Pokemon Go - Is it a fad?
No doubt you have heard someone mention Pokemon Go in the past month or so since it's release. It is a mobile version of the Game Boy video game that was popular in the 1990's . Most cell phones allow you to play the app and it uses the gps on the phones to allow the player to track and catch Pokemon characters and things. The catch is you have to be moving to make progress in the game so suddenly kids are getting out on their bikes, running and walking to play the game. I for one am delighted to hear that there is something encouraging kids, teens and adults to get up and move! 
I was recently at tech conference in my state, Vermont and the question came up as to whether using Pokemon Go for the upcoming school year should be allowed or not. Besides the fact that it would be next to impossible to block the game technologically at school, what came to mind for me is to use the health component of this game to create some healthy activities using Pokemon Go.
How about:
- Scavenger hunts using the game
- Walking groups using the game locally
- Competing with other classmates with goals to build a "gym" or work on high scores in the game
- After school club
- Health class activities
- Advisory activities at the H.S. level
What do you think about the use of this game in an educational environment? Leave me a comment below.
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