Classmates

What is your product and who is it for?

My product is an app that allows students of a variety of ages to study online in groups or pairs, in a safe way, with either their peers or others from their area.

What inspired your idea, and why is it important to you?

My product was inspired by (as most new products this year are) the pandemic. I was struggling, both in a lack of organisation and in finding an effective way to study with others. In witnessing my peers and others on social media struggle, in the same way, the idea of Classmates came to me. This is important to me because I want to give all young people a safe opportunity to study.

How does your product solve the problem?

The app will have two options located on the home screen- "study within my area" and "study within the/a school". Pressing one of these buttons will lead the logged-in user to a screen where they can select a subject, and from there the student can join a study group or join their own- they will be able to filter out whether the group that they join is over text, voice, video or a mixture. My app solves many problems- a student may wish to study in a group but has no friends or knows no one taking that subject. By using Classmates, the student is able to study with people from different schools. My app is also useful for when situations like the coronavirus arise, and students are unable for whatever reason to meet up. While they could use another messaging site between friends, this app provides a professional and focussed environment.

Why should your product win its category and why should people vote for you in the People’s Choice Award?

I believe that my product should win, as winning this competition could give my app traction- therefore putting it into the eyesight of schools and marking it as a legitimate and safe place for students to interact, rather than just a dodgy side project. If this project becomes a reality, I believe that it can change education for many students- as well as developing their social skills in the process. Others should vote for me because I believe passionately in revolutionising education and giving people, who may have the skills but not the resources, an opportunity to achieve what they desire.