iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Season four of Toolbox Tuesday is here! In this episode, I'll demonstrate how to make two kinds of geysers in Minecraft Education as well as showing you how to adjust the height of the geysers. You can catch the video on my YouTube channel here: youtu.be/DoXb8nq-B2A

youtu.be

How to make Geysers in Minecraft Education

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

In my latest blog, I'm spotlighting Chunker, one of the amazing free tools I use as a developer. Chunker is a Minecraft world converter, but has a few other cool functions as well! Come and read what Chunker can do! outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com/2026/09/spot...

outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

Spotlight on Chunker

There is a long list of invaluable apps in my digital toolbelt that help make my job as a Minecraft Education developer A LOT easier. I've ...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

My last Minecraft Education Toolbox Tuesday episode for this season! Introducing the Redstone Repeater Lock! If you have idea's for Minecraft subjects you'd like me to cover in future episodes, drop your idea's in the comments! Watch the video here on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/OaUbsb9UQtQ

youtu.be

How to build a Redstone Repeater Lock

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

In my latest Minecraft Education Toolbox Tuesday video, I demonstrate how to create Redstone Hopper Clocks! Hopper clocks are the smallest of the redstone clocks, and quite possibly, the easiest to modify for longer cycles. You can watch the video on my YouTube channel at: youtu.be/f42kHk_vuA0

youtu.be

How to build Redstone Hopper Clocks in Minecraft Education

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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Reposted by ThatMinecraftGuy

Ellie Finch @elliefinch.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

My latest newsletter is out! Big news this edition: CPD certification confirmed for two of our live trainings, a full academic year of Level 2 dates, and our new impact survey report. Plus research, books, and more. playmodeacademy.org/resources-an...

playmodeacademy.org

May-June 2026 Newsletter — Playmode Academy

This edition has some big news - CPD certification confirmed for our live courses: Level 2 in Using Minecraft as a Therapeutic Tool and Using Creative Digital Tools Therapeutically, a full academic ye...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

I did a short video tour of my oldest remaining Minecraft world built back between 2013 and 2016. It's interesting to see how my build styles and techniques have changed, a reminder that the Minecraft learning journey never ends! Watch the video here: youtube.com/shorts/DMgVt...

youtube.com

My Old Survival World

This video tour shows some of my earliest survival and creative builds from 2013-2016. Unfortunately, most of my earliest crafting was done on a Java server and no longer exists.

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Avoid tears in the classroom, and encourage your students to back up their Minecraft work! My latest blog details everything you need to know about the process! outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com/2026/04/back...

outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

Backup, Backup, Backup! Learn to Export your worlds and save the tears!

No one ever wants to see their students in tears when the Minecraft project that they've poured countless hours of passion, creativity and h...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

A day out adventuring in the Lake District in England getting Minecraft Education ideas (while sporting my ever fashionable Minecraft cap!)

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

In my latest Minecraft Education Toolbox Tuesday video, I demonstrate how to create a automated, randomized jukebox using redstone and command blocks. You can watch the video on my YouTube channel at: youtu.be/MBJ42fyXgIE

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

One of my recent build projects... see a bicycle tour of a Minecraft Education town in my video: youtu.be/8HjHkRVh5PM

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A Bicycle Tour through a Minecraft Town

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 11/04/2026

Fairly frequently there are queries about using mods, packs or addons with Minecraft Education. All the relevant information, warnings and questions answered, plus some handy links to explore are in my latest blog posting! outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com/2026/04/what...

outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

What are Minecraft Mods, packs or addons?

The question about the use of addons, mods or packs comes up frequently for Minecraft Education. If you have students and use Minecraft, I e...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Many years ago when the Artemis program was just started, I created a realistic Lunar build experience called "Moonbase Shackleton" in Minecraft. As we have a lot of exciting Artemis news currently, I thought I'd share my short trailer for it. You can view it here: youtu.be/y7vM-KAWMu4

youtu.be

Moonbase Shackleton: A Lunar Experience for Minecraft

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

It's Toolbox Tuesday! In this episode, I'll demonstrate a cool wee tool in Blockbench that creates GIFs of your Minecraft Education models! You can watch the video here on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/Lk9Lo9U-3mg

youtu.be

Creating GIFs in Blockbench

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

Next on my London excursion (all my trips turn into Minecraft Education research trips), two of my biggest passions meet in one place! Had a great chat with a staff member about Minecraft Education in the official shop (who was very curious about my hat!) Guesses as to where Chicken & I might be?

