Microsoft® Selects Tynker as Coding Solution for Minecraft: Education Edition

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tynker, the leader in creative computing that has introduced more than 50 million kids to computer programming through innovative game-like learning activities and courses, today released the seamless integration of its coding solution into Minecraft: Education Edition’s new extension, Code Builder. Tynker’s visual programming language can now be used by students of all ages to code within Minecraft.

Tynker is one of the default programming options that students can access through the Code Builder extension. Students can use Tynker’s visual blocks to program their Agent, an in-game robot; to complete challenges; and to build open-ended creative mods and games. Guided instructions teach students to visualize and plan, create geometric structures, and solve real-world problems within Minecraft: Education Edition. Minecraft: Education Edition is a collaborative and versatile platform that educators can use across subjects to encourage 21st-century skills.

“Project-based learning that draws on kids’ everyday interests, such as gaming or storytelling, is the best way to increase engagement and teach kids a new skill they can easily adopt and enjoy,” said Tynker co-founder and CEO, Krishna Vedati. “We are thrilled to be chosen by Microsoft as one of the preferred solutions to teach kids how to code within Minecraft: Education Edition. Learning programming skills at an early stage will show younger learners that a career in STEM is both fun and attainable by all.”

To use Tynker in Minecraft: Education Edition, students can simply type “/code” to launch the Code Builder. From there, students can pair their creativity with Tynker’s visual blocks to code and customize their game with projects like Cityscape, where they build an elaborate city full of randomly generated skyscrapers, or Rainbow Skies, where they use Minecraft blocks to programmatically draw the arc of a rainbow. More advanced students have the option to seamlessly transition from programming with Tynker’s visual building block language to coding in JavaScript.

“Tynker’s integration into Code Builder provides a seamless way for players to learn to code at their own pace, inspired by Tynker’s project templates and progression from blocks to more advanced programming languages,” said Microsoft General Manager, Deirdre Quarnstrom. “Together with Tynker, we are making STEM learning more approachable and highlighting the creative potential of code for learners of all ages.”

A free trial of Minecraft: Education Edition which includes the Code Builder extension is available through the Microsoft Store for Education for qualifying education customers. To learn more please visit https://education.minecraft.net/.

About Tynker

Tynker’s award-winning creative computing platform helps children develop computational thinking and programming skills in a fun, intuitive, and imaginative way. The platform is used by more than 60,000 schools and 50 million students, spanning over 150 countries. Tynker was founded by a seasoned team of technology entrepreneurs who share a passion for giving children the critical life skills needed to become leaders in the technologies of tomorrow. Global partners include brands such as Apple, Microsoft, iDTech, Mattel, PBS, Sylvan Learning, and more.

For more information, please visit http://www.tynker.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @GoTynker. To learn more about Tynker’s coding tools in Minecraft: Education Edition, please visit https://www.tynker.com/learn-to-code/with-minecraft/.