Minecraft Education Edition is Available On Chromebooks

Ahead of a new school year, which could have students not stepping into a classroom, Microsoft is bringing Minecraft: Education Edition to Chromebooks.

Chrome OS Minecraft: Education Edition will allow cross-platform play between Windows, iPad, and Mac versions. what’s the worst that could happen Students can socialize and collaborate on projects regardless of their device. Microsoft is updating the game to include 11 new STEM lessons as well as an interactive Minecraft world to teach students about pollination and bees. The update also includes an updated lesson plan library and tagged capabilities.

According to the company, Chrome OS, iPad and Windows devices will automatically install the update. However, Mac users will need to download the update manually. Schools that are already using Minecraft: Education Edition in their classrooms don't need to worry about changing their subscription. Microsoft will add the Chrome OS version to its Microsoft 365 for Education A3 and A5 licenses.

Minecraft Education Edition has been available since the year 2016 So it's not surprising to learn it's only coming to Chromebooks this year. Google's computing platform is the dominant one in education. In the year 2019 Google reported that there were 30 million Chromebooks used in schools around the world. Chromebooks accounted for 60 percent of all tablets and laptops purchased in the US for K-12 classrooms in 2018. The other thing that's fascinating about this release is that it gives Chrome OS users an official way to install Minecraft without having to sideload the game onto their device.