Help Center/Quick Log

Quick Log

Fast, efficient behavior data collection designed for busy classrooms

Overview

Quick Log is Classroom Pulse's primary tool for capturing behavior data in real-time. Designed for speed and simplicity, it lets you record behaviors with just a tap or keyboard shortcut—keeping your attention where it belongs: on your students.

Fast Entry

Log behaviors in under 2 seconds with one-tap recording

Mobile Ready

Optimized for phones and tablets with large touch targets

Works Offline

Continues working without internet, syncs automatically

Quick Log interface overview

Screenshot showing the main Quick Log interface with student selector and behavior buttons

/images/help/quick-log-overview.png

Accessing Quick Log

There are multiple ways to open Quick Log, designed for quick access no matter where you are in the app.

From the Dashboard

Click the "Quick Log" button in the top navigation bar or use the Quick Log card on your dashboard.

From a Student Profile

Navigate to any student's profile and click "Log Behavior" to open Quick Log with that student pre-selected.

Keyboard Shortcut

Press Q anywhere in the app to instantly open Quick Log.

PWA Home Screen

If you've installed the app, Quick Log opens directly when you launch from your home screen.

Pin to Favorites

For even faster access, bookmark the Quick Log page in your browser or add a direct link to your device's home screen.

Interface Guide

The Quick Log interface is divided into clear sections for efficient data entry.

Annotated Quick Log interface

Screenshot with numbered annotations showing each section of the interface

/images/help/quick-log-interface-annotated.png
1

Student Selector

Dropdown or search field to select the student. Shows recently logged students for quick switching.

2

Target Behaviors

Buttons for each target behavior defined for the student. Color-coded red for easy identification.

3

Replacement Behaviors

Buttons for positive replacement behaviors. Color-coded green to differentiate from target behaviors.

4

Entry Options

Additional data fields for duration, intensity, ABC data, and notes (collapsed by default for speed).

5

Recent Entries

Live feed of recently logged entries with quick edit and undo options.

Logging Behaviors

The core workflow for recording behavior incidents is designed to be as fast as possible.

Basic Logging (Frequency Count)

1

Select a student

Use the student dropdown or start typing to search. The last-used student is remembered.

2

Tap the behavior button

Tap the target behavior (red) or replacement behavior (green) button once. The entry is saved immediately.

3

Confirm the entry

A brief confirmation toast appears, and the entry shows in the recent entries list below.

Basic behavior logging

Screenshot showing a behavior button being tapped with confirmation toast

/images/help/quick-log-basic-entry.png

One Tap = One Entry

Each tap creates a new timestamped entry. For multiple occurrences, tap multiple times. This maintains accurate frequency data.

Logging with Additional Data

To add more detail to an entry (duration, intensity, ABC data, or notes):

1

Tap and hold (or click "More Options")

Long-press the behavior button or click the expand icon to open the detailed entry panel.

2

Fill in additional fields

Add duration, intensity rating, antecedent, consequence, and/or notes as needed.

3

Save the entry

Click "Save" or press Enter to record the entry with all additional data.

Detailed behavior entry

Screenshot showing expanded entry panel with duration, intensity, and ABC fields

/images/help/quick-log-detailed-entry.png

Frequency Tracking

Frequency tracking counts how many times a behavior occurs within a given period. This is the most common data collection method.

Event Recording

Each tap creates a separate entry with a timestamp. At the end of the observation period, the total count represents the frequency.

Rate Calculation

Reports automatically calculate rate (behaviors per hour or per day) to normalize data across different observation periods.

Visual Counter

Each behavior button shows a badge with today's count, giving you real-time feedback on frequency.

When to Use Frequency

Use frequency tracking for discrete behaviors with clear starts and ends—like hitting, calling out, or raising hand. For behaviors that vary in length, consider adding duration tracking.

Duration Tracking

Duration tracking measures how long a behavior lasts. This is essential for behaviors like tantrums, off-task periods, or self-regulation time.

Using the Timer

1

Start timing

Tap the behavior button once to start the timer. The button changes color and shows elapsed time.

2

Stop timing

Tap the same button again when the behavior ends. The duration is automatically recorded.

3

Review the entry

The entry appears in recent entries showing start time, end time, and total duration.

Duration timer in progress

Screenshot showing an active duration timer with elapsed time

/images/help/quick-log-duration-timer.png

Manual Duration Entry

If you missed the start or need to enter a known duration:

  • Long-press the behavior button to open detailed entry
  • Enter the duration manually in minutes and seconds
  • Optionally adjust the start time if needed

Keep Screen Active

The timer requires the app to stay open. On mobile, keep the screen on or the app in the foreground while timing a behavior.
Duration FormatExampleBest For
Seconds45 secBrief behaviors (calling out)
Minutes:Seconds3:30Most behaviors (tantrums, off-task)
Hours:Minutes1:15:00Extended behaviors (work avoidance)

Intensity Rating

Intensity ratings capture the severity of a behavior on a 1-5 scale. This adds qualitative data to your frequency and duration measurements.

