ScreenCoach can encourage your child to use specific apps, including educational apps, with some limitations.
Here's a breakdown of current features and future plans:
Current Functionality:
- Educational App Mode: Create a mode specifically for educational apps. This restricts access to only chosen educational apps you approve of.
Here is an example:- First, Create an App Category named - Educational Apps and add all the apps you want under this category.
- Go to Manage Mode, create a mode named: Study Mode/Education Mode
- Assign the mode to the users you want this mode to be used by.
- Set up the time interval of the mode - From what time to what time in a day the mode is accessible.
- Once the mode is created, under Apps - Choose to allow only certain Apps - Choose the App Category you just created for Educational Apps.
- App Category Mode (For broader use): You can also create a more general App Category mode that restricts access to any chosen category of apps, not just educational ones.
- Time Discounts: Set either of these modes to be "free" (Time multiplier = 0) so time spent using the apps in that mode doesn't count towards their screen time allowance. (e.g., 30 minutes in this mode counts as zero time used)
- Rewarding by Setting up Activities for Specific Apps: Set up activities in ScreenCoach that reward tokens for using specific apps, like educational apps, for a set time. For example, 30 minutes on a drawing app could earn them tokens.
- Manual or Automatic Token Approval: Choose whether completing activities automatically awards tokens (for trusted children) or requires your approval.
Limitations:
- ScreenCoach doesn't directly track app activity: The App Category modes only limit access to approved apps, it doesn't track what your child does within them.
- Potential for "fake" activity: A child could leave the approved mode open without actively using the app.
Future Developments:
- Integration with Apps: ScreenCoach is working on integrating with various apps, including educational apps, to directly recognise achievements and award tokens. However, this feature is still under development.
Alternative with App Reports:
- Track App Reports: Some apps, including educational apps, send parents usage reports or achievement emails. You can use these reports as a basis for manually rewarding your child with tokens in ScreenCoach.
Overall:
While ScreenCoach can't directly track specific app activity yet, there are workarounds and future plans for deeper integration with various apps. This way, you can create a system that rewards your child for using the apps you find most beneficial, like educational apps.