LearnVM | Devpost

Inspiration

Learning Linux is a foundational skill for developers, system admins, and cybersecurity professionals. Yet, the process of setting up a Linux environment and staying motivated through text-heavy tutorials can be daunting. We wanted to change that by bringing an immersive, interactive Linux learning experience directly into the browser. With CheerpX's WebAssembly-powered Linux virtual machine, we saw an opportunity to build a browser-based learning platform that makes Linux both accessible and engaging for all learners.

What it does

LearnVM is a browser-based Linux Learning Management System (LMS) powered by CheerpX. It enables users to:

Execute real Linux commands in real-time directly from their browsers.
Progress through lesson modules, each unlocking interactive tasks.
Receive real-time feedback and hints.
Interact with a generative AI avatar that explains Linux concepts, answers user questions, and provides guided help when users get stuck.
Track learning progress and jump between completed tasks.

How we built it

LearnVM is built using:

React for the frontend interface.
CheerpX for embedding a full Linux terminal experience in the browser.
Tailwind CSS for consistent styling and responsive layout.
Generative AI avatar integrated via REST API (referencing ChatGPT) for real-time help and guidance.

We structured our LMS as a modular lesson path. Each module contains tasks that users complete directly in the terminal. We added a virtual helper avatar (powered by generative AI) to guide users and boost engagement.

Challenges we ran into

Embedding CheerpX and maintaining consistent state across terminal sessions.
Designing intuitive UI/UX for learners unfamiliar with command-line environments.
Ensuring the AI helper was helpful but not overly intrusive.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Seamlessly integrating CheerpX to deliver real-time Linux command execution.
Building a full-featured LMS that runs entirely in the browser.
Designing an AI-powered avatar assistant that brings humanity to technical learning.
Creating an end-to-end experience that makes learning Linux fun and accessible.

What we learned

The power and flexibility of CheerpX in delivering Linux environments over WebAssembly.
Best practices for combining AI assistants with traditional educational content.
How to balance interactivity, user experience, and technical complexity in an educational tool.
New ways to deliver complex software training through browsers without installations.

What's next for LearnVM

Expand lesson content to cover Bash scripting, networking, system administration, and ethical hacking.
Add quizzes, achievements, and certification paths.
Improve AI avatar intelligence to detect learning patterns and offer customized help.
Open LearnVM to educators who want to author their own modules.
Local storage sync for offline progress tracking.

Notes for Submission:

CheerpX has been used as the core of the project.
The generative AI avatar is credited to Azure OpenAI's GPT architecture.
The previous source code is credited to the previous winners cheerpx_hack.
All third-party libraries and components are either open-source under permissive licenses or properly credited.
The repository is public and adheres to all rules outlined by the Leaning Technologies WebVM Hackathon 2025.

We’re excited to showcase LearnVM and hope it empowers a new generation of Linux learners across the globe!