NowTera

NowTera unites classrooms with AI-powered tools, focus tracking, and seamless resource sharing, transforming collaborative learning.

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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:

  1. Centralized Communication:

    • Student Channels: Dedicated spaces for general discussions, homework help, and notes.
    • Teacher & TA Channels: Tailored interactions with admin-controlled topics.

  2. 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.

  3. File Sharing with IPFS:

    • Decentralized, secure file uploads powered by Pinata.
    • Real-time updates and a repository for all shared resources.

  4. Custom AI Chatbot:

    • Tailored study plans and instant answers trained on user-uploaded files tailored to the specific class

  5. 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.

Challenges We Faced

  1. Real-Time Hardware Synchronization:
    Aligning eye-tracking data with physical feedback required precise timing and optimizations.
  2. Decentralized Storage Integration:
    Managing secure file uploads and maintaining dynamic lists from the Pinata API.
  3. 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

  1. Mobile App: Expand NowTera into mobile platforms for accessibility.
  2. Enhanced AI Features: Introduce deeper personalized learning insights and step-by-step problem-solving.
  3. 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:

  1. Students: Centralizing resources and fostering collaboration.
  2. Teachers: Providing admin tools for tailored engagement.
  3. Sponsors: Leveraging cutting-edge tech like SambaNova Cloud and Pinata IPFS.

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