Students can’t find study groups → Software Solution Study Partner Matching Web Application BIT UCSC

Описание: Final Year Project Proposal & Software Requirements Specification (SRS)**
*Title:* Students can’t find study groups → *Software Solution: Study Partner Matching Web Application*

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT) – External Degree Programme, University of Moratuwa

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*1. Introduction*

1.1 Problem Statement
University and college students often struggle to find compatible study partners or form effective study groups. Key challenges include:
Lack of centralized platforms to connect with peers in the same course/module.
Difficulty matching based on learning style, availability, goals, or location.
Reliance on informal channels (e.g., WhatsApp groups, class chats) that are disorganized or exclusive.
Introverted or remote students are especially disadvantaged.
No verification of academic level or course enrollment leads to mismatched expectations.

This results in:
Reduced academic performance,
Lower motivation,
Missed collaborative learning opportunities.

1.2 Proposed Solution
A *web-based Study Partner Matching Application* that intelligently connects students based on:
Course/module enrollment,
Study goals (e.g., exam prep, assignment help, language practice),
Availability (time slots),
Preferred study format (online/in-person),
Learning style or personality (optional),
Institution and academic level.

The system prioritizes **privacy, academic relevance, and ease of use**, enabling students to find, message, and schedule study sessions with verified peers—without social media noise.

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*2. Objectives*

Provide a dedicated, academic-focused platform for study partner discovery.
Match students using relevant academic and scheduling criteria.
Support both synchronous (live) and asynchronous (forum-style) collaboration.
Ensure user authenticity through institutional email or course verification.
Reduce social barriers to peer learning, especially for shy or remote learners.
Offer a scalable foundation for future features (e.g., group study rooms, resource sharing).

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*3. Scope*

3.1 In Scope
Web application (mobile-responsive) for desktop and smartphone browsers.
User registration with academic email (e.g., @student.mrt.ac.lk) or manual course verification.
Student profile: name, institution, program, semester/year, courses enrolled.
Study preference setup: availability (weekly calendar), goals, preferred mode (online/in-person), group size (1-on-1 or small group).
Intelligent matching engine based on shared courses and compatible schedules.
Secure in-app messaging system.
Study session scheduling with calendar integration (optional).
Feedback/rating system post-session (to maintain quality).
Search and filter by course, institution, or study goal.
Privacy controls (hide contact info, limit visibility).

3.2 Out of Scope
Native mobile apps (Android/iOS) — web-first approach only.
Video conferencing (integrate with Zoom/Google Meet via link sharing only).
AI personality matching (beyond basic preference alignment).
Institutional LMS integration (e.g., Moodle, Google Classroom) — manual course entry allowed.
Real-time voice/video chat within the app.

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*4. Functional Requirements*

| Module | Feature | Description |
|-------|--------|------------|
| *User Authentication* | Sign Up / Login | Via academic email or manual profile creation |
| | Email Verification | Confirm institutional affiliation |
| | Password Recovery | Standard reset flow |
| *Profile Management* | Edit Academic Info | Institution, program, year/semester |
| | Add Courses | Manual entry or select from known course list |
| | Set Study Preferences | Availability (weekly slots), goals, mode (online/in-person), max group size |
| *Matching System* | Auto-Suggest Partners | Based on shared courses + overlapping availability |
| | Browse Matches | Filter by course, institution, study goal |
| | View Match Compatibility Score | Visual indicator (e.g., “80% compatible”) |
| *Communication* | In-App Messaging | Real-time chat with matched users |
| | Send Study Invite | Propose session with time/topic |
| *Scheduling* | Create Study Session | Set date, time, duration, format (online/in-person), link (if online) |
| | Calendar View | Personal upcoming sessions |
| *Feedback & Safety* | Post-Session Rating | 1–5 stars + optional comment |
| | Report User | Flag inappropriate behavior |
| *Search & Discovery* | Search by Course Code | e.g., “IT3050 – Web Development” |
| | Filter by Location | For in-person study (city/campus) |