarah, and well-thought out pet facilities were made by Meadow and Ayla. A technology-rich wharf was coded by Sam and Josh. Ryan and Tom's detailed boats used AI.

Feedback

Students “enjoyed freedom to code”, “really liked trying new things” and “learnt heaps”. They liked that there was “help when we were stuck” and said “being able to be creative and go off and do my own thing was very helpful”.

Outcomes

These Kōtui Ako Digital Technology L2-3 classes connect students, and provide opportunities to collaborate, and apply their learning to topics of choice. Here's more about Kōtui Ako Digital Technologies classes and how Kōtui Ako Primary works.