Pokémon Go or No Go? Is There Educational Value in this Latest Craze?

By Jake Parmley

Pokémon GO has officially swept the world into a frenzy, earning over 21 million daily active users last week, topping app charts and adding billions to the market value of Nintendo. On the surface, the premise of exploring your surroundings and flicking Poké Balls at made-up creatures seems simple or just a new form of mindless entertainment. Parents and teachers may be wondering whether they should be encouraging kids to catch ’em. As with all technology, they should be aware of and supervising children’s gaming, especially in light of recent safety concerns about Pokémon GO. However, there are valuable educational skills and life lessons embedded within Pokémon GO’s design. Here are seven reasons why you should support children’s interest in this innovative augmented reality (AR) game:

1. Problem Solving

Like many video games, Pokémon GO challenges players to solve problems in order to succeed. Here are a few in-game examples that encourage analytical thinking and sharpen problem solving:

Analyzing/comparing Combat Power (CP) and Hit Power (HP) of Pokémon

Applying math skills by transferfing Pokémon in exchange for items

Evaluating strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon type

Managing in-game resources

Measuring Pokémon stats during evolution

2. History and Culture

Pokémon GO uses real-world landmarks called PokéStops to give players valuable items. These PokéStops are often located at interesting places, such as public art installations, historical markers and monuments. Social media shows people posting about visiting local museums and libraries, often for the first time. Passing by or entering these landmarks may inspire interest in the history or culture of an area, especially for younger minds.

We have two #PokemonGo Poké Stops at the museum! Or should we say Mew-seum? Learn more: https://t.co/niHH6Y9qI9 pic.twitter.com/QFvoIzihBw — Museum of Modern Art (@MuseumModernArt) July 13, 2016

3. Leadership

Pokémon has been out almost two full weeks. In this time, players have uncovered new strategies and shared extensive knowledge. For younger players, sharing knowledge with friends can grow leadership skills. More experienced players will communicate tips, tricks and lead new Pokémon trainers to a healthy start within the game.

4. Decision Making

Good leaders have to be able to make good decisions. Presenting students the opportunity to make decisions for themselves is therefore very important for building leadership skills. Pokémon GO is ripe with decisions: Which starter Pokémon will you choose? Which gym team will you join? Which type do you evolve first? When do you use lures, incense or other items? Many of these choices have lasting effects on the game and instill an understanding of consequence and the importance of planning.

5. Imagination

Imagination, an essential element of problem solving – is difficult to teach, but it can be nurtured. Video games challenge players to use their imagination and invest in worlds beyond their own. Using augmented reality, Pokémon GO reveals Pokémon as part of our world, inviting players into new experiences and expanding their imaginations. (Check out this pic below and more here.)

6. Competition

Young minds can learn much from the spirit of competition. As Pokémon GO players compete over local gyms, they will take risks, set goals, build confidence and learn how to cope should things not go their way. Here are even more reasons competition is great for kids.

7. Exercise

Pokémon GO is responsible for something video games rarely achieve – physical activity and getting gamers outside. Regular exercise boosts brain function, reduces stress and improves memory. In a study done at the University of British Columbia, researchers found that regular aerobic exercise boosts the hippocampus, the area of the brain involved with learning.

Audiences and businesses around the world are embracing Pokémon GO. In all of the hype, success, and more recently, safety concerns about the game, parents and educators should continue to supervise their children as they play, but they can take comfort in the fact that many important skills are being taught and reinforced. So don’t be afraid to support players during their journey to catch ‘em all.

Jake reflects on the business implications of Pokémon GO here. Also, see his recent contributions to the Level Up Village blog: