The use of Minecraft to foster creativity, collaboration and motivation through game-based learning and gamification

Abstract

The eruption of ICTs in our society posed the question of how to integrate technology into education. According to Waks (1987) in Science, Technology and Society Education, we need to find a way to integrate educational approaches that embrace and intertwine education and technology. Then, through the use of pedagogical approaches such as Game-based Learning and gamification, Minecraft presents itself as the perfect tool to develop computational thinking, foster creativity, nurture collaboration and increase motivation. The aim of my research is to demonstrate how motivation and collaboration can be fostered through the use of Minecraft in one activity called “Being an architect on Minecraft”. In order to do that, I use a quasi-experimental research. The participants were 18 in total, divided in 2 groups one experimental and one control. In the experimental group I use the implementation of Game-based Learning and gamification and in the other group, I use the traditional way of teaching. The results clearly stablish a positive effect in collaboration and a high level of motivation during the entire process. However, there are some aspects of the research we could improve for future investigations.