Understanding the Key Differences Between Minecraft Education and Bedrock Editions
8 June, 2021
Minecraft, a popular sandbox game, has two distinct editions specifically designed for different purposes: Minecraft Education Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition. While they share some similarities, each edition caters to unique audiences and serves different objectives. In this article, we will explore the biggest differences between Minecraft Education and Bedrock Editions, shedding light on their features, functionalities, and target audiences.
Target Audience:
Minecraft Education Edition is primarily designed for educational institutions, teachers, and students. It is specifically tailored to enhance learning experiences by incorporating educational tools and features into the gameplay. On the other hand, Minecraft Bedrock Edition targets a broader audience, including casual players, gaming enthusiasts, and individuals who wish to enjoy Minecraft's gameplay without the educational focus.
Educational Features:
Minecraft Education Edition offers a wide range of educational features not found in Bedrock Edition. It includes tools like Classroom Mode, which allows teachers to manage and monitor student activities in the game, ensuring a controlled and focused learning environment. Additionally, it provides access to pre-built lessons, in-game coding capabilities through Code Builder, and a library of educational content created by educators worldwide. These features make Minecraft Education Edition a valuable tool for interactive and immersive learning experiences.
Cross-Platform Compatibility:
One significant advantage of Minecraft Bedrock Edition is its cross-platform compatibility. Bedrock Edition allows players to access their worlds and play seamlessly across multiple devices, including Windows 10 PCs, consoles (such as Xbox, PlayStation), mobile devices (iOS and Android), and even virtual reality platforms. This cross-platform support fosters a more inclusive and connected multiplayer experience, enabling players to collaborate and play together regardless of their chosen device.
Modding and Customization:
Minecraft Bedrock Edition provides a more accessible and streamlined approach to modding and customization compared to Minecraft Education Edition. Bedrock Edition allows players to install and create custom add-ons, resource packs, and skins, expanding the game's content and visual aesthetics. Although Minecraft Education Edition supports modding to a certain extent, the focus is primarily on educational content rather than extensive modding capabilities.
Pricing and Availability:
Minecraft Education Edition follows a licensing model specifically tailored for educational institutions and is not available for individual purchase. It requires a subscription or licensing agreement with Microsoft. In contrast, Minecraft Bedrock Edition is available for purchase across various platforms, including digital stores and physical copies. It offers different editions, such as the base game, Pocket Edition for mobile devices, and console editions.
Updates and Feature Parity:
Minecraft Bedrock Edition generally receives updates and new features ahead of Minecraft Education Edition. Bedrock Edition is considered the flagship version of Minecraft, and updates often debut on this platform before being adapted for Education Edition. However, it's important to note that Minecraft Education Edition prioritizes stability, security, and educational functionality over frequent updates, ensuring a reliable and focused experience for educators and students.
Minecraft Education Edition and Minecraft Bedrock Edition cater to different audiences and serve distinct purposes. While Minecraft Education Edition focuses on providing educational tools, immersive learning experiences, and classroom management features, Minecraft Bedrock Edition offers cross-platform compatibility, modding capabilities, and a broader multiplayer experience. Understanding the differences between these editions allows educators, students, and players to choose the version that aligns with their goals and requirements, ensuring an engaging and tailored Minecraft experience.
