Microsoft to open Minecraft education edition for all schools in June, free on the early access program

Among a handful of announcements Microsoft made today — designed to make Windows a core facet of the classroom — the company provided more details on the Minecraft: Education Edition, which it first teased back in January.

Beginning in June, any school will be able to access the new Minecraft, which is tailor-made for teaching kids things such as collaboration, navigation, social skills, and empathy. The software will feature enhanced maps with coordinates, while learners can capture snapshots of their work to save to a dedicated portfolio. There is also an enhanced multiplayer mode that permits as many as 40 pupils to create a Minecraft world, while additional resources, lesson plans, and a mentor program are being lined up to foster a teaching community.