Microsoft looks to be nearing official rollouts of the mega-popular virtualization game designed to correspond with curriculum next month, when about 100 schools from 30 countries will participate in a beta test. Then in June, there will be an early access program for educators to download and try for free in 11 languages and 41 countries. Microsoft execs say that during the summer months, they will be focused building out lesson plans, sharing learning activity ideas, and creating re-usable projects. CNET breaks down how this may play out: “(The game’s) open-endedness has made Minecraft adaptable to everything from computer programming to art history. Especially because kids take the initiative to learn with Minecraft on their own, it's no wonder schools like it and parents don't freak out so much when kids get obsessed.” —Kevin Hogan, Content Director
