Learn to code with Microsoft MakeCode and the Agent

  • 4 minutes

Microsoft MakeCode allows learners to code inside Minecraft Education, helping them build and create in Minecraft faster.

Microsoft MakeCode is a free online learn-to-code platform allowing anyone to:

  • Build games
  • Code devices
  • Mod Minecraft

It’s completely web-based, so there’s nothing to download and install—which means that any educator or learner may use it, no matter what kind of computer/device they’re using in class or at home.

MakeCode supports a wide range of learners’ interests with a variety of different products across domains such as:

  • Physical computing
  • Games
  • Robotics

MakeCode also offers three programming environments—drag-and-drop, block-based; JavaScript; and Python code editors—supporting learners at different skill levels and allowing for personalized learning and differentiated instruction techniques.

When first introducing programming concepts to learners, block-based programming is a wonderful way to teach programming for many reasons:

  • It’s a way to program without having to write every command line-by-line.
  • Learners don’t have to memorize coding languages to begin.
  • It eliminates the possibility of syntax errors.
  • Learners only focus on the logic of their code.
  • Because blocks are visual, they’re easier to understand and allow beginning programmers an easier entry point into coding.

Within Minecraft Education, learners select the C key to access Microsoft MakeCode. Once learners begin coding, their Agent appears. The Agent is their coding friend they take with them everywhere they go in Minecraft. Learners may program their agent to complete many tasks, making their work in Minecraft more efficient.

Within the Computing with Minecraft unit, the Computing: Unit 1 lesson introduces learners to their Agents and teaches them how to program using blocks in Microsoft MakeCode. Take these steps to complete the lesson:

  • Refer to the video to learn how to access the lesson.

  • Complete the five activities within the world. Make note of the coding mindsets and computational skills employed when completing the activities.

  • Take screenshots of the finished program in each activity and add them to the Agency activity document.

  • Have fun working with the Agent!

  • When finished with the activity, note what computational thinking skills are reinforced in the lesson by completing the computational thinking section of the Teaching and learning framework review document.

Challenge

  • Once finished with the activities in the Agency, move the Agent outside and program it to build a simple house.
    • Use the Agent place on move block.
      • If the block is set to true, the Agent will place a block every time it moves one space.
      • If the block is set to false, the Agent will move and not place a block.
      • This is useful when programming the Agent to build, but also wanting to leave gaps (for doors or windows later).
    • Ensure player is on the ground when teleporting the Agent to the player.
    • Determine which way the Agent is facing before programming.
    • It may take some trial and error to build the first four walls of the house.

Reflection

  • How did this activity build educator confidence in coding in Minecraft Education?
  • Are there any questions about the activities?
  • How does programming in Minecraft Education make building in Minecraft more efficient?