Students who can’t take their eyes off their cell phones in class now have a remedy in the form of an app. The two-year-old Pocket Points works by locking a student’s phone while in class and on-campus. While the phone’s functions are inaccessible, the user accrues points that can be redeemed for free stuff on campus, from local vendors or online.
“It’s an app for students to stay focused in class, study, go on campus and then experience their local merchants and get discounts,” said co-founder and COO Mitch Gardner.
Gardner and co-founder Rob Richardson attended California State University, Chico, and were distracted by classmates constantly using their phones. They realized phones were a campus-wide disturbance and conceived the idea that became Pocket Points.
“[Rob and I] knew there was a problem, so we wanted to come up with a solution,” said Gardner. “We decided to provide incentives for students to lock their phones while in class.”
Since its launch in 2014, the company has recruited over 100 schools. The company hopes to expand to schools around the world.
Some students think an app that rewards students for not texting in class is unnecessary, although a good idea.
“I can see professors feeling like you’re not paying attention, but some people have short attention spans,” said student Princesse DesRose. “Being in an environment where we’re treated like adults is important to allow us to make our own decisions.”
Students can find more information about Pocket Points by visiting www.pocketpoints.com.
@TheRachEF