30/30
30/30 gallery
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that 30/30 is an easy to use timer designed to help kids focus on one task at a time. It may be especially helpful for kids who struggle to manage larger blocks of time into smaller, more useful tasks. The font in 30/30 may be difficult to read for kids with text-based difficulties (dyslexia), but simple graphics may make up for that. 30/30 may help kids with attention deficits by providing more structured tasks with specific time restraints. There is no formal privacy policy, users can share their task lists via email or iCloud if they choose, and in-app purchases for additional icons are available.What kids can learn
The graphics are simple and bright, easy, and enticing for kids. Much of 30/30 is interactive: Kids can adjust as they go easily.
Thought it's primarily designed as an assistive timer tool, 30/30 may help kids create life-long time-management skills by helping them learn how to chunk tasks, include breaks, and learn how to schedule themselves.
30/30 provides 12 pages of in-app support in addition to a formal website with tips and hints for users.
What's it about?
30/30 displays a circular timer that tracks the current task's time. Kids can set up tasks by scrolling down on the screen, double clicking to edit the rectangles that correlate to new tasks, swiping to delete, or dragging to change the order of tasks. They can add or subtract a minute by clicking the +1m or -1m icons around the top circle as necessary. The counter displays the time remaining, the icon that correlates with the task, and an icon to "check" the task as completed before time runs out. Each time a new task begins, the background changes color. Each task list can be shared via iCloud or e-mail by clicking the settings gear.
Is it any good?
30/30 is an eye-catching and effective timer that helps kids see how their time should be spent. Though the font may be difficult to read for some, 30/30 makes up for it with its other features: The colorful background and the built in visual distinction between tasks will help refocus many kids to the task at hand. In particular, the ability to chunk tasks, build in breaks, and essentially plan a whole day sets this timer apart. The list of possible commands, all assigned a particular gesture (two-finger tap, swipe right, etc.), is extensive, which may make it difficult for a younger user. However, if an adult inputs the tasks and times, a younger kid might still benefit from viewing the timer.
Families can talk about...
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Families can talk about how to prioritize activities during long blocks of time. For instance, if kids have two hours of time after school and have three subjects to study for, ask them how long each will take and have them create time blocks for each separate subject. Together, decide which should be completed first, second, or third, and determine how much time in-between kids might need for a break.
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Ask kids whether their plan worked: Did they have enough time to complete all tasks, or did they need to add minutes to some work tasks? How did adding time to work-based tasks (like homework) affect leisure-based tasks (like checking social media)?
App details
| Devices: | iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad |
| Price: | Free |
| Pricing structure: | Free |
| Release date: | February 11, 2014 |
| Category: | Productivity |
| Size: | 13.70 MB |
| Publisher: | Binary Hammer |
| Version: | 2.1.4 |
| Minimum software requirements: | 4.3 or later |
