How-to Use the RoboKind Web Companion

A new Companion App in Browser link is available for logged in Administrators, managers, teachers, and aides.

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• Alternately, the link https://companion.robokind.com can be bookmarked for easy access.

When & Where to use Web Companion

RoboKind’s recommend configuration is to have iPad’s for both facilitator and student use, however we know this is not always possible, and the need for one of the iPad’s can be replaced by a web browser instance.

• In most cases, the web companion is used by the facilitator, and an iPad is used by the student.

• It is possible to use a web companion instance for a student, noting the following considerations.

  • We recommend not sharing computers with students if they are logged in using teacher accounts that the students should not have access to.

  • It is possible to be logged out of RoboKind central and still access the web companion -

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    • Log out of RK Central, (top right hand corner of the screen), and use the Web Companion link below the login button.

Instructions:

• It is not necessary to update software or to download modules when using Web Companion.

• Like with a real iPad, the Web Companion needs to be paired so that the facilitator and student tablets (or web browser equivalents) are linked together. See Troubleshooting: Can't find student device during session setup for troubleshooting.

• Web browsers do not always allow communication with RoboKind servers when the tab with the companion app is not active. We recommend keeping only one window and tab open on the computer when actively using companion app in browser.

• If a facilitator logs into a web companion session while also being signed in to an iPad, they will see the error message “Companion Application Closed on connected device”, which is informational. Sharing accounts with multiple facilitators is not supported so if this issue is happening when a teacher was not expecting it, then we would recommend resetting the users password, and using RoboKind Central to establish accounts for other facilitators who might need access. RoboKind Central for Administrators and Managers

• If the browser tab does not remain on top and with the correct tab selected, it can pause or interrupt the lesson.

Support & Troubleshooting Information

• If the web companion window does not fully load, then close all browser tabs and try again. You can also try a different web browser (Chrome vs. Edge)

• If experiencing issues with the companion app in browser, you can hard refresh the web page (usually Control-FN-F5, or see How to do hard refresh in Chrome, Firefox, Safari and Microsoft Edge for more options)

• The application is tested on recent versions of Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome. Support is not guaranteed for older versions or other web browsers. We have seen mixed results using older Chromebook devices.

• For other support, please contact us at support.robokind.com and the Contact Us link at the bottom of the page.