In December, the Graduate School of Management of Saint Petersburg University (GSOM SPbU) hosted two pilot trainings on project management in the Minecraft virtual universe. The events were organized by The Center of Digital Education Technologies.

The goal of the game is to develop the skills of project communications, planning and optimization of project activities. At each of the three stages of the training, the participants completed a new task in a limited time, taking on the role of a manager or an executor. The active interaction of the players with each other made it possible to better understand the principles of setting tasks and working in a team. All groups successfully completed their goals and left the results of their work in Minecraft.

“New realities require new educational formats. Today, team work is being virtualized, and we are exploring ways to conduct training in the virtual world of Minecraft. This requires rethinking traditional approaches and creating new interaction mechanics. Training in the virtual space allows you to practice your project management skills in direct interaction with other participants.”

Sergey Lukashkin, Director of The Center of Digital Education Technologies, an expert in digital transformation, business process reengineering and service standards.

GSOM SPbU students positively assessed the trainings. The participants emphasized that the non-standard format, combining game mechanics and the educational process, made it possible to test new ideas and behaviors. Such interaction leaves positive emotions and a desire to continue the experience.

As a result of the pilot events, the organizers came up with a number of ideas for the further development of the educational format in Minecraft, which they plan to implement next year.