Pokemon 101: a U of I class combines hot new app and exercise

You can turn the popular new smart phone app Pokemon Go into college credit at the University of Idaho in Moscow this fall.

The game where you travel around an area searching for the characters Pikachu, Jigglypuff and Snorlax, will be part of a new physical education class called Pop Culture Games.

“You get to (venture) around, seeing different things, being active, seeing the sun,” said Steven Bird, the course instructor. “It allows you to move in large groups and a team..”

The course will also include the live-action game “Humans vs Zombies.”

“We are hoping to capture the interest in Pokemon Go and other active games and draw the link with a healthy, active lifestyle,” said Philip Scruggs, Department of Movement Scienceschair.

The games also help teach respect, ethics, safety and leadership, he said.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 10:48 AM with the headline "Pokemon 101: a U of I class combines hot new app and exercise."