Improving Student Focus: A Case Study in EdTech Development

About 72% of teachers say that smartphone distractions are a major issue in their classrooms, especially among high school teachers. Many schools address this issue with policies like turning phones off during class. However, 30% of teachers say these policies are not effective. With the rise of smartphones’ negative impact on the learning process, educators need a solution to monitor and control students’ device usage, which can improve the effectiveness of the learning environment.

Read this case study to learn more about our educational app development process in detail.

Project overview

The client, operating in the EdTech sector in the United States, contacted us for an educational app development solution that enhances classroom engagement and focus for middle, high school, and college students. The app allows teachers to track students’ log in time during the class with real-time data and detailed statistics. Students can’t receive texts or use other phone functions while logged in on Android and iOS. They can easily exit the app in an emergency, but the teacher will track their time in and out of the app. Teachers can monitor in real time when students leave the app without viewing their specific activities.

We rebuilt the app from scratch, using previous app videos and screenshots as references. Deveit enhanced the design and added new features based on client feedback to improve functionality and user experience.

Tech stack: React Native, Expo, Firebase, TypeScript, Redux, Figma, GitHub Actions, Expo EAS
Team: App Developer, Back-End Developer, Designer, Project Manager, QA
Location: United States
Duration: 3 months

Project Stages

Initial request: After the client reached out to us for educational app development, we scheduled a call to gather all details about their requirements and goals. Based on this, the client received a project analysis and architecture proposal document.

Design phase: We developed the app’s designs using Figma with a user-friendly and intuitive interface. Design was a critical part of the project, as it directly impacts the app’s usability and overall user experience. Throughout this phase, we incorporated client feedback and our best practices to refine and improve the design that meets functional and aesthetic requirements.

Development phase: The app was built with the Expo framework for cross-platform development on iOS and Android. React Native was used for native functions, while with Firebase we managed real-time data and user authentication. We shifted complex logic to the backend to optimize the app’s performance.

Testing & deployment: We successfully registered the app on the App Store and Google Play, focusing on platform-specific requirements for each. Our team addressed compliance guidelines and ensured the app met all necessary approval standards. We conducted thorough testing to fix issues for a successful launch and strong performance on both platforms.

Client updates: During the project, we held bi-weekly progress calls to the client to gather feedback and align with their requirements. These regular updates helped us make improvements and stay on track, so the final product was developed with all client expectations.

Challenges & solutions

1. Native module development

Challenge: Integrating specific features like Guided Access for iOS and Pin Mode for Android that allows device control when a tracking app is in use.

Solution: We used the Expo framework, which simplifies app development for iOS and Android and supports the creation of custom native modules. Additionally, we used React Native to implement native functions.

2. App Store and Play Store registration

Challenge: Navigating frequently changing compliance requirements for successful app submission to the Apple Store and Google Play.

Solution: We handled the submission process and made iterative adjustments to ensure the app met all requirements for the App Store and Google Play until successful approval.

3. CI/CD setup

Challenge: Manage the deployment process for quick updates and bug fixes.

Solution: We implemented a CI/CD pipeline using GitHub Actions and Expo EAS, enabling faster development cycles and a quick update process for the app.

4. Backend development

Challenge: Developing and managing complex backend functions for session handling and real-time monitoring.

Solution: Using Firebase, we handled real-time data and synchronized the app’s performance for its functionality across devices.

Core app features

1. Class creation and management for teachers

Teachers can create and manage classes easily, providing students with a unique code to join. Students can input the code, adding the class to their list for easy access. This makes organization and management of multiple classes transparent and easy.

2. Real-time device monitoring

The app locks students’ phones to ensure they stay focused during the lesson. Students have three modes: unlocked, locked, and unlocked after being locked. Teachers can monitor device usage in real-time for no-distractions during the learning process. This feature keeps students stay focused and on track.

3. Focus score tracking

The app tracks focus scores based on how long students’ phones are locked during each class. 100% score is granted to students who stay enabled throughout the class. If a student has a lower score, teachers can see when and for how long they exited the session. These scores give teachers insights into student engagement and concentration during class.

4. Detailed student performance statistics

After the class is ended, teachers can access detailed statistics on student engagement, absences, and focus scores. These insights can be filtered by specific time periods to evaluate individual and class-wide performance.

Conclusion

The Deveit team successfully completed this educational app development project that met all client’s expectations. Addressing the most common issue, the app has the potential to improve classroom management across the entire education sector. The app is already being presented to universities across the United States.

Are you interested in educational app development? Schedule a free consultation today and see how we can help.

This case study was created under NDA; some details have been modified to protect client confidentiality.