About

Cybersecurity Foundations for Educators: Course Information (Updated)

Title: Cybersecurity Foundations with Minecraft Education
Duration: 50 minutes (main training) + bonus content
Format: On-demand video training (self-paced, online)
Target Audience: K-12 educators (all subjects), afterschool program leaders, youth organization staff
Prerequisites: None required (New to Minecraft? Consider Minecraft Teacher Academy first)
Platform: Online streaming
Cost: FREE
Credential: Minecraft Education Cyber Foundations for Educators

Course Description

This dynamic, hands-on training empowers educators to address the urgent need for cybersecurity education and career readiness in K-12 classrooms. With over 600 million cyber attacks occurring daily and a significant global skills gap, students can become proactive cyber heroes—learning to protect themselves online and exploring future careers in technology.

Through engaging demonstrations and real-world scenarios, participants will experience Minecraft Education’s comprehensive Cyber Curriculum, which is aligned to CYBER.org, CSTA, ISTE, and UNESCO standards. The course features:

• Game-based learning: Students tackle real cyber risks (phishing, malware, scams) in safe, immersive Minecraft worlds.
• Progressive pathway: Three collections—Cyber Safe (ages 7–11), Cyber Fundamentals (ages 10–14), and Cyber Expert (ages 13–18)—build skills from basic digital safety to advanced encryption and network defense.
• Inclusive focus: Special strategies and resources to engage underrepresented groups, especially girls, and foster safe, inclusive online communities.
• Practical tools: Educators receive curriculum guides, lesson plans, and access to a vibrant professional community.

Participants will also learn how to leverage Microsoft Copilot to differentiate lessons, scaffold vocabulary, and adapt content for diverse learners. The course includes live demos, classroom-ready scenarios, and opportunities to reflect on responsible technology use, digital citizenship, and the ethical implications of AI.

Instructors

Michael Barrett  and Neeve Hylnad, Minecraft Education trainers and teachers from the Microsoft Ireland Dreams Space team

Learning Objectives

Upon completion, participants will be able to:

• Explain the importance of cybersecurity for all students and connect classroom learning to global career opportunities.
• Identify and apply cybersecurity concepts using Minecraft Cyber Curriculum, aligned to district/ministry standards.
• Navigate the Minecraft Cyber Curriculum Guide and educator resources.
• Implement strategies to engage underrepresented students, especially girls, and build inclusive digital communities.
• Master the three-collection progressive pathway (Cyber Safe, Fundamentals, Expert).
• Apply Privacy Prodigy’s data bytes system in grade-appropriate ways.
• Facilitate Good Game discussions to address toxic online behavior and promote positive gaming experiences.
• Connect CloudCraft concepts to real-world technology careers and data center operations.
• Differentiate cybersecurity lessons using Microsoft Copilot for emerging, on-level, and advanced learners.
• Access professional development through Microsoft Learn pathways and join a global educator community.
• Select implementation approaches that match school readiness and standards.

Next Steps

Sign up for Minecraft 101 to gain a foundational understanding of game-based learning, explore how to navigate Minecraft Education, and learn how to use it to enhance your lessons with its unique educational features.

Sign up for AI Foundations Training to join this hands-on training designed to empower educators to teach AI literacy using Minecraft Education's AI Adventurers curriculum and Microsoft Copilot. Through interactive demos and ready-to-use resources, you'll explore how to make AI concepts engaging and accessible for students—no prior experience with AI or Minecraft required!

Join the Teachers’ Lounge a global community of passionate educators to discover the power of Minecraft Education in your classroom. Meet and learn from fellow educators, gain access to new lessons and teaching resources, and bring immersive learning to your students.