Here are some resources highlighting the research behind video games and learning. Also, are links to others using video games, Minecraft specifically, in education.
Please add your own resources!
Games & Learning Research
Books
What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy - One of America's most well-respected educators looks seriously at the good that can come from playing video games.
How Computer Games Help Children Learn - shows how video and computer games can help teach kids to build successful futures--but only if we think in new ways about education itself.
Synthetic Worlds: The Business and Culture of Online Games - Edward Castronova offers the first comprehensive look at the online game industry, exploring its implications for business and culture alike.
Videos:
Dr. James Paul Gee on video games and literacy - James Paul Gee is an expert on how video games fit within an overall theory of learning and literacy.
Constance Steinkuhler on Interest-Driven Learning Using Video Games - Constance Steinkuhler, a games and learning scholar, discusses her firsthand experiences in seeing how youth-centered learning and online gaming leads to compelling turnarounds in youth engagement.
Mimi Ito: the Positive Potential of Peer Pressure and Messing Around Online - examination the diversity of youth experience with new media and how it relates to questions of equity, access, and learning opportunities.
Other Minecraft Edu Groups:
http://minecraftinschool.pbworks.com/ - Lucas Gillespe's wiki of resources for using MC in school. Check here before reinventing the wheel!
edurealms.com - Lucas' resource site for all video games in the classroom, not just Minecraft.
http://minecraft.jokaydia.com/ - Veteran virtual world educator Joykay is doing her thing in Minecraft. It's in closed beta but they'll definitely produce some interesting stuff.
http://socialmediaclassroom.com/host/MassivelyMinecraft/ - an open group created by Joy and Dean Groom for Minecraft educators. Great place for ideas and support.
http://chatsworth.posterous.com/some-thoughts-on-setting-up-minecraft-at-scho Great tips on building a Minecraft community at school, from Chatsworth school:
https://sites.google.com/a/chatsworth.com.sg/minecraft/home/announcements-blog - Student blog for MC club
http://www.minecraftedu.com/ - Mojang's new educator minecraft resource site, discounts for edus, etc. -launched! in beta
http://morrowcraft.wikispaces.com/ - Morrowcraft -private school in US using MC with 7th graders, run by knowclue from Second Life and Cogdis Guild in WoW
MinecraftEdu Elfie - Blog of a secondary teacher in Australia, very interested in using games to engage students in their learning and generally make it more fun.
http://minecraftteacher.net/ Minecraft Teacher - Joel Levin's blog about using Minecraft with his students.
Just for fun!
The people at ThinkGeek have made the perfect gift for the minecraft enthusiast in your family.