Building an AI-Powered Learning Assistant

A full-stack application leveraging generative AI for homework help, with an integrated data science module to analyze and understand learning patterns.

Software Engineering
Data Science
Author

Raameen Ahmed

Published

June 18, 2025

Goals: Learn to use Flask for APIs, Learn React for front end, Learn NumPys and Pandas to handle my data for my AI

I currently do not know React and know very basic Python ( haven’t taken DSA yet but have been learning the concepts myself from YouTube and ChatGPT). However, I am taking two classes ( Calc 3 and Ethics ) and want to make a specialized AI myself that will make these classes ( and future classes ) less work.

I predict it will take me about 1-2 months, but we shall see! I will record my progress down below, and then make a final post later on :)

♡ Executive Summary

AI-HW-Helper is a full-stack application designed to assist students by leveraging Google’s Generative AI for intelligent homework assistance. Built with a Python/Flask backend and a React frontend, the project features a modular architecture with specialized modules for query classification, translation, and step-by-step tutoring. The goal is to create not just a helpful tool, but a system that provides personalized learning experiences through intelligent problem-solving guidance.

♡ Project Blueprint

This project is an exercise in both full-stack software engineering and applied AI. The architecture is designed to be modular, allowing for robust features and intelligent tutoring capabilities.

♡ Tech Stack

  • Frontend: React, CSS3, HTML5
  • Backend: Python, Flask
  • AI Integration: Google Generative AI (Gemini Pro)
  • Math Computation: Wolfram Alpha API
  • Database: PostgreSQL (planned for storing user queries and application data)
  • Data Science: Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, Plotly (planned)
  • Deployment: Vercel (Frontend), Heroku/Render (Backend & Database)

♡ Core Features & Roadmap

✅ Completed Features

  1. AI-Powered Math Tutoring (SWE): Developed a comprehensive backend service that processes user math queries and provides step-by-step explanations using Google’s Generative AI. The system includes intelligent query classification and translation modules.

  2. Modular Backend Architecture (SWE): Built a robust Flask application with specialized modules:

    • tutor.py: Handles AI-generated tutoring responses with step-by-step explanations
    • query_classifier.py: Classifies user queries for appropriate handling
    • query_translator.py: Translates queries for better AI processing
    • algebra_solver.py: Dedicated module for algebraic problem-solving
    • general_handler.py: Manages general query processing
    • history_handler.py: Tracks user interaction history
    • wolfram_api_solver.py: Integration with Wolfram Alpha for computational solutions

🚧 In Progress

  1. Frontend User Interface (SWE): Currently developing React components for an intuitive user experience with real-time AI interactions.

  2. Enhanced Algebra Solver (SWE): Expand algebra_solver.py with additional algorithms for complex mathematical operations, equation solving, and symbolic computation.

  3. User Interaction Dashboard (SWE/DS): Create a user-facing dashboard that visualizes personal usage statistics, query history, and learning progress using data processed by Pandas and visualized with Plotly.

  4. Usage Analytics & Insight Engine (DS): Build an admin-facing analytics module to analyze aggregated, anonymized user data to understand learning patterns and query characteristics.

  5. Predictive Quality Monitoring (DS): Implement user feedback mechanisms and satisfaction prediction using Scikit-learn classification models.

  6. Database Integration (SWE): Implement PostgreSQL database for persistent storage of user queries, interaction history, and analytics data.

♡ Case Study & Implementation

Milestone 1: Backend API & AI Integration ✅

Completed: Successfully implemented a comprehensive Flask backend with Google Generative AI integration. The system features:

  • Intelligent Query Processing: Multi-module architecture that classifies, translates, and processes user queries
  • Step-by-Step Tutoring: AI-powered explanations that adapt based on user preferences (with/without detailed steps)
  • Specialized Math Handling: Dedicated algebra solver with Wolfram Alpha integration for computational solutions
  • Modular Design: Clean separation of concerns with specialized handlers for different query types

Technical Highlights: - Integrated Google’s Gemini Pro model for natural language processing - Implemented query classification system for optimal AI response generation - Built translation layer for improved query understanding - Created flexible tutoring system that respects user preferences for explanation depth

Milestone 2: Core Frontend Development in React 🚧

In Progress: Developing React frontend with modern UI/UX principles for seamless user interaction.

Planned Features: - Real-time chat interface for AI interactions - Math equation rendering and input capabilities - Responsive design for mobile and desktop - User preference settings for explanation depth

Milestone 3: Data Analytics Module Implementation 📋

Planned: Comprehensive data science pipeline for learning analytics and user insights.

Features to Implement: - User query pattern analysis - Learning progress tracking - Performance analytics dashboard - Predictive modeling for user satisfaction

♡ Current Status

(As of January 2025)

The project has successfully completed its core backend development phase with a fully functional AI-powered tutoring system. The modular architecture is in place and ready for frontend integration.

Completed:

  • ✅ Flask backend with Google AI integration

  • ✅ Modular query processing system

  • ✅ Step-by-step tutoring functionality

  • ✅ Specialized math handling modules

  • ✅ Query classification and translation

In Progress:

  • 🚧 React frontend development

  • 🚧 User interface design and implementation

Next Steps:

  1. Complete React frontend with modern UI/UX

  2. Expand algebra_solver.py with additional algorithms

  3. Implement PostgreSQL database for data persistence

  4. Develop analytics dashboard with Pandas/Plotly

  5. Add user feedback and satisfaction prediction systems

Timeline Update: The project is progressing well within the original 1-2 month timeline, with core AI functionality complete and frontend development underway.