In an attempt to make the business information technology course more “accessible”, students at Salford University are being asked to play Pokemon Go as part of their degree.

Pokemon Go is an augmented reality game that allows its players to capture virtual characters in real-life locations where players use their smartphones to track and capture the Pokemon.

Despite criticisms of attempts to “dumb down” the degree, Salford University lecturer Dr David Kreps has defended the cause, claiming Pokemon Go allows students to easily grasp the subject.

“We want new students to feel that our subject is accessible and easy to grasp” he argued. “It uses various information systems that are accessed over the internet, a digital camera and a GPS location sensor”

Chris McGovern, of the Campaign for Real education calls the idea “farcical”, claiming that it is a clear example of how course curriculums are being “dumbed down” and encourages students to enrol on classes that lead to limited job opportunities.

Surprisingly, this is not the first time Pokemon Go is being used in an academic setting. The University of Idaho offers “Pop Culture Games” as part of a course and playing the augmented reality game is a requirement to pass.

Jangira Lewis

(Images: PokemonGo.com)