Skill Swap - A Collaborative Learning Platform

Abstract

The Skill Swap Web Application is a platform designed to promote collaborative learning through skill exchange. It enables users to offer the skills they can teach and request the skills they wish to learn, creating a community-driven network of mutual knowledge sharing. Developed using HTML, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript, Node.js, Express.js and Supabase. The application provides secure user authentication with JWT tokens. Users can create personalized profiles, manage their offered and wanted skills, and connect with others through a smart matching algorithm that identifies suitable skill partners. A real-time chat system built with Socket.io allows matched users to communicate instantly. The responsive frontend ensures smooth accessibility across all devices, while the backend provides RESTful APIs for authentication, skill management, matching and messaging. Overall, the Skill Swap system bridges the gap between learners and teachers, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages continuous skill development and knowledge exchange in a digital community.

Introduction

Skill Swap is a web-based platform designed to enable peer-to-peer learning by allowing users to exchange skills and knowledge without monetary transactions. It fosters a collaborative, community-driven environment where participants can act as both learners and educators. Unlike traditional e-learning platforms, Skill Swap emphasizes interaction, real-time communication, and personalized skill matching.

Objectives:

• Create a responsive, user-friendly platform for skill exchange.

• Implement secure authentication with JWT and Supabase.

• Develop a smart matching algorithm to connect users with complementary skills.

• Enable real-time communication via Socket.io.

• Ensure scalable backend operations using Node.js, Express.js, and Supabase.

• Promote community-driven, inclusive, and accessible learning.

Literature Insights:

• Practical skills are increasingly valued over formal degrees.

• Non-monetary platforms like Simbi and Timebank demonstrate effective community-based learning models.

• Modern frameworks (Node.js, TypeScript) and real-time communication tools (Socket.io) enable scalable, interactive web applications.

• Supabase offers secure, cloud-based storage and authentication, supporting real-time collaboration.

System Analysis:

Existing Problems:

• Traditional platforms are passive, subscription-based, and lack real-time interaction.

• No personalized matching or peer-to-peer collaboration.

• Limited accessibility and engagement across devices.

Proposed System Features:

• User registration, profile creation, and skill listing.

• Smart algorithm for matching users based on skills and preferences.

• Real-time chat for instant knowledge sharing.

• Secure, cloud-based authentication and data storage.

• Responsive interface for all devices, with free access to learning.

Modules:

1. User Registration & Profile Management: Secure onboarding, skill listing, profile customization.

2. Skill Listing & Smart Matching: Automated matching of users based on skills and availability.

3. Real-Time Communication: Instant chat and session planning via Socket.io.

4. Feedback & Rating Management: Post-session ratings to maintain quality and accountability.

5. Data Management: Secure handling of user data, chat logs, feedback, and analytics using Supabase.

Architecture:

• Frontend: HTML, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript — responsive and interactive UI.

• Backend: Node.js, Express.js — handles authentication, matching, and data processing.

• Database & Security: Supabase with JWT authentication for secure, scalable data management.

• Real-Time Interaction: Socket.io enables instant communication between users.

Problem-Solution Fit:

• Encourages active, two-way learning instead of passive consumption.

• Eliminates financial barriers to access.

• Facilitates personalized, real-time skill matching and communication.

• Enhances engagement and accessibility across devices.

References

[1] Skillshare: https://www.skillshare.com/ – Online learning platform that inspired many skill-exchange concepts. [2] Swapaskill (Prototype idea): https://swapaskill.com/ – Community-based skill-swapping idea. [3] Simbi: https://simbi.com/ – A marketplace for trading skills without money. [4] LinkedIn Learning. (2025). Professional learning and development platform. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/learning [5] Coursera. (2025). Global online learning platform. Retrieved from https://www.coursera.org/ [6] Sharma, P. & Patel, R. (2021). Peer-to-Peer Learning through Digital Skill Exchange Platforms. International Journal of Computer Applications. [7] Lee, J. (2020). Web-Based Platforms for Collaborative Skill Sharing and Community Development. Journal of Information Technology and Society. [8] Gupta, S., & Kaur, D. (2022). Enhancing Employability through Online Skill Exchange Networks. IEEE Access, 10, 55412–55423. [9] Brown, T., & Adams, M. (2019). The Growth of Skill-Sharing Economies: A Study of Peer Learning Models. Education and Information Technologies Journal [10] Kumar, A., & Singh, P. (2023). Design and Development of Web-Based Collaborative Platforms Using MERN Stack. International Journal of Web Engineering.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Abinash K, Ajaykumar S, Arunachalam S, Mrs. M. Malathi. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.