Administrator Guide
Manage users, configure settings, and control platform access
Overview
The Admin Dashboard provides complete control over the Phonics AI platform. As an administrator, you can manage user accounts, configure API keys, control registration, and monitor platform statistics.
Admin Capabilities
User Management
Create, edit, deactivate, and delete user accounts
API Configuration
Manage Gemini API key for AI-powered features
Registration Control
Enable or disable new user registrations
Platform Statistics
View usage metrics and user activity
Getting Started
Accessing the Admin Dashboard
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Sign In with Admin Account
Use your admin credentials to log in. You'll be automatically redirected to the Admin Dashboard.
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Navigate the Dashboard
Use the sidebar menu to access different sections: Dashboard, User Management, and App Settings.
Dashboard Overview
The main dashboard displays key platform statistics at a glance:
👥 Total Users
The total number of registered users across all roles (learners, teachers, parents).
🎓 Learners
Students actively learning phonics on the platform.
📚 Teachers
Educators managing classrooms and monitoring student progress.
📖 Classrooms
Total number of teacher-created classrooms.
🟢 Active Today
Users who have logged in within the last 24 hours.
📈 New This Week
Users who registered in the past 7 days.
User Management
The User Management section allows you to view and manage all user accounts on the platform.
Viewing Users
The user list displays all accounts with the following information:
- Name & Email - User identification
- Role - Learner, Teacher, Parent, or Admin
- Status - Active or Deactivated
- Joined Date - When they registered
Filtering Users
Use the filter options to find specific users:
- Search - Search by name or email
- Role Filter - Show only learners, teachers, parents, or all
- Status Filter - Show active, deactivated, or all users
Creating a New User
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Click "Add User"
Find the Add User button in the top-right of the User Management page.
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Fill in User Details
Enter the user's display name, email address, and a temporary password.
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Select Role
Choose the appropriate role: Learner, Teacher, Parent, or Admin.
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Create Account
Click Create to add the user. They can reset their password using the "Forgot Password" feature.
Editing Users
To edit an existing user:
- Click the Edit button (pencil icon) next to the user
- Modify the user's name, email, or role as needed
- Click Save Changes to apply
Deactivating vs. Deleting Users
| Action | Effect | Reversible? | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivate | User cannot log in, but data is preserved | Yes - can reactivate | Temporary suspension, graduated students |
| Delete | User account and all data permanently removed | No - permanent | Privacy requests, duplicate accounts |
App Settings
The Settings page allows you to configure platform-wide options.
API Key Management
The Gemini API key powers AI features including pronunciation feedback and the Phoni helper chatbot.
Updating the API Key
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Navigate to Settings
Go to Admin Dashboard → App Settings.
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Find API Key Section
Locate the "Gemini API Key" card.
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Enter New Key
Paste your Gemini API key into the input field.
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Save
Click "Update API Key" to save the changes.
Getting a Gemini API Key
- Visit Google AI Studio
- Sign in with your Google account
- Create a new API key or use an existing one
- Copy the key and paste it in the Admin Settings
Registration Control
Control whether new users can register on the platform.
When to Disable Registration
- School Holidays - Prevent registrations during breaks when support isn't available
- Capacity Limits - If you've reached your desired user count
- Maintenance - During system updates or migrations
- Controlled Rollout - When piloting with a specific group
Toggling Registration
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Navigate to Settings
Go to Admin Dashboard → App Settings.
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Find Registration Section
Locate the "User Registration" card.
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Toggle the Switch
Click the toggle to enable or disable registration.
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Customize Message (Optional)
When disabled, set a custom message explaining why registration is closed.
What Users See
When registration is disabled, users visiting the registration page will see:
- A "Registration Closed" message
- Your custom explanation (if set)
- A link to sign in (for existing users)
- A link back to the home page
Feature Toggles
Control which features are available to users:
| Feature | Description | Requires API Key |
|---|---|---|
| AI Pronunciation Feedback | Personalized feedback on user pronunciation using Gemini AI | Yes |
| Speech Recognition | Voice recording and browser-based speech recognition | No |
| Phoni Chatbot | AI-powered helper owl for user questions | Yes |
Best Practices
Security Guidelines
- Limit Admin Accounts - Only create admin accounts for those who truly need full access
- Use Strong Passwords - Require admins to use complex passwords
- Rotate API Keys - Periodically update API keys as a security measure
- Audit User Accounts - Regularly review user list for inactive or suspicious accounts
- Document Changes - Keep a log of significant admin actions
User Management Tips
- Batch Deactivations - At the end of a school year, deactivate graduated students rather than deleting
- Role Verification - Verify teacher and admin role requests before granting
- Communication - Notify users before deactivating their accounts when possible
Monitoring Platform Health
- Check Stats Regularly - Monitor the dashboard for unusual activity patterns
- Review New Registrations - Keep an eye on new user growth
- Track Active Users - A drop in active users may indicate issues
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Users report AI features not working
Solution: Check that the Gemini API key is correctly configured in Settings. Ensure the key hasn't expired or been revoked.
Can't access admin dashboard
Solution: Verify your account has the 'admin' role. Check with another admin or review the user record in Firebase.
Registration toggle not working
Solution: Ensure you have proper write permissions to the app settings document in Firestore.
User deletion fails
Solution: User deletion requires Firebase Admin privileges. Ensure your Firebase functions have proper permissions configured.
Data & Privacy
User Data
As an admin, you have access to:
- User profile information (name, email, role)
- Account status and activity dates
- Platform usage statistics
Privacy Responsibilities
- Data Protection - Handle user data responsibly and in compliance with applicable laws
- Access Control - Only access user data when necessary for administration
- Deletion Requests - Honor user requests for account deletion promptly
- Secure Access - Don't share admin credentials or leave sessions unattended
Need Help?
If you encounter issues with admin features, check the troubleshooting guide or contact the development team.
View Troubleshooting Guide