ConnectUFunctions

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Ranking of Strengths and Experience:
One of the most important part of the Connect U system is the ranking system. From the profile page students are able to rank their strengths in a number of different subjects. This is the preliminary ranking system in order to become a expert in any one field the student must help others within the system.

Every time a student helps another student by answer a question, taking part in a group discussion or shares their knowledge of a specific subject their ranking in the subject increases. In doing so students looking for help are able to find active members easily, as well as rewards students who take an active part within the community.

Collaborative groups:
The learning groups set up with the Connect U system are based off University programs, classes and educational interests. This creates a large base for students to get involved both within their own program as well as interacting with students in other faculties. When students first join the Connect U system they are automatically added to groups for their specific classes. These spaces act as a community setting for sharing class notes, discussing projects and allow for communication between students in the same class.

In addition to these specific groups students are encouraged to either join or create groups based to their specific academic interests. This may include a group about a specific group project or something more general like a favourite writer. Having both sets of collaborative groups begins to make an interesting connection in between students who may have previously never interacted with one another.

Chat Rooms:
Having Chat room integrated within the Connect U system allow for the immediate exchange of information. There are two main ways in which the chat room feature benefits the system.

Chat rooms can be found within the collaborative group pages. These Chat rooms can be used to talk with the online members of the group, to discuss class projects or topics of interest.

The chat room system can also be used on a more individual level. In order to get quick access to another students knowledge, chat rooms provide a quick way for questions and answers.

In the same way that students are able to search for groups about specific interests, students are able to search for students who have experience answering specific questions. If a student is logged into the system it is possible to set up a one on one chat room, in order to exchange information.

Community:
By providing a space online for collective learning our hope to make an environment for students to interact with one another. While the majority of students attending York University are not able to find the time to meet with other students to help one another learn, an online community offers that same opportunity at the student’s own convenience. Rather than feeling isolated from the other students at York, Connect U gives a space for students to work together to share their understanding and experience.

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