As surprising as it sounds, but this is indeed true. Now Pokemon Go can help you earn credits and score good grades. A university in US came up with this creative idea, it has introduced a new class for the students which will incorporate the viral ‘Pokemon Go’ game. The augmented reality game has already taken over the internet. It has made history in terms of the number of downloads and the users playing it across the world. Everyone is busy catching the Pokemon, this game is making you go outside your house, visit places to catch the virtual Pokemon. This smartphone app is ruling the world with its innovation, it’s blurring the lines between the virtual Pokemon world and ours,
So how great it is, you can earn your credits while chasing Pikachu, Jigglypuff and Snorlax. The University of Idaho (UI) in the US has included the game as a course. The students who opt for”Pop Culture Games” class will now become the Pokemon trainers, they’ll search for Pokemon, catch them using the Pokeballs, train them in the gym. The purpose of this physical activity class is to teach students about the importance of leading active lifestyles, developing good teamwork and to make them explore the outside world, their communities through the viral augmented games like Pokemon Go and Humans versus Zombies.
The course instructor Steven Bird of the University of Idaho said when asked about the reason behind including the game as a course.
“I want it to be more than people going, ‘I am going to go catch a Pikachu. This app does more than let you shoot a Pokeball. You get to adventure around, seeing different things, being active, seeing the sun. It allows you to move in large groups and a team. You get not only physical activity, but you also get team-building and leadership.”
Using the technology to make the young generation conscious about the importance of leading a healthy and active life. This is to encourage the kids and people who spend a lot of time on the computer and smartphone, to go out, and meet new people.
Philip W. Scruggs, the Associate Professor of Department of Movement Sciences said,
“The goal is to give students a fun, creative class that teaches them skills to take with them far beyond an afternoon searching for Charmander or throwing Nerf balls at “zombies” on the administration building lawn – skills like leadership, ethics, safety and respect. We are hoping to capture the interest in Pokemon Go and other active games and draw the link with a healthy, active lifestyle.”
He further added,
“It is a great way to engage youth through adults, and a great way to engage families in active games together. Our interest is to turn folks onto an active lifestyle, and that can be achieved in endless ways.”