Homework Assignment System

A comprehensive web-based platform for secure homework distribution and collection with advanced copy protection and academic integrity features.

🎯 Overview

The Homework Assignment System enables teachers to create, distribute, and collect homework assignments while maintaining academic integrity through robust copy-protection mechanisms. Students can access assignments using simple codes, save their work as drafts, and submit final answers - all without requiring individual accounts.

✨ Key Features

🔐 Academic Integrity

• Advanced Copy Protection: Prevents copying, pasting, and text selection on assignment content
• Keyboard Shortcut Blocking: Disables Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, Ctrl+A, and developer tools access
• Secure Content Delivery: Protected question display with selection prevention

👩‍🏫 Teacher Features

• Simple Authentication: Username/password login with account lockout protection
• Rich Text Assignment Creation: Advanced text editor with markdown formatting support
• Live Preview: Real-time preview of formatted assignments as students will see them
• Capacity Management: Maximum 3 active assignments per teacher, 30 students per assignment
• Real-time Monitoring: Track student progress, draft vs. final submissions
• Enhanced Bulk Downloads: Robust ZIP downloads with error handling and compression

👨‍🎓 Student Features

• Code-based Access: No individual accounts required - access via assignment codes
• Save & Continue: Work on assignments across multiple sessions
• Auto-save: Automatic draft saving every 30 seconds
• Word Count Tracking: Real-time word counting and progress indicators
• Final Submission: Secure one-time submission with confirmation

🚀 Quick Start

Prerequisites

• Node.js 18+
• PostgreSQL database
• Yarn package manager

Installation

1. Clone and Setup

   cd homework_assignment_system/app
   yarn install

2. Configure Environment

   cp .env.example .env
   # Update DATABASE_URL and SESSION_SECRET in .env

3. Database Setup

   npx prisma db push
   npx prisma db seed

4. Start Development Server

   yarn dev

5. Access Application

   • Main site: http://localhost:3000
   • Teacher login: http://localhost:3000/teacher/login
   • Student access: http://localhost:3000/student

Demo Credentials

Teacher Account:

• Username: demo_teacher
• Password: demo_password

Sample Assignment:

• Code: DEMO01
• Title: "Sample Essay Assignment"

📋 Usage Guide

For Teachers

1. Create Account

   • Visit /teacher/register
   • Choose username (3+ characters) and password (8+ characters)
   • Account created instantly

2. Create Assignment

   • Login and access dashboard
   • Click "Create Assignment" (if under 3 active assignments)
   • Enter title, content (paste text or upload file), and optional instructions
   • Assignment receives unique 6-character code
   • Share code with students

3. Monitor Progress

   • Dashboard shows all assignments with real-time student counts
   • Track draft vs. submitted status for each student
   • Download individual or bulk submissions
   • Close/reopen assignments as needed

For Students

1. Access Assignment

   • Visit /student
   • Enter your full name and assignment code from teacher
   • Access granted if assignment active and under capacity

2. Complete Work

   • Read copy-protected assignment content
   • Write answer in provided text area
   • Work automatically saved every 30 seconds
   • Save drafts manually anytime

3. Submit Final Answer

   • Review your work before submission
   • Click "Submit Final Answer" when ready
   • Confirm submission (cannot be undone)
   • Receive confirmation of successful submission

🔧 Configuration

Environment Variables

DATABASE_URL="postgresql://user:password@host:port/database"
SESSION_SECRET="your-secure-session-secret-key"

Capacity Limits

• Teacher Sessions: 3 active assignments maximum
• Assignment Capacity: 30 students per assignment
• Session Duration: Teacher sessions expire after 2 hours

📁 Project Structure

app/
├── prisma/
│   └── schema.prisma          # Database schema
├── app/
│   ├── api/                   # API routes
│   │   ├── auth/              # Authentication endpoints
│   │   ├── assignments/       # Assignment management
│   │   └── student/           # Student operations
│   ├── teacher/               # Teacher interface pages
│   ├── student/               # Student interface pages
│   └── globals.css            # Styles with copy protection
├── lib/
│   ├── auth.ts               # Authentication logic
│   └── session.ts            # Session management
└── scripts/
    └── seed.ts               # Database seeding

🛡️ Security Features

• Password Security: bcrypt hashing with 12 salt rounds
• Session Management: JWT tokens with HTTP-only cookies
• Failed Login Protection: 5 attempts maximum, 15-minute lockout
• Input Validation: Server-side validation on all endpoints
• Copy Protection: Multi-layered content protection system

🔄 API Endpoints

Authentication

• POST /api/auth/register - Create teacher account
• POST /api/auth/login - Teacher login
• POST /api/auth/logout - Logout

Assignments

• GET /api/assignments - List teacher assignments
• POST /api/assignments - Create new assignment
• PATCH /api/assignments/[id] - Update assignment status
• DELETE /api/assignments/[id] - Delete assignment
• GET /api/assignments/[id]/download - Download submissions

Student Operations

• POST /api/student/access - Access assignment
• POST /api/student/save - Save draft
• POST /api/student/submit - Submit final answer

🐛 Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Database Connection Errors

• Verify DATABASE_URL is correct
• Ensure PostgreSQL is running
• Check database permissions

Assignment Code Not Found

• Verify code is exactly 6 characters
• Ensure assignment is in 'active' status
• Check for typos (codes are case-insensitive)

Copy Protection Not Working

• Ensure JavaScript is enabled
• Check browser compatibility
• Clear browser cache

📊 Browser Compatibility

• Supported: Chrome 90+, Firefox 88+, Safari 14+, Edge 90+
• Mobile: Tablet support (768px+ width)
• Requirements: JavaScript enabled for copy protection

🤝 Contributing

1. Fork the repository
2. Create feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit changes (git commit -m 'Add amazing feature')
4. Push to branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open Pull Request

📄 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🆘 Support

For technical support or questions:

• Check troubleshooting section above
• Review API documentation in TECH_SPEC.md
• Consult architecture overview in ARCHITECTURE.md

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Built with ❤️ for academic integrity and educational excellence.