Salford University has been making waves recently for including Pokemon GO as one of their requirements in a degree program they are offering. However, a university utilizing the AR game to enhance learning among their students is already old news.
Prior to the news that Salford University has been using Pokemon GO in one of their undergraduate programs, another university had, in fact, used it to teach their students about ethics, teamwork, and community exploration along with promoting a healthy lifestyle.
It seems like more and more universities are utilizing the popularity of the game to let students apply what they learn in real, practical settings while having fun. According to Dr. David Krepps, a Salford University professor, the game allows student to understand complicated theories much better. He also added it also allows students to use different kinds of information systems which are essential in today's modern times.
Meanwhile, University of Idaho professor Steven Bird says that incorporating Pokemon GO in the course program gives students the opportunity to have a fun and creative class while developing much-needed skills which they can carry through their lives. Aside from leadership skills and an active lifestyle, Bird said that Pokemon GO also encourages family to have fun together.
"It’s 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," said Bird.
Salford and Idaho University students might have the time of their lives mixing fun and learning but the efficacy of the game in making an impact on how students learn is still debatable. This might call for thorough study and observation for Pokemon GO to be truly embraced as a legitimate course requirement. For now, however, students are just happy hunting for Squirtle, Ratata, Pikachu, and other Pokemons out there.
