Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool for students, offering new ways to enhance learning, streamline study sessions, and improve academic performance. From generating practice questions to summarising large chunks of information, AI can make study time more efficient. However, relying too heavily on AI can hinder deep learning and critical thinking. To strike the right balance, students need to use AI as an assistant—not a replacement for their own effort and understanding.
One effective way to use AI is for generating personalised practice questions and quizzes. Apps like Quizlet and AI-powered flashcard tools can create revision activities tailored to specific subjects. This allows students to focus on areas where they need the most help. Unlike traditional revision guides, AI tools can adapt the difficulty level based on student performance, making each session more productive. However, students should avoid simply memorising the answers. Instead, they should actively engage with the questions, explain the reasoning behind each answer, and reflect on mistakes.
Another valuable use of AI is summarising notes or large texts. Tools like AI-powered summarisation apps or browser extensions can condense lengthy articles, textbooks, or lecture notes into more digestible key points. This saves time, but students must be cautious. Instead of accepting summaries at face value, they should cross-check key details and add their own annotations. Summarisation is most effective when used as a starting point, not the final version of notes.
Finally, students can use AI for concept explanations and guided problem-solving. Platforms like Khan Academy and AI-powered chat assistants can break down complex concepts. While this guidance is helpful, students should resist the temptation to have the AI “do the work” for them. They should actively follow along, take notes, and attempt the problem independently before seeking help.
By using AI as a support tool, not a crutch, students can streamline study sessions while still building independence and critical thinking. The key is to stay actively engaged, question the outputs, and prioritise learning over convenience. When used wisely, AI becomes a valuable study companion—not a shortcut to success.
Freddie Le Vay
