Imagine sitting in a class where people are actually paying attention to the professor, not snickering at their phones or obnoxiously replying to a group message that lights up their phone every five seconds. This is a scenario that could exist on The University of Florida campus if everyone downloaded the revolutionary app called "Pocket Points" on their smartphone.
The app was launched in 2014 by two fraternity brothers from Chico State in Northern California. They, probably like you, came up with the idea because they were fed up with the distractions that phones caused in class. They resolved that if phones were causing the problem, phones could also be the solution.
The solution: an app that rewards students for staying off of their phone.
The app uses "geo-fencing," which essentially sets up a "fence" around campus that can sense when a student is in class. Students check in on the app at the beginning of class and if they keep their phone locked and the app on during class, they receive points. Points can then be used at local businesses, such as coffee and pizza places. Over 1,200 merchants have teamed up with Pocket Points. Big names such as Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Jamba Juice and the retail store Lulu's are just a few. This app not only rewards individuals using the app, it creates an overall better learning environment.
It was huge on the Chico campus as well as on a larger campus such as Penn State. Since its launch, it is available at about 100 schools. The more students that have it and use it on campus, the faster you gain points and the more rewards you can earn! The app is extremely easy to navigate, alerting you when you have rewards that can be used locally. You can even add a reminder to get notified when to open Pocket Points so you never miss an opportunity to gain points.
Some local reward options for the University of Florida include: Fork and Pasta, iHospital, Sushi Chao, Know Where Coffee, Ruby's, Big Lou's NY Style Pizzeria and Tropical Smoothie. There are also online options that feature unique boutiques and opportunities to purchase tickets to shows.
Individuals also have the opportunity to receive free points by inviting your friends via the Pocket Points app. When your friend joins, you both get 10 free points.
The next step for you after reading this article: Download the app and start earning free rewards! Not only will you see an improvement in your grades, but you will also improvements in your "pocket."
