I understand that there have been some questions and confusion about MinecraftEDU and the associated library events (lock-ins or gaming sessions) - I’m hoping this message helps to clarify some information.
Last year, several staff members embarked on the Minecraft adventures by providing an after-hours lock-in. This was hugely popular, but the logistics caused difficulty. Overall, we realized these programs would be more successful if we were able to invest in a product specifically for library programs. There are many options, and we determined that the best choice would be MinecraftEDU. This is a product that is used primarily by educators, and last time I checked it was still officially in Beta. By purchasing the software, user and site licenses - we would be doing something new! That’s kind of exciting!
After several weeks of emailing back and forth with MinecraftEDU representatives, Ellie was able to work out the details of purchasing these licenses and the practicality of providing MinecraftEDU programs. We have purchased up to 25 licenses for each location. The licenses are specific to each location. We have also purchased one site license for each location. These are one time purchases. This was a very large expense from the Youth Services budget, but coordinating it through YS was the best to ensure that we had consistent implementation.
In May we had our first MinecraftEDU event at Barkman - our “testing” branch. Cory and Chris are our local experts and they ensured that the program has run very smoothly. Since then, as each branch expresses interest, we have expanded over the summer. Ellie has shared the login info and best practices with branch managers and youth services committee members. If you do not have access to this information - please ask her.
Youth Services has arranged for Chris or Cory to be present at any “first” MinecraftEDU events for each location, in order to get everyone involved up-to-speed about how to run the program. Coming up, we will have MinecraftEDU training opportunities at Staff Development day and maybe even other times throughout the year.
Finally, Chris and Cory have offered to put together a tutorial. I’ve heard that some folks would like to see this - that’s great! The thing to remember is - they are learning the MinecraftEDU product too - so this is a huge work in progress. However, everything that they have learned has either been through experience and these resources:
http://services.minecraftedu.com/wiki/Main_Page
https://twitter.com/minecraftedu
http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Minecraft_Wiki
SO - if you are curious about the MinecraftEDU product and what is possible for your events, check these out. Visit an upcoming event (we have several scheduled each month), and ask questions. MinecraftEDU is a product that was purchased by YS for the entire district and the opportunities are endless. We want all locations to use it. We do have a contract with some Terms of Use information, so if you have any questions about your intended use - consult Ellie. If you have programming ideas that you would like YS assistance or involvement, please consult Maria. Chris and Cory are excellent resources with their experience and enthusiasm. But seriously - play and have fun!
Staff who you should contact with any questions:
-Maria Kramer (maria.kramer@pueblolibrary.org) is the YS manager as of Aug 10 and she can approve additional assistance at your programs if necessary, and assist you in program planning.
-Ellie O’Keefe (ellie.okeefe@pueblolibrary.org) is our teen librarian. She was the initial contact for MinecraftEDU and as such knows the details about the terms of use.
-Chris Reif (christopher.rief@pueblolibrary.org) and Cory Reimers (cory.reimers@pueblolibrary.org) are our local MinecraftEDU gurus!
Also - Dan Romero in IT was critical in helping to ensure to bring this software to our computers! If you experience any difficulties with the technical aspects - he's the guy to ask!
Last year, several staff members embarked on the Minecraft adventures by providing an after-hours lock-in. This was hugely popular, but the logistics caused difficulty. Overall, we realized these programs would be more successful if we were able to invest in a product specifically for library programs. There are many options, and we determined that the best choice would be MinecraftEDU. This is a product that is used primarily by educators, and last time I checked it was still officially in Beta. By purchasing the software, user and site licenses - we would be doing something new! That’s kind of exciting!
After several weeks of emailing back and forth with MinecraftEDU representatives, Ellie was able to work out the details of purchasing these licenses and the practicality of providing MinecraftEDU programs. We have purchased up to 25 licenses for each location. The licenses are specific to each location. We have also purchased one site license for each location. These are one time purchases. This was a very large expense from the Youth Services budget, but coordinating it through YS was the best to ensure that we had consistent implementation.
In May we had our first MinecraftEDU event at Barkman - our “testing” branch. Cory and Chris are our local experts and they ensured that the program has run very smoothly. Since then, as each branch expresses interest, we have expanded over the summer. Ellie has shared the login info and best practices with branch managers and youth services committee members. If you do not have access to this information - please ask her.
Youth Services has arranged for Chris or Cory to be present at any “first” MinecraftEDU events for each location, in order to get everyone involved up-to-speed about how to run the program. Coming up, we will have MinecraftEDU training opportunities at Staff Development day and maybe even other times throughout the year.
Finally, Chris and Cory have offered to put together a tutorial. I’ve heard that some folks would like to see this - that’s great! The thing to remember is - they are learning the MinecraftEDU product too - so this is a huge work in progress. However, everything that they have learned has either been through experience and these resources:
http://services.minecraftedu.com/wiki/Main_Page
https://twitter.com/minecraftedu
http://minecraft.gamepedia.com/Minecraft_Wiki
SO - if you are curious about the MinecraftEDU product and what is possible for your events, check these out. Visit an upcoming event (we have several scheduled each month), and ask questions. MinecraftEDU is a product that was purchased by YS for the entire district and the opportunities are endless. We want all locations to use it. We do have a contract with some Terms of Use information, so if you have any questions about your intended use - consult Ellie. If you have programming ideas that you would like YS assistance or involvement, please consult Maria. Chris and Cory are excellent resources with their experience and enthusiasm. But seriously - play and have fun!
Staff who you should contact with any questions:
-Maria Kramer (maria.kramer@pueblolibrary.org) is the YS manager as of Aug 10 and she can approve additional assistance at your programs if necessary, and assist you in program planning.
-Ellie O’Keefe (ellie.okeefe@pueblolibrary.org) is our teen librarian. She was the initial contact for MinecraftEDU and as such knows the details about the terms of use.
-Chris Reif (christopher.rief@pueblolibrary.org) and Cory Reimers (cory.reimers@pueblolibrary.org) are our local MinecraftEDU gurus!
Also - Dan Romero in IT was critical in helping to ensure to bring this software to our computers! If you experience any difficulties with the technical aspects - he's the guy to ask!