Choosing a Timer
Last updated
Last updated
Select Timer Option: In the Task configuration screen, select the "Timer" option.
Choose Timer Type: Choose between Standard or Engagement timer.
Configure Engagement Timer: If you select the Engagement option, set the Idle threshold and choose which activities to monitor (e.g., keyboard or mouse clicks).
The Engagement Timer is designed to help you maintain productivity by pausing the session timer when no activity is detected for a specified period. This feature ensures that the recorded session time reflects only your active working time and excludes periods of inactivity. As a result, the recorded work time accurately represents your actual engagement. For instance, if you work for a specific duration, such as 30 minutes, it truly reflects 30 minutes of active involvement.
The Engagement Timer not only delivers accurate metrics but also promotes accountability by requiring you to complete your assigned duration to finish your session. This commitment helps you stay focused on your tasks and achieve your goals. In other words, you can't just wait out the clock.
Engagement Threshold: This is the duration the system waits before it considers the user idle. The session timer will pause if no activity is detected during this time.
Activity Monitoring: You can choose which activities the Engagement Timer should monitor. This includes:
Keyboard: Detects keystrokes to determine if the user is actively typing.
Mouse Clicks: Monitors mouse clicks to see if the user interacts with the computer.
Mouse Movement: Tracks mouse movements to ensure the user is present.
Scroll Wheel: Observe scroll wheel activity to check if the user is scrolling through content.
Using the Engagement Timer, you can ensure that your session time is accurately recorded based on your active engagement, helping you stay focused and productive.
We recommend that you start with shorter durations at first. Using the Engagement Timer is entirely different from using the standard timer. Here’s why:
Accurate Active Time: The Engagement Timer only counts the time you are actively working. Unlike the standard timer, which continues to run regardless of your activity, the Engagement Timer pauses during periods of inactivity. This means a 60-minute session with the Engagement Timer could take longer if you have frequent breaks or interruptions.
Adjustment Period: Getting used to the Engagement Timer may take some time. Starting with shorter durations allows you to adjust to this new way of tracking your productive time without feeling overwhelmed.
Increased Focus: Shorter, focused sessions can help you build a habit of sustained attention. As you become more comfortable with the Engagement Timer, you can gradually increase the duration of the session.
Realistic Expectations: Setting shorter durations helps you set realistic expectations for your productivity. It allows you to see how much active work you can accomplish in a given period, providing a more accurate measure of your productivity.
By starting with shorter durations, you can better understand how the Engagement Timer works and gradually build up to longer, more productive sessions. This approach helps you maximize your focus and efficiency, ensuring your session time accurately reflects your active engagement.
