Launched in 2015 by Kimeshan Naidoo and Diego Fanara, Unibuddy is a “Student engagement platform that enables higher education institutions to connect prospective students, often in high school, with student ambassadors and alumni.” This product provides features like:
- One-on-One Messaging
- Group Chats
- Video Calling
When in these meetings with current or former students, eager future college students are informed about information regarding the university, such as:
- Life at the University
- Course Info
- Accommodation
- Student Life
Similarities
Unibuddy connects students and alumni to one place, familiarizing students with the logistics of college. These generous members of the university act as a “support network” for the kids, helping clear any confusion, worry, or uncertainty one may have before entering college.
Differences
This service is intended to educate and provide for HIGH SCHOOL students, not college students. College students are still at the forefront of providing support here, but the support is reaching out to potential future students, not current students already at the university.
Launched by Australian college student and founder, Adam Fasullo, in 2010, Thinkswap is an “Online educational platform for secondary and tertiary students across Australia that provides access to a variety of study resources.” These resources include:
- Study Notes
- Subject Guides
- Essays
- Assignments
All study materials and educational content come from the users, as “Thinkswap collates and organizes all user-submitted material,” which then can be searched by:
- University
- Certificate
- Specific Subject
On Thinkswap, you can receive website “credits,” which can be swapped for new content, or you can purchase study content directly with cash.
Similarities
Thinkswap is an epicenter of information and support for students in need. It’s online, and cloud-based information makes it available for students 24/7 through all the overnight study sessions. Its reliable nature draws inspiration for this project proposed.
Differences
This service is purely information/study materials, not so much a social service. Anyone can upload educational material, available to anyone in need for purchase and/or trade, but doesn’t specialize in the creation of conversation and/or study groups. University-Run Study Networks through Discord is not only is place to upload valuable class assignments, articles, and projects, but also to connect people that they otherwise may not have approached. Using the digital aspect to connect students is the main difference between Thinkswap and this project proposal.