HackUTD 24'
NowTera
Inspiration
Traditional learning platforms fail to unify collaboration, resource sharing, and productivity. Students juggle multiple tools, while teachers lack streamlined communication with their classes. NowTera bridges these gaps by creating a centralized hub for dynamic, collaborative, and focused learning.
What It Does
NowTera is an all-in-one platform revolutionizing education through:
Centralized Communication:
- Student Channels: Dedicated spaces for general discussions, homework help, and notes.
- Teacher & TA Channels: Tailored interactions with admin-controlled topics.
AI-Powered Study Sessions:
- Real-time eye-tracking using Raspberry Pi (as a proof of concept) to monitor focus and motivate users.
- Encouraging feedback via LED flashes, vibration alerts, and motivational messages.
File Sharing with IPFS:
- Decentralized, secure file uploads powered by Pinata.
- Real-time updates and a repository for all shared resources.
Custom AI Chatbot:
- Tailored study plans and instant answers trained on user-uploaded files tailored to the specific class
Collaborative Study Sessions:
- Organize in-person or virtual study events with RSVP tracking.
How We Built It
- Frontend: ReactJS for a responsive, modern user interface with interactive modals and real-time updates.
- Backend:
- Pinata IPFS: For decentralized and secure file storage.
- Pinata and Kommunicate Chat bot for specialized learning
- AI & Hardware:
- TensorFlow Lite for real-time focus tracking on Raspberry Pi 5.
- GPIO peripherals (LEDs, vibration motors) for feedback mechanisms.
in the classroom by Metroplex Market
Challenges We Faced
- Real-Time Hardware Synchronization:
Aligning eye-tracking data with physical feedback required precise timing and optimizations. - Decentralized Storage Integration:
Managing secure file uploads and maintaining dynamic lists from the Pinata API. - Scalability:
Ensuring seamless collaboration for large classes while minimizing platform complexity in terms of upload limits etc.
Accomplishments
- Successfully built an intuitive and engaging user interface that enhances collaboration.
- Integrated decentralized file storage with seamless real-time updates using Pinata
- Designed a functional AI chatbot trained on user-uploaded documents.
- Delivered a hardware-driven focus tracker that motivates and improves productivity.
What’s Next
- Mobile App: Expand NowTera into mobile platforms for accessibility.
- Enhanced AI Features: Introduce deeper personalized learning insights and step-by-step problem-solving.
- Gamification: Add achievements and rewards for engagement and collaboration.
Tech Stack
- Frontend: ReactJS, CSS, and Figma
- AI Models: TensorFlow Lite, Custom LLM on SambaNova Cloud
- Storage: Pinata IPFS for decentralized file sharing
- Hardware: Raspberry Pi 5, USB Camera, GPIO (LEDs, vibration motors)
Built For
NowTera addresses challenges faced by:
- Students: Centralizing resources and fostering collaboration.
- Teachers: Providing admin tools for tailored engagement.
- Sponsors: Leveraging cutting-edge tech like SambaNova Cloud and Pinata IPFS.
