Xbox Field Trips by Microsoft is a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the UK Interactive Entertainment (Ukie) trade association’s Digital Schoolhouse program. This innovative project introduces a series of educational podcasts tailored around popular Xbox Game Pass titles like Sea of Thieves and Minecraft.
The essence of these podcasts, termed as “audio learning journeys,” is to not only entertain but also to foster the development of essential soft skills such as decision-making, teamwork, and strategy among students. Crafted by a team comprising teachers, game narrative designers, educational technology specialists, and child psychologists, these podcasts aim to merge entertainment with education seamlessly.
An exciting feature of Xbox Field Trips is the availability of the podcasts in an e-book format on the Xbox website. This format appeals to visual learners and caters to individual accessibility preferences, ensuring that a wider range of audiences can benefit from the enriching content. There are currently seven Xbox Field Trips to embark on, each aligning with distinct sets of skills and a specific game accessible through the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
Delving into the thematic alignment of games with skills, the lineup is as follows:
- Grounded – Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
- Sea of Thieves – Teamwork and Delegation
- Minecraft – Creativity and Innovation
- Microsoft Flight Simulator – Focus and Diligence
- PowerWash Simulator – Motivation and Prioritization
- Age of Empires 4 – Strategy and Decision-making
- Cities: Skylines – Planning and Adaptability
Noteworthy educator Ollie Bray, co-author of the European Games in Schools Handbook, was a key contributor to the development of this program. Bray emphasized the efficacy of utilizing play as a potent learning tool, stating that these interactive “Field Trips” offer young learners a chance to immerse themselves in popular video games while honing crucial skills and exploring diverse learning outcomes.
The Xbox Field Trips initiative is part of Microsoft’s broader effort to showcase the positive influence of video games on individuals. Previous campaigns such as Beyond Generations and Beyond Xbox: A Player Like Me have reinforced how gaming can bridge generation gaps and even be used in therapeutic contexts.
