Understanding Time Tracking in IXL and Dash

🤔 Problem: Ever noticed that the time you spend working on IXL and the time shown in your Dash don't always match? Let's figure out why this happens and how you can make sure your learning time is tracked accurately!

🕒 How Time is Tracked:

• In Dash: You earn "working time" when the learning app (like IXL) is open, and you're actively clicking or pressing keys while learning. If you stop working on the skill or get distracted for over a minute, this will not count!

• In IXL: You earn "working time" for the time spent answering questions, up to 2, 4, or 6 minutes of work time for each question, depending on your grade. Even if you get distracted or stop working for a couple minutes, it keeps counting time!

🧐 Why the Time Difference?

• IXL's 2-Minute Rule: IXL gives you at most 2, 4, or 6 minutes of work time for each question, depending on your grade. Any time you spend after that will not count as the timer stops. But Dash expects that you don't lose focus or stay inactive for over a minute. So while IXL can keep counting for up to six minutes, Dash will stop counting after a single minute if you're idle.
  • Note: The StudyReel films are reviewed overnight, and all the blocks of "1 minute" inactive time are removed from Dash. So, sometimes, you may see a higher time on Dash, and then the next day, the time becomes lower. 
• Unanswered Questions: IXL won't count the time spent on the question if you don't answer it.
• Browsing Time: IXL may keep counting time if the question is still open, even if you're doing something else. Dash never counts time spent on non-learning pages, like the "skill completed" page or other apps outside of IXL.
• Not Logged In: Time won't be counted if you're not logged into IXL.
• All of this can result in time being different between Dash and IXL, and can be higher in one or the other.

🛠 How to Make Sure Your Time is Tracked Well:

1. Answer All Questions: Make sure to answer all the questions, don't abandon any.
2. Focused Learning: Dash counts time spent only on questions and answers, not just browsing, using other apps, or staying inactive for over 1 minute.
3. Check Login: Ensure you're logged into IXL; your name should appear in the top right corner.

By keeping these points in mind, you can make sure your learning time is tracked consistently in both IXL and your Dash. Happy learning! 📚