Simulation-Based Training via a 'Readymade' Virtual World Platform: Teaching and Learning With Minecraft Education

Integrating information and communication technologies in teaching and learning is recognized as a relevant and promising practice. However, integration can be complex, tedious, and draining. We propose an innovative approach for enhancing teaching and learning in a simple, pleasant, and effective way: repurposing a virtual world platform to develop a simulation-based training. Minecraft Education, a virtual world platform, was used to develop a simulation-based training on agile project management. So far, 153 university students have applied the Scrum framework to execute a simulated project in Minecraft Education. Results show that students’ perceived learning is very positive and that their learning experience was stimulating and challenging. Recommendations are formulated to guide practitioners and teachers adopting and adapting a “readymade” virtual world platform for teaching and learning.