Prodigy Learning, a global EdTech business that provides innovative online platforms that empower learners to develop and prove their skills, and Minecraft Education, a game-based learning platform that inspires creative, inclusive learning through play, are excited to announce the availability of ‘AI Ready Skills’, their new learning, assessment, and credentialing product, which brings credentialing in AI skills into Minecraft Education.
The launch of ‘AI Ready Skills’ at BETT UK, a leading global education technology event, signifies a key achievement in the ongoing partnership between Prodigy Learning and Minecraft Education, which began in May 2024. It is the third product released under this partnership. It builds on the successes of the two previous releases: ‘Coding in Minecraft’, which focuses on developing coding skills, and ‘Cyber in Minecraft’, which focuses on cyber security education. This collaboration brings together the immersive world of Minecraft, the best-selling video game of all time, with the innovative educational solutions of Prodigy Learning, offering new opportunities for educators and students alike.
Delivered in Minecraft Education, ‘AI Ready Skills’ engages young and diverse learners through game-based learning and rewards their learning with credentials. It is an easy-to-teach solution, empowering educators with a comprehensive, future-focused curriculum that addresses the needs of tomorrow’s workforce today.
Commenting on the development, Andrew Flood, Chief Executive Officer of Prodigy Learning, said:
Today’s launch of the ‘AI Ready Skills’ credential product at BETT UK is a milestone addition to our educational offerings in partnership with Minecraft Education. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing our world at an ever-increasing pace. Our shared vision for this product is to empower educators with the tools to prepare their students with the skills they need to thrive in this age of AI.
The AI Ready Skills learning pathway comprises four units covering core AI topics: Understanding AI, Generative AI, Machine Learning, and Responsible AI. At the end of the pathway, the AI Ready Skills capstone credential exam allows students to demonstrate foundational AI skills. If successful, students receive their AI Ready Skills certificate and digital badge.
Allison Matthews, Head of Minecraft Education at Microsoft, added:
At Minecraft Education, we are committed to empowering educators and students with the tools they need to thrive in the age of AI. The launch of ‘AI Ready Skills’ is a testament to our dedication to providing innovative and accessible learning solutions. By integrating AI education into the immersive world of Minecraft, we are not only making learning engaging and fun but also preparing the workforce of tomorrow with the essential skills they need to succeed in an AI-driven world.
The latest announcement builds on the earlier successful releases of Coding in Minecraft and Cyber in Minecraft in partnership with Minecraft Education. School systems across the globe, including Alaska, North Carolina, Washington State, Northern Ireland, and New South Wales (Australia), are already benefiting from introducing these programmes to their educators and students.
Along with ‘Coding in Minecraft’ and ‘Cyber in Minecraft’, ‘AI Ready Skills’ is now available for licensing through Microsoft and channel resellers worldwide in addition to existing Prodigy Learning channels.
