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Digital citizenship through game design in Minecraft

Valerie Hill (School of Library and Information Studies, Texas Woman's University, Denton, Texas, USA)

New Library World

ISSN: 0307-4803

Article publication date: 13 July 2015

2922

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe a library project exploring innovative options for embedding information literacy skills in the elementary school library by utilizing Minecraft, a virtual world three-dimensional (3D) building game environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The small-scale descriptive study, with a follow-up survey, focuses on a group of fifth-grade students in an after-school technology club facilitated by the school librarian. The students designed and built a 3D virtual world library game for younger students to help them learn digital citizenship and information literacy.

Findings

Analysis of observations, interviews and videos indicated that students were highly engaged in learning information literacy elements throughout all stages of the project from design, building, implementation and testing of younger students.

Research limitations/implications

Although the small number of students enrolled in the club is a limitation, the feedback provided strong evidence of motivation for learning through gamification. Further research could assess learning outcomes with the curriculum, specifically for digital citizenship and information literacy.

Practical implications

Embedding information literacy into a 3D world allows students to learn computer code, mathematics, game design, and fosters collaboration while demonstrating digital citizenship.

Social implications

Game design requires teamwork, a real-life skill essential for students entering the work force.

Originality/value

Few articles share student-designed solutions of critical information literacy needs. This study exemplifies constructivist learning in a gaming environment.

Keywords

Citation

Hill, V. (2015), "Digital citizenship through game design in Minecraft", New Library World, Vol. 116 No. 7/8, pp. 369-382. https://doi.org/10.1108/NLW-09-2014-0112

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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