Peer learning in a digital environment – A case study of two five-year-olds as Minecraft creators

Authors

• Maj-Britt Kentz Itä-Suomen yliopisto
• Sara Sintonen
• Lasse Lipponen

Abstract

One of the most intriguing phenomena within digital culture is Minecraft, which is also one of the most popular video games among young children. Minecraft offers a setting for developing skills such as creativity, problem solving, thinking, interaction, knowledge building, collaboration, and self-expression. Minecraft has changed multiplayer collaborative practices significantly, but little research has been conducted on cooperative playing and peer learning during play among preschool-aged children. In this study, we examine two five-year-olds who are Minecraft creators, particularly focusing on the peer learning aspect of the game, through video recordings. We then examine how peer learning in a digital environment is manifested among five-year-olds during a self-guided Minecraft session. The study suggests that preschool-aged children can work in a self-directed and pedagogically valuable manner and thereby produce a novel child-created digital culture.