Use Minecraft to Teach AI and Cybersecurity

AI is permeating our world and our education system; at Cleverlike Studios, we’re using Minecraft to help teachers and students understand how AI is relevant to cybersecurity. If the words “cybersecurity” and “Minecraft” don’t feel like they belong in the same sentence, keep reading and you’ll see how we connect the dots between playing popular video games and teaching important career skills.

In Ontario, Canada, Cleverlike Studios partnered with the Waterloo Catholic District on this mission. Whitney McKinley, the Student Achievement Consultant for Learning Innovation, spearheaded the program with the support of Blaise Patterson, a Learning Program Manager at Cleverlike. 

Develop Confidence Using Generative AI Tools

Students in grades 1-8 participated in the event. Waterloo focused on equipping students to be safe, smart, and confident when using generative AI tools. A series of tailored workshops was designed for specific age groups under the theme "CyberSafe AI: Dig Deeper." Students navigated a Minecraft world representing school and home environments, making real-time decisions about AI and experiencing the consequences of those choices. The goal was to build AI literacy: recognizing AI as a tool, understanding its limitations, identifying deepfakes, and practicing ethical use.

McKinley says, “Cleverlike was essential to the entire process. They helped with all the pre-event preparations, including looking over our drafted documents and providing professional feedback. On the days of the event, they fully facilitated each workshop, providing the technical expertise and instructional leadership that allowed our staff to focus on supporting their students.” 

Even though some teachers were initially hesitant to use Minecraft, she says that Cleverlike “definitely helped build their confidence.” The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. McKinley noted that the Waterloo Catholic District did this last year as well, and the most telling sign of success was having teachers proactively reaching out this year specifically requesting the event again.

Cleverlike’s Support Empowers Educators 

Cleverlike’s blend of expertise and fun-loving spirit are a key to engaging the teachers and the students. The immersive, game-based nature of the Minecraft world kept students focused and active throughout the entire session.

McKinley applauded our team for both the facilitation and their deep knowledge of the content area.

“They made the sessions fun and exciting, creating multiple entry points for different grade levels and teacher comfort zones, which made the technology feel approachable for everyone.”

For students, the key takeaways were a much deeper understanding of AI literacy and how to handle cybersecurity risks safely. They loved the added elements of security within the Minecraft environment. For educators, the takeaways included seeing how deep learning can be facilitated through digital partnerships and how complex topics like AI bias and digital permanence can be taught effectively through play.

If you’re trying to help students develop AI literacy skills and understand how to be safe online at the same time, Minecraft might just be the best approach. Check out our course, and let us know if we can help you leverage kids’ love of video games to teach important topics like AI.