1
Minimal
2
Mild
3
Moderate
4
Significant
5
Severe

Intensity rating selector

Screenshot showing the intensity rating buttons in the detailed entry panel

/images/help/quick-log-intensity-selector.png

Define Your Scale

For each behavior, define what each intensity level looks like. For example, for "verbal aggression": 1 = muttering, 3 = raised voice, 5 = screaming/threats.

Consistent Rating

Apply the same criteria each time. Write down your definitions in the behavior settings to maintain consistency across data collectors.

Skip When Not Applicable

Intensity isn't relevant for all behaviors. Replacement behaviors like "raised hand" or "used coping strategy" often don't need intensity ratings. Leave it blank when not applicable.

ABC Data Entry

ABC (Antecedent-Behavior-Consequence) data helps identify patterns and function. Quick Log makes it easy to capture this contextual information.

A - Antecedent

What happened before the behavior?

  • • Given demand
  • • Transition
  • • Denied request
  • • Peer interaction

B - Behavior

The observable behavior

  • • Auto-selected from button
  • • Objective description
  • • What you saw/heard

C - Consequence

What happened after?

  • • Verbal redirect
  • • Removed from activity
  • • Given attention
  • • Ignored

ABC data entry fields

Screenshot showing antecedent and consequence dropdown selectors

/images/help/quick-log-abc-entry.png

Quick ABC Selection

Common antecedents and consequences are available as quick-select buttons. You can also type custom entries.

  • Pre-defined options based on common triggers and responses
  • Custom text field for unique situations
  • Options can be customized per student in their behavior settings

Setting Default

If certain antecedents or consequences appear frequently, you can set defaults in behavior settings to reduce data entry time.

Adding Notes

Notes provide context that structured data can't capture. Use them to record important details about the situation.

When to Add Notes

  • • Unusual circumstances or triggers
  • • Environmental factors (substitute teacher, fire drill)
  • • Student statements or context
  • • Intervention attempts and effectiveness
  • • Safety concerns or injuries

Note Best Practices

  • • Keep notes objective and factual
  • • Avoid interpretations or judgments
  • • Use specific, observable descriptions
  • • Note what intervention was used (if any)

Notes entry field

Screenshot showing the notes text area in the detailed entry panel

/images/help/quick-log-notes-field.png

Privacy Reminder

Notes become part of the student's record and may be included in reports shared with families or administrators. Write professionally and avoid personal opinions.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Power users can log behaviors even faster using keyboard shortcuts. These work when Quick Log is open and no text field is focused.

Quick Log Shortcuts

Log behavior by position (1-9)
123...
Log replacement behavior by position
Shift1-9
Save entry (when in detailed mode)
Enter
Cancel/close detailed entry panel
Esc
Move between fields
Tab
Undo last entry
Z

Global Shortcuts

Open Quick Log (from anywhere)
Q
Open command palette / search
Cmd/CtrlK
Go to Dashboard
GD
Go to Students list
GS

Number Key Mapping

Behaviors are numbered top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Position your most frequent behaviors at the top of each list for easier number-key access.

Offline Mode

Quick Log works even without internet access—essential for classrooms with unreliable WiFi or during outdoor activities.

How Offline Mode Works

Works Offline

  • • Logging behaviors
  • • Duration timing
  • • Adding notes
  • • Viewing recent entries

Requires Internet

  • • Adding new students
  • • Modifying behavior definitions
  • • Generating reports
  • • AI insights

Sync Indicator

A sync indicator in the navigation shows your connection status:

Green: Connected, all data synced
Yellow (pulsing): Syncing in progress
Gray: Offline, data saved locally

Offline sync indicator

Screenshot showing the sync status indicator with pending entries

/images/help/quick-log-offline-indicator.png

Don't Clear Cache

If you have unsynced offline data, don't clear your browser cache or uninstall the PWA. This could result in data loss. Wait for the sync indicator to show all data is synced.

Best Practices

Quick Tips for Efficient Logging

Log immediately when behaviors occur for accurate timestamps

Keep your phone or tablet within reach during class

Use basic entries for most logs, detailed for significant events

Track replacement behaviors too—not just target behaviors

Data Quality Guidelines

Consistency

Use the same criteria for each behavior every time. Write operational definitions and review them regularly.

Completeness

Log during consistent observation periods. If you can't observe for part of the day, note that to contextualize the data.

Objectivity

Record what you observe, not interpretations. "Student threw pencil" not "Student was frustrated."

Timeliness

Log behaviors within minutes of occurrence. Delayed entries lose accuracy and may miss important context.

Start Simple

Begin by logging just frequency for a few behaviors. As you get comfortable, add duration, intensity, and ABC data for behaviors that need more context.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Waiting until end of day to log

    Memory fades quickly. Log in real-time for accurate data.

  • Only tracking "bad days"

    Consistent daily tracking reveals true patterns and progress.

  • Vague behavior definitions

    Define exactly what constitutes each behavior. "Disruptive" is too vague; "talks without raising hand" is specific.

  • Ignoring replacement behaviors

    Positive behaviors matter too. Track replacement behaviors to measure intervention success.

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