The Sigma Forum

The Sigma Forum infuses capable mathematics tools and a community collaboration platform. Targeted towards upper secondary and University students and educators. We pioneer engaging education.

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Inspiration

During my first semester of University while study for my two math finals, I found the two past papers (one for each course) given out, as well as the weekly tutorial sheets I had already recycled for my mid-semester exams, nowhere near enough study material for my liking. Other students I talked to on the topic also shared the same sentiments.

What it does

The Sigma Forum combines dynamic question generation with a community-orientated forum. Questions from simple quadratics to more advanced Riemann Sums are able to be randomly generated by the site. Users are able to make and reply to mathematically themed posts as well as comment on questions, helping to increase user engagement. The Sigma Forum allows for the rapid generation of quizzes and practice papers that are able to be customized but with randomized variables.

How we built it

We used React.js to implement all of the front-end, storing data in a back-end powered by supabase.io. The question editing and creation is implemented with our custom XML tags and graphing engine, with routing to different pages and dynamic routes being powered by React's built in router DOM.

Challenges we ran into

  • Required to change programming frameworks due to compatibility issues. The project had to be restarted as a result.
  • Integration of components and packages.
  • Lack of experience with back-end development going into the Hackathon.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

  • Successful implementation of custom XML tags and rendering
  • Creating functional back-end despite lack of experience.
  • Designing an aesthetic and intuitive UI using standard react libraries and HTML/CSS

What we learned

We learned how important teamwork is in the context of problem-solving. Raising what bugs we were having individually with the team help streamline the development process and increase learning.

What's next for The Sigma Forum

  • Refining the question generator's capabilities
  • Implementing additional user functionality to get full use of the generated questions
  • Introducing native community token to increase user engagement and participation.

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