Outreach Teacher Create Biome for Learning with Minecraft

Outreach teacher awarded for innovation

Northern Lights Public Schools offers sincere congratulations to Cold Lake Outreach School teacher Lara Ripkens for her receipt of the Outreach Education Council’s Award for Innovation and Achievement.

Ripkens was recognized at the Outreach Education Council Conference on October 1, for creating and participating in her unique Minecraft 4 Education program.

“Northern Lights is focused on finding new ways to engage students in the classroom and make learning exciting for them,” said Board Chair Mandi Skogen. “Congratulations to Lara on developing a program that motivates students to come to school and learn through doing something they enjoy.”

The Minecraft 4 Education program just entered its fourth year at Cold Lake Outreach School. Ripkens initiated the program, ”to ‘hook’ (students) into doing their core work by offering a class in Minecraft in the afternoons which they could participate in if the core work was complete. In addition, the design skills they worked on in Minecraft allowed them to earn relevant design credits.”

Her students say they enjoy the Minecraft 4 Education program because it allows them to learn without stress, gives them a chance to express creativity with their friends, and affords them the opportunity to work as part of a team.

Cold Lake Outreach School offers programming to students in grades 9 to 12 in Cold Lake. It is part of the Northern Lights Outreach Program, which offers students an individualized approach to learning.

*Press Release from Northern Lights Public Schools