Impassioned Learning And Minecraft

This chapter explores the popular game Minecraft as a location of 'impassioned learning' both in and out of school. Let it sing It argues that impassioned learning occurs when individuals are motivated through a deep, interest-driven desire to learn new knowledge and skills within fan culture associated with digital gameplay. The chapter draws on interviews with students and teachers, survey and observational data to discuss Minecraft play in and out of school. It discusses the ways in which Minecraft promotes deep knowledge, problem solving and creativity. Impassioned learning, however, does not just originate with a need for achievement, social acceptance and validation. An aspect of passionate engagement with Minecraft is becoming deeply involved in the game's extensive ecology. The chapter draws on Sennett's theorisation that 'making is thinking' to discuss the ways in which many of the children and young people spoke to and observed were intensely immersed in the Minecraft experience, leading to deep learning.