PeerBeacon - Anonymous Peer to Peer Academic Aid

An anxiety-free academic workspace enabling quiet and neurodivergent students to seek peer support and share study resources comfortably from home

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Inspiration

As a shy student myself who's just completed Junior year, there were many times when I was struggling with a topic and could've used additional help. There were resources at my school to help, but I couldn't take full advantage of them due to my shy nature. An app that allows people of the same community to support each other academically and anonymously is the perfect solution for a less social person like me.

What it does

This app acts as a bulletin board where individuals can post help requests (inputting information like the subject and type of help they require). Other people on the app can see the help request on the main page. They can then respond to requests, offering help. Study rooms can also be formed where one person can make a room code that allows other users to join.

How I built it

I used Google Apps Scripts to build the app (CSS, JavaScript, and HTML). Google Sheets was used to store data for the app (login info, help requests, messages).

Challenges I ran into

A challenge I ran into was implementing real-time chatting between users. The script had to continuously update the screen so that a new message could appear between users. Another challenge was struggling to gain permission to use an API through the app. I had to manually update the appsscript.json to give the app permission to use the API. A third challenge I faced was changing the version of Gemini I used as my API. I initially chose an older version, and it didn't work. Another challenge was formatting complex math equations in a way that would be readable to users when using the built-in AI. MathJax was used in the frontend so that if a formula was given by the AI, it would be rendered as confusing symbols.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I'm proud of how well the Google spreadsheet works to store data; I'm proud of how well integrated the AI (Cognita) is into the overall app because having a built-in tutor when there is no human available is helpful; I'm also proud of how the users can keep their identities a secret when using the app.

What I learned

  • I learned how to debug problems that might come up when dealing with APIs, such as how to make sure an app has permission to use it and if the right version is being used. I learned how to find the data that the Google AI provides, which can lead to the root error.
  • I learned how to use custom libraries such as MathJax that can make an AI assistant's responses easier to understand.
  • I learned how to use Apps Script to make a fully functional app and learned how to manipulate data in Google Sheets through Google Apps Script.

Impact Statement

Classmate Connect equalizes education by making sure that a student's social anxiety never decides their academic success. By keeping identities a secret, this app can make asking for help a safe and routine action. It supports peer tutoring, reduces academic anxiety, and ensures no student gets left behind just because they are too shy to ask for help.

What's next for Classmate Connect

  • Adding study modes (flashcards, learn, quiz)
  • Customizable study timers (pomodoro)

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