Prodigy Learning, an edtech company based in Ireland, has forged a partnership with Microsoft’s Minecraft Education to create a curriculum for computer science, using the gaming platform as a tool for learning and assessment. The academic materials, a blend of Prodigy’s educational tools with Minecraft game elements, have been fashioned to be interactive, easily teachable and available to instructors who possess minimal to no computer science expertise, while also providing recognised qualifications.
Through the official collaboration, Prodigy products can be accessed in Microsoft’s authorised distribution channels, inclusive of the Microsoft Store on Windows devices.
Product offerings that will be introduced first are Coding in Minecraft and a recently developed Cyber product. These are expected to be licensable through Microsoft and their world-wide resellers.
“The joint effort between Minecraft Education and Prodigy Learning signifies a critical turning point in edtech. By merging the strengths of both entities, we’re establishing a fresh benchmark for game-based learning and evaluations, offering endless opportunities for student success and development,” stated Andrew Flood, CEO of Prodigy Learning.
Andrew further commented that, in this era of artificial intelligence, their collaboration will foster the creation of a future workforce and economical chances.
As a developer, Prodigy Learning markets edtech products and administers an online evaluation platform that is used for standardised exams in Irish schools.
The firm has been making steady headway in the US with their Coding in Minecraft product, accruing customers in states like Idaho, Washington, and others. It currently has approximately 500,000 licensed users across the globe.
The collaboration with Microsoft is a potential wealth increase for Prodigy, allowing it to broaden its market extensively. Aside from the US, Prodigy has tapped markets in Australia, Ireland, and the UK.
“This joint venture is centred around a mutual dedication to empowering teachers and engaging learners,” said Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft.
“This collaboration fuses Minecraft Education’s game-based learning and Prodigy Learning’s prowess in credentialing, paving the way for a well-rounded educational experience. This will aid students to acquire critical abilities such as computational thinking, problem-solving and reasoning, which are vital for highly sought-after occupations.”