Swedish students play Minecraft in class to learn about planning and the environment

Students in Stockholm's Viktor Rydberg school are playing Minecraft in class to learn planning and the environment, according to an article published on The Local.

"They learn about city planning, environmental issues, getting things done and even how to plan for the future," said Monica Ekman, a teacher at the Viktor Rydberg school where about 180 students play Swedish developer Mojang's block-based world builder.

The idea to teach with Minecraft came from the school's participation in nationwide competition called "Future City" in which they submitted plans to improve cities of the future. The contest ended, but the school kept Minecraft around.

"It's been a great success and we'll definitely do it again," Ekman said.

"We think it's a fun way of learning, and it's nice for the students to achieve something."