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Dashboard

The Tinko dashboard is your central hub for accessing all classroom activities.

Accessing the Dashboard

Navigate to:

http://your-pi-ip-address:8000/

Or simply:

http://your-pi-ip-address:8000

Dashboard Layout

The dashboard displays all installed plugins as interactive cards.

Header Bar

At the top of the page you'll find:

  • Logo/Title: Your school name (if configured) or "Tinko"
  • Navigation: Links to Dashboard, Admin, and Settings
  • Language Selector: Globe icon to switch between English and Romanian

App Cards

Each installed plugin appears as a card containing:

Element Description
Icon Visual identifier for the plugin
Name The plugin display name
Description Brief explanation of what the plugin does
Open Button Click to launch the plugin interface

Apps vs Plugins

Tinko uses two terms interchangeably:

  • Plugins (technical term): The software modules that extend functionality
  • Apps (teacher term): What you see and interact with on the dashboard

When we say "App" in the interface, we're referring to a Plugin. They're the same thing - just different terminology for different audiences.

Using the Dashboard

Launching an App

  1. Find the app card you want to use
  2. Click the Open button or the card itself
  3. The app interface loads in your browser

Returning to Dashboard

From any app, click:

  • The Tinko logo/title in the navigation bar
  • The Dashboard link in the top navigation
  • Your browser's back button

Background Activities

When you navigate away from an app, it continues running in the background. See Background Activities for details.

Refreshing the Dashboard

Press F5 or click your browser's refresh button to:

  • See newly installed plugins
  • Update plugin status
  • Refresh after enabling/disabling plugins

Plugin States

Plugins can be in different states:

State Icon Meaning
Active None Plugin is running normally
Running :material-play-circle: Plugin has an active session
Error :material-alert-circle: Plugin encountered an error
Disabled :material-block-helper: Plugin is disabled in admin

Admin Panel Access

Click Admin in the top navigation to access:

  • Plugin management (enable/disable)
  • User management
  • Database records
  • System settings

Admin Credentials

Use the superuser account you created during installation. Default: admin / admin123 (change this!)

Mobile-Friendly

The dashboard works on any device:

  • Desktop: Full layout with all features
  • Tablet: Optimized card layout
  • Phone: Single-column, touch-friendly

Keyboard Shortcuts

  • F5: Refresh page
  • Alt+Left Arrow: Go back
  • Tab: Navigate between elements

Bookmarking

Bookmark specific plugin URLs for quick access:

http://pi-ip:8000/plugins/edupi/activity_timer/
http://pi-ip:8000/plugins/edupi/noise_monitor/
http://pi-ip:8000/plugins/edupi/routines/
http://pi-ip:8000/plugins/edupi/touch_piano/

Troubleshooting

Dashboard Not Loading

  1. Check that Tinko is running: 
    sudo systemctl status tinko
  2. Verify the URL and port
  3. Check network connectivity

Plugins Not Showing

  1. Ensure plugins are enabled in Admin Panel
  2. Check that migrations are complete: 
    uv run python manage.py migrate
  3. Restart Tinko: 
    sudo systemctl restart tinko

Slow Loading

  • Raspberry Pi 3B+ may be slower than Pi 4
  • Check system resources: htop
  • Ensure adequate power supply (2.5A+ for Pi 4)

Next Steps