Pauline Schoombie

Locations: Curro Heritage House

Minecraft 101

It is well documented that using games in a classroom context can facilitate collaborative learning, promote problem solving and stimulate an engaging learning environment. One methodology that demonstrates all these elements is Game Based Learning. Minecraft is a sandbox game where players have to build structures, fight monsters, hunt for food and gather resources in order to survive. There are several applications for using Minecraft in the classroom from supporting literacy to teaching mathematical concepts. In this workshop we are going to look at the basics of a Minecraft lesson. We will be focussing on how educators and students can use Minecraft and find resources for lessons. We will be doing an example of a lesson that can be presented to students. This workshop will be informative for parents and teachers alike.

Pauline Schoombie is a Grade 9 – 12 Life Sciences teacher at Curro Heritage House. She has a BSc degree in genetics, psychology and physiology and a PGCE. She is a young teacher who loves being creative in incorporating useful technology into lessons to help learners engage with content and learning on different platforms. She has a passion for making learning fun and finding new ways to connect with different types of learners and their needs. One of these ways is by using technology and gamification. Pauline loves playing games herself and has first-hand experience on how they work and what can be learnt from them.