Today's Newsletter: Minecraft Mania

While I am probably the last guy to be a Luddite when it comes to kids using technology, even I am a bit leery of the addictive nature of Minecraft. So it is with some relief that I see these generally positive pieces about the game’s educational benefits. The New York TimesBits column yesterday has anecdotal evidence of schools using the game to teach social studies and science. The Guardian UK, which estimates the game has sold 33 million copies in two years, touts the benefits for autistic children. And The Los Angeles Times reports that the game has even kept student relationships alive in the face of heavy political conflict. All great stuff but I still think we’ll keep our 30-minute per day quota in place! —Kevin Hogan, Editorial Director