FAQ: Introducing the Hour of AI

What is Hour of AI?

Hour of AI is Minecraft Education’s newest global coding and artificial intelligence experience, designed to build on the legacy of ten years of Hour of Code. After a decade of empowering millions of learners to take their first steps in computer science, Minecraft Education is expanding the journey, helping students and educators everywhere understand, create, and shape the future with artificial intelligence.

Hour of AI is a new initiative by Code.org, building on a decade of impact with Hour of Code, that seeks to demystify AI for millions of learners worldwide through accessible activities and AI tutorials, hosted on HourofAI.org. Students and educators can choose an Hour of AI activity, and in less than one hour, learn the basics of AI.

Minecraft has worked with Code.org and Microsoft for 10+ years, delivering engaging tutorials and driving engagement through an annual global campaign, customer and community engagement, and teacher training. We have reached 300M sessions of Minecraft Hour of Code through this work and will build on that momentum to go big with Hour of AI.

Hour of AI, is central to our AI Foundations collection of AI Literacy experiences. These tutorials introduce students to foundational AI concepts through hands-on, game-based learning. Learners will demystify AI, explore how it works, and imagine what’s possible when they harness it for good. 

 

Why did Minecraft Education create Hour of AI after ten years of Hour of Code?

Building on the success of Hour of Code, Hour of AI responds to the growing need for AI literacy in today’s world. Students are already using AI, but many don’t understand how it works, how to use it responsibly, or how to shape what’s coming next. Hour of AI helps students move from watchers to leaders, empowering them to participate fully in an increasingly automated society as informed citizens, ethical decision-makers, and creative problem-solvers.

Are Hour of Code legacy games still available?

Yes! All Hour of Code legacy games remain available for educators and students. You can continue to use favorites like:

• The Show Must Go On (2024)
• Generation AI (2023)
• Escape Estate (2022)
• TimeCraft (2021)
• A Tale of Two Villages (2020)

These lessons are free to play and can be accessed in Minecraft Education’s in-game Library or via the Hour of Code landing page.

What games can be used for Hour of AI?

Minecraft Education is amplifying options for educators and students. In addition to the new Hour of AI: The First Night game, you can use several other AI-focused experiences for your Hour of AI event:

• Hour of AI: The First Night – Learn the basics of AI systems as you tackle a classic Minecraft challenge – the First Night!.
• Reed Smart: AI Detective – Investigate cases of AI misuse and build media literacy.
• Generation AI – Create AI-powered inventions and learn responsible AI principles.
• AI for Good – Explore how AI can solve real-world problems.
• CyberSafe AI – Build digital citizenship and critical thinking for an AI-driven world.

All these games are designed to introduce students to coding, computational thinking, and AI literacy in fun, creative, and accessible ways. Discover all our AI Literacy learning experiences at AI Foundations | Minecraft Education

Explore all Hour of AI and Hour of Code experiences in Minecraft Education, and choose the adventure that best fits your classroom!