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

On a little Minecraft Education expedition. Guess where Chicken and I are!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Minecrafting without Minecraft?! My latest blog dives into some suggested classroom activities when your tech is being uncooperative: outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com/2026/03/mine... Have some suggestions of your own? I would love to hear them!

outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

Minecrafting without Minecraft: A Teacher's Survival Kit

Tech is going to tech. It's the creeping nightmare that keeps us all awake at night: "Will we be able to do the techy thing tomorrow as plan...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Catch my latest Minecraft Education Toolbox Tuesday tutorial: Introducing Particle Effects. In this video, I'll show you how to use particle effects commands with command blocks to add "wow" factor to your builds! You can view the video on my YouTube channel, here: youtu.be/T7YwLDxT3bA

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Introduction to using Minecraft Particle Effects

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

In my latest Toolbox Tuesday video for the Minecraft Education Teacher's Lounge on Facebook, I'll show you how to detect when an item is placed in an item frame! Thanks to Nico Chiari for inspiring me to make this one. You can watch the video here on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/EtENt3wEZzk

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How to detect items in item frames!

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

A flyable biplane you can pilot! Created in Blockbench for @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Minecraft world. You can see it in action here: youtube.com/shorts/YDaxA...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

BETT London 2026! I'm looking forward to volunteering and hanging out at the Minecraft Education booth again at BETT 2026, sharing my passion for all things Minecraft Education! If you're at the conference, do stop by to say "hello"!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

A nice drivable yellow truck for @elliefinch.bsky.social Minecraft Education Sandtray World. You can read more about these creations and the inspiration behind them at my blog: outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Armour stands in various sizes, retextured and remodeled as figurines for @elliefinch.bsky.social @minecraftedu.bsky.social Sandtray World. Great for expressing feelings without the need for words!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

My latest episode of Toolbox Tuesday from the Minecraft Education Teachers' Lounge on Facebook is out! I'll show you how to pair compasses and loadstone as well as tag and duplicate for easy identification & sharing in multiplayer! Watch the video on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/KBPWSjOUWmU

youtu.be

How to use Lodestone & Compass in your Minecraft experiences

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 04/11/2025

A 1970s Vauxhall Valiant inspired Minecraft drivable car in British racing car green. It also comes equipped with a radio/8-track deck! Developed for Playmode Academy's Sandtray Therapy World. @elliefinch.bsky.social #PlaymodeAcademy #MinecraftEducation

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 28/10/2025

It's time for October's Toolbox Tuesday! In Part 3 of my series on preparing for classroom multiplayer experiences from the Facebook Minecraft Education Teacher's Lounge, I'll demonstrate using commands to ban items and how to use tags to apply these bans effectively. youtu.be/Mz5Sto384YM

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Preparing for Classroom Multiplayer Experience - Part 3: Creating Tags and Banning Items

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 23/10/2025

A little Halloween themed Blockbench/Minecraft build fun!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 20/10/2025

Two types of old style school desks I created that appear in @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Therapy World. #MinecraftEducation #Blockbench #Outsidetheblocks elliefinch.co.uk/training/playmode-academy

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 14/10/2025

A rideable bicycle (modeled on my very own bike) I created for @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Therapy World. #MinecraftEducation #Blockbench #Outsidetheblocks elliefinch.co.uk/training/playmode-academy

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

A drivable tractor I created for @elliefinch.bsky.social Sandtray Therapy world. #MinecraftEducation #Blockbench #Outsidetheblocks elliefinch.co.uk/training/playmode-academy

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

It's Toolbox Tuesday, Season 3! In this video, I demonstrate how to create your very own custom Minecraft skin using Blockbench! You'll learn some texturing techniques and how to pack your texture file in a .mcpack for importing into Minecraft. youtu.be/T46jwHThfa4

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Creating a Custom Minecraft Skin Pack with Blockbench

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 03/08/2025

Dropping my latest Minecraft Education video: My five favourite new features in Minecraft Education v1.21.91. You can watch the video on my YouTube channel here: youtu.be/5LiKyECte4Q

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Five New Features in Minecraft Education you need to know!

