Open Timetables is an open-source solution to address a common challenge faced by schools - creating timetables. Unlike proprietary software such as ASC Timetables, Open Timetables is entirely free, making it an accessible option for schools operating with limited budgets. It is specifically designed for institutions from Central and Eastern Europe where students remain in one classroom while teachers rotate between classes.

Web Application

You may access the live web aplication at open-timetables.tech

Key Advantages

Manually creating timetables is a time-intensive process that places a significant burden on educators. Open Timetables automates this task, saving valuable time and simplifying the process of generating well-organized schedules. This tool is particularly beneficial for schools of all sizes, providing an efficient and reliable alternative to manual scheduling.

System Overview

Backend Functionality

The backend utilizes constraint programming principles to solve complex scheduling problems. It is built in Python and powered by Google OR-Tools.

Frontend Capabilities

The user interface is designed for simplicity and functionality. Key features include:

• Intuitive data structuring tools.
• A straightforward "create" function for effortless timetable generation.
• The ability to display schedules as visually appealing tables.
• Options to export timetables as PDFs for easy distribution and archiving.

How does it work? (+ Running the software independently)

• Users submit their scheduling data in JSON format.
• The data is converted into a makeTable file—a user-specific Python file containing dictionary data stored in a directory identified by the user’s email.
• The makeTable file is processed by the backend script: python3 backend.py -d makeTable.py
• The output is a fully optimized timetable.
• For reference, a sample makeTable can be found in the /Example directory

Future Development Plans

While significant progress has been made, several enhancements are planned to further improve the platform:

• Optimized Scheduling: Implement constraints to ensure classes are scheduled consecutively, minimizing gaps between lessons.
• AI Assistant: Introduce an AI chatbot capable of understanding natural language inputs in multiple languages, aiding teachers in timetable creation.
• User Interface Refinements: Make additional improvements to the creation page to enhance usability.
• Comprehensive Tutorials: Develop detailed guides to assist users in fully leveraging the platform.

About the Developer

Open Timetables is the creation of a dedicated high school student from Romania, aimed at addressing a global educational need. The platform is developed with educators and schools in mind, and contributions from the community are highly encouraged. All submissions are carefully reviewed to ensure quality and consistency. Find more about me here

Need help?

I'm always here to help. Please reach out to me here.

Join the Open Timetables project and help revolutionize the way schools manage their scheduling needs.