A Minecraft Java Edition account must be purchased and activated by the learner before class starts, it's available here: https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/store/minecraft-java-bedrock-edition-pc

Enrollees will receive an invitation to our class's private Minecraft Realm where we will build our ideas. To access the server, each learner will need the Java edition of Minecraft and will need to update their version to the latest release.

Other Minecraft versions like the "Minecraft for Windows, Dungeons, or Legends Editions", console editions, and pocket editions for mobile devices will not work for this course. ONLY Java Edition for Mac and PC will have access.

A pair of headphones and a microphone are also recommended for communication with the class. I would prefer to keep the microphones open in order to support our collaborative and interactive space for creating art. Please help your artist by setting them up in a quiet place away from phone calls, televisions, radios, people chatting, and all the other noisy necessities in our lives… I don't have a place like that in my home, so I use headphones with a noise-cancelling microphone 🎤😊 🎧

Our number one priority is internet safety, and I want to build a supportive learning environment. I work hard to teach my students about internet safety and the best ways to interact online throughout all of our programs.

Our students frequently form relationships and friendships with other students while enrolled in our programs. While we support healthy online relationships, we also believe it's critical to follow these internet safety guidelines:

— Without first checking with your parents, DO NOT ask others to connect with you online outside of our programs. We provide a secure, controlled environment for learning through our programs, but we are unable to control relationships made outside of the classroom.

— Avoid sharing personal data, such as your name, address, phone number, passwords, location, email address, and parental information.
— If someone asks you for personal information, you should let your parent or a counselor know so they can offer advice.

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Resources for Parents on Common Sense Media:

https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/keeping-games-fun-and-friendly
Learn how to maintain your child's interactions with others in online games enjoyable and pleasant by reading our guide, "Keeping Games Fun and Friendly."

https://www.commonsense.org/education/digital-citizenship/lesson/the-power-of-words
The Power of Words: Explain to your child that the words they use online have real power, and provide them with tactics to utilize if they encounter cyberbullying.

https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/private-and-personal-information
Learn the difference between private information that shouldn't be shared and personal information that your child can safely post online.