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Kids aged 8-18 are only spending 25% of their screen-time on learning and education

Announcement posted by FIC Technology 01 Apr 2015

www.learnmeter.com

It probably comes as no surprise that children are spending more and more time in front of screens. However, the data from a new educational tool, LearnMeter (www.learnmeter.com), can reveal that only 25% of that time is being used to concentrate on learning and educational activities.

LearnMeter, developed by FIC Technology, is a new, free educational tool that allows parents to electronically monitor children’s computing habits and obtain information about their learning activities, gaming and websites they are viewing. It can show them exactly where and how much time their children are spending online.

LearnMeter differentiates ‘learn’ from leisure or ‘play’, meaning for the first time, it is possible to measure how skilful kids are in using their computers for learning.*

It works by analysing children’s computer use and study habits and provides instant feedback to children for self-improvement as well as reporting live activity and historical reporting the results back to the children and the parents. This allows children to be better aware of how they use computers and parents to keep up with what's happening in their children’s online world without having to look over their shoulders.

“LearnMeter is not about restricting children online, but about teaching them ways to have healthy online habits and making the most of the best aspects of internet and screen technology,” says Michael Cejnar, CEO, FIC Technology.

Parents are also emailed weekly reports on their children’s activity profile and learning skills, showing trends and ranking against good study techniques and their peers of the same age, area and country.

Michael continues, “LearnMeter is non-restrictive and non-censoring. Although parents can see where their children have visited, they can’t see any content. LearnMeter can however, display a history of children’s top activities, revealing not just inappropriate sites but also excessive gaming and social networking. Knowing that you can effectively supervise is powerful protection.”

Understanding what children are doing online means parents are more informed about their activities and can give their children the life-long advantage of knowing how to use technology to succeed. LearnMeter is available now at www.learnmeter.com. It is FREE, easy to install and use.

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 Editor’s Notes:

LearnMeter is available from most browsers and as a free Android app. The IOS app will be available shortly.

LearnMeter is a philanthropic commercial project by Next Parent (FIC Technology) and Michael Cejnar, an Australian physician, software entrepreneur and father of two girls. Its primary goal is to make computers count in education. Computers should instruct and not distract.

Next Parent is a company focussed on creating new methods that inspire school-age children to spend more time learning and discovering the world around them through innovative software applications.

*  ‘Learn’ time versus ‘play’ time – as some websites/apps can be ‘play’ focused yet teach some skills, they are categorised according to whether their focus is primarily on learning or primarily on playing.