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 28/07/2025

Proudly flying the Minecraft Education colours on our family outing at Caerlaverock Castle for a day of jousting and medieval themed activities! Another great opportunity to pick up plenty of Minecrafting ideas and pictures to inspire future projects!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

Hurray, the "allow trusted skins" toggle is back in Minecraft Education v1.21.90.1! Having this option back in the game allows students to showcase their talents, and create skins that represent themselves and ideas! Thank-you Minecraft Education for listening to our feedback!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 21/07/2025

Sporting my Minecraft Education cap (I wear it EVERYWHERE), on our family outing to Vinolanda Roman Fort. Another great day for gathering ideas, structure layouts and textures for future Minecraft projects!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 16/07/2025

Moonbase Shackleton is one of my earliest Minecraft Education build projects. I'm still very pleased with the results, and I frequently update it. In the near future, it will feature pilotable lunar hoppers and drivable lunar rovers! Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video: youtu.be/y7vM-KAWMu4

youtu.be

Moonbase Shackleton: A Lunar Experience for Minecraft

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 13/07/2025

It's been weeks in the making, but I'm finally putting the finishing touches on a build from my Creative Active Lives CIC Sunday Minecraft Education Club. HMS Argus (1918), Britain's first aircraft carrier, with some Sopwith Pup's for flare!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 24/06/2025

It's ToolboxTuesday: Part 2 of Preparing for Classroom Multiplayer Experiences with #MinecraftEdu! I'll show you how to setup a hidden room with Allow & Deny blocks, as well as teleporter system that only teleports the host! Watch in on my YouTube channel here: youtu.be/mLgOFHHP5pg

youtu.be

Preparing for Classroom Multiplayer Experiences - Part 2: Creating A Control Room Space.

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

In this Minecraft Education Toolbox Tuesday, we'll explore important settings you'll find helpful for setting up your own hosted classroom multiplayer experience. Stay tuned for 2 more episodes on this subject! youtu.be/zzR9NyVSs-4

youtu.be

Preparing for classroom Multiplayer experiences - Part 1: Settings

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

This month on #ToolboxTuesday from the Minecraft Education Teacher's Lounge on Facebook, we'll explore more of the essentials of getting started making your own custom items, blocks & entities in #Blockbench; modeling and texturing basics. Check it out on my YouTube channel: youtu.be/Tx-1CvAbdOc

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Introduction to Blockbench, Part 2: Modeling & Texture Basics

YouTube video by Outsidetheblocks

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

My latest blog is out: Top 12 things I wish I knew about Minecraft earlier! Check it out and hopefully you'll learn some new tips! outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com/2025/02/top-... Please feel free to share your own tips in the comments!🙂

outsidetheblokz.blogspot.com

Top 12 Things I wish I knew about Minecraft Earlier

There are many amazing things I've learned about Minecraft over the years: useful settings or options, in-game functionality, game design ph...

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Watch my latest Toolbox Tuesday video from the Minecraft Education Teacher's Lounge! This month, (by popular demand) we'll explore the essentials of getting started making your own custom items, blocks & entities in Blockbench! youtu.be/awLUHdNlfeU @blockbench.bsky.social #MinecraftEdu

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 11/01/2025

I'll be at BETT in London! Drop by and see me at the Minecraft booth... I'll be volunteering and sharing my passion for #MinecraftEducation!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 18/12/2024

I've been busy with a few more Holiday themed assets for my #MinecraftEducation Holiday Activity world... I've added some festive garland above the fireplace, and there's three present blocks under the tree... when you break them you get Christmas cookies and chocolate coins!

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Last minute addition to my #Minecraft Holiday Activity world. Reindeer and dogsled are cool, but I wanted to add another ridable entity with some flourishes, so behold, a Penny Farthing for some old-school flare! #Blockbench #blockstagepass #EduSky

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Reposted by ThatMinecraftGuy

Justin Edwards @justineducation.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

If you could have a Minecraft lesson built, what would it teach? #edusky

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 09/12/2024

Some of the texture and model improvements I made to my ridable, raceable, reindeer this year for my #MinecraftEducation Holiday world. #Edusky #blockstagepass #Blockbench

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ThatMinecraftGuy @outsidetheblocks.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

I have a special #MinecraftEducation Holiday world I like to add to every year. This year, I've added a racecourse, where students can race reindeer or dogsleds! I've also retextured my reindeer, and added a few other new blocks and assets. #Edusky #blockstagepass #Blockbench

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