Startup Idea: Social Media Integrated Course Management Software

Startup idea to develop a course management software that integrates elements of social media platforms. The software not only tracks coursework and grades but enables class discussions, link sharing, and social media account linkage, creating a more familiar, comfortable and engaging environment for students. Can work as an add-on to existing software systems or as a self-contained application.

I work in higher education as a college instructor. Though there is a lot of course management and e-learning software already produced & in use in higher ed, they're typically unintuitive and don't provide a good environment for class discussion. Students these days are more familiar and comfortable in social-media-type environments, and some instructors have resorted to using Facebook groups in addition to their typical course management software (for keeping track of grades) to facilitate class discussions and share relevant links. But this requires a breakdown of privacy boundaries that some students & teachers would be uncomfortable with.

A course management software that could not only track coursework and grades but that would allow students and teachers to link their existing social media accounts with the class, get updates on the class discussions in a more natural environment would be very helpful.

Either as an add-on to existing course management software or as a robust self-contained system, I can see universities buying this product. Though individual university teachers may opt for free options, independent or non-university online instructors may be very interested in this system.