Project Overview

Flash Learn bridges the gap between note-taking and effective studying by automatically converting user notes into powerful learning tools. The app uses natural language processing and AI to analyze notes, identify key concepts, and generate targeted flashcards and quiz questions that reinforce understanding. Instead of passively reviewing notes, users actively engage with the material through spaced repetition and active recall - two techniques proven by cognitive science to significantly enhance long-term retention.

Key Features

One-click transformation of notes into comprehensive flashcard sets and quizzes

AI-powered question generation

Realtime collaborative note-taking and study sessions with live cursor tracking

Performance analytics showing mastery levels across different subject areas

Shared study spaces for group learning and collaborative flashcard creation

Challenges Solved

Creating natural-sounding quiz questions that effectively test understanding rather than rote memorization

Designing an intuitive note-taking interface that preserves user workflow while enabling powerful conversion features

Implementing realtime synchronization across multiple users while maintaining data consistency and handling conflicts

Optimizing AI processing to generate study materials quickly without excessive API costs

Building scalable WebSocket infrastructure to support live collaboration without performance degradation

Implementing effective content parsing for various note formats and structures from different academic disciplines

Creating meaningful analytics that help users identify knowledge gaps and learning trends

Technologies Used

Next.js

Leveraged for its hybrid rendering capabilities, allowing fast initial page loads with server-side rendering while maintaining dynamic client-side interactions for the note editor and flashcard review system.

Tailwind CSS

Implemented for creating a clean, accessible interface with consistent design language across the application. The utility-first approach enabled rapid UI development and easy dark/light mode theming.

OpenAI API

Integrated with custom prompt engineering to power the note analysis and question generation features. Fine-tuned API parameters ensure generated content is educationally valuable and accurately reflects the original notes.

SQLite

Used as the primary database for storing notes, flashcards, and study progress with a schema optimized for quick retrieval of scheduled review items and efficient spaced repetition algorithms.

Socket.io

Powers the realtime collaboration features including live document editing, user presence indicators, and synchronized study sessions. Handles WebSocket connections with automatic fallback to long polling for reliability.

Kinde Auth

Implemented for secure user authentication, allowing students to access their study materials across multiple devices while protecting their academic content and managing collaborative permissions.

Development Process

Learning Science Research

Researched cognitive science principles behind effective learning, focusing on spaced repetition, active recall, and knowledge reinforcement techniques used in educational psychology.

AI Integration Development

Implemented OpenAI API integration with custom prompts and constraints designed to generate educationally valuable questions and ensure accurate content extraction from diverse study materials.

User Interface Design

Designed a distraction-free note-taking environment that seamlessly transitions to study mode, with careful attention to typography, reading comfort, and interaction design.

Realtime Collaboration Implementation

Built Socket.io infrastructure for live document editing, user presence indicators, and synchronized flashcard sessions.

Testing & Educational Validation

Conducted testing with students across different academic disciplines to validate the effectiveness of automatically generated study materials and collaborative features, refining both AI algorithms and realtime sync performance.