Study Paws - Special Education AI STEM Assistant

Inspiration

We were motivated to create Study Paws after recognizing the everyday struggles of learners with special learning disabilities. Our app combines the power of the Google Gemini API to answer questions and Eleven Labs for natural voice integration to make learning more interactive and accessible. Features like customizable text fonts, text highlighting, and chunking information into smaller, manageable parts help improve information retention. We also plan to add Mathpix OCR, which will assist students with math problems. Our goal is to create an educational aid tailored for students who need adaptable and supportive learning tools.

How I Built It

Tech Stack: Backend Framework: Flask (Python web framework) OCR Service: Mathpix API (extracts text from PDF files, especially math equations) AI Model: Google Gemini 2.0 Flash (generates answers to student questions) Text-to-Speech: ElevenLabs API (reads answers aloud) Frontend: HTML/CSS/JavaScript (served as static files)

Challenges I Faced

Integrating several complex APIs and ensuring smooth communication between them was technically demanding. Additionally, managing the team dynamic, as some members were new to these technologies, required patience and clear communication. Balancing features of our project while maintaining a user-friendly experience proved to be a significant challenge but an important learning opportunity for us.

Accomplishments

Participating in our first hackathon with AI tools and APIs was a proud milestone. We successfully developed a prototype with a clear social impact: supporting students with learning disabilities. Our team spirit, reflected in small touches like integrating “Coog’s spirit” and playful animals in the UI, brought personality to our project and kept our motivation high throughout the competition.

What I Learned

This project taught us the importance of teamwork and communication in a fast-paced environment. We developed skills in prioritization and iterative planning, which were essential to completing the project. We also gained valuable hands-on experience with state-of-the-art AI technologies and APIs, preparing us for future projects in educational technology.

What’s Next for Study Paws

Moving forward, we aim to enhance the user experience by adding more personalization features and conducting user testing with students who have learning disabilities. Feedback from real users will guide our improvements. Ultimately, we envision Study Paws as an essential tool in special education, where technology makes learning truly accessible for everyone.