Sports

Pokemon Go: College Sport Or Major Part Of Curriculum In Schools?

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Schools and universities often find it difficult to get students engaged with any learning and physical activities. It is a challenge that requires the school administration to look into several studies of learning and engagement.

But maybe Pokemon Go has the answer. College students are moving one step closer to majoring in Pokemon Go. Soon, hunting for Pikachu will be part of the school's physical education, athletics or interactive curriculum.

Physical Education often involves sports and other physical fitness activities that encourage students to exercise their strength, agility, flexibility, endurance and wit. But CNET has it that basketball, football, swimming and calisthenic may be soon a thing of the past. College students at University of Idaho will get to earn class credits just for hunting down the elusive Pikachu.

They call it "Pokemon 101." This fall, the students at the University of Idaho can enroll in Pop Culture Games and earn credits for finishing them successfully.

"I want it to be more than people going, 'I'm going to go catch a Pikachu,'" says instructor Steven Bird.

The Pokemon hunt encourages students to adventure around the area, find things and ultimately become 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," says Bird.

Using Pokemon Go as a learning and physical building tool is a unique approach to getting kids out in the sun and become active. In addition, the class will also incorporate team related games like Humans vs Zombies.

The school hopes to encourage students who might normally shy away from organized exercise to get outside and get moving. The university's focus is to enable these students to turn to an active lifestyle. Pokemon Go is just the key to getting them out there. "I say go with the flow, Idaho," says Philip Scruggs, chair of the Department of Movement Sciences.

Check out this video of a Pokemon crazed fan.

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