Using AI to study
*Ask your instructor or consult your syllabus on the use of AI
Here’s a breakdown of AI platforms to assist you in studying more effectively.
1. Quizlet (Best for General Studying and Flashcards) https://quizlet.com
Why it works for students: It's user-friendly, offers a wide range of subjects, and allows students to create or find existing flashcards and quizzes. It’s great for quick, targeted review sessions and preparing for exams.
Best for: Memorization-heavy subjects (like biology, vocabulary, or history).
Key Strength: Gamified learning with flashcards, matching games, and test-style quizzes.
2. Anki (Best for Long-Term Retention) https://apps.ankiweb.net (The desktop version is free; the mobile app for iOS is paid, while Android is free.)
Why it works for students: Anki uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), which is scientifically proven to enhance long-term retention of material. It’s highly customizable and works for all types of subjects.
Best for: Students who need to retain knowledge over a longer period (medical school, language learning).
Key Strength: Ideal for students who need efficient, long-term study strategies for exams or certifications.
3. Kahoot! (Best for Group Study and Engagement) https://kahoot.com
Why it works for students: Kahoot! turns study material into a game, which can be used in classroom settings or with study groups. The interactive quizzes make learning fun and engaging, especially for students who benefit from active participation.
Best for: Group study sessions, class review games, or any subject.
Key Strength: Promotes engagement and participation through quizzes that can be done individually or in groups.
4. Brainscape (Best for Personalized Flashcards) https://www.brainscape.com
Why it works for students: Brainscape adapts to your learning speed, meaning that it helps students study more efficiently by focusing more on difficult topics. It uses adaptive flashcards for optimal review.
Best for: Subjects with lots of facts, like languages, medical terminology, or exam prep.
Key Strength: The adaptive nature of the flashcards makes studying more efficient by focusing on weaker areas.
5. Google AI Education Tools (Best for Research and Custom Study Materials) Google Docs: https://docs.google.com, Google Forms: https://forms.google.com, Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com
Why it works for students: Google’s suite of AI-powered tools like Docs, Forms, and Scholar allows students to create their own study materials (quizzes, flashcards, and notes). These tools are especially helpful for students who like creating their own study resources and doing in-depth research.
Best for: Research-heavy subjects or creating custom study materials.
Key Strength: Flexibility in creating quizzes and organizing notes, with powerful search and research tools.
6. ChatGPT/OpenAI (Best for Quick Help and Explanation) https://chat.openai.com
Why it works for students: ChatGPT can provide explanations, summaries, and practice questions on demand, making it a great resource for on-the-spot study support. It’s especially useful when students need quick clarifications or help with difficult concepts.
Best for: Conceptual subjects like math, science, or humanities.
Key Strength: Instant feedback and explanations for complex topics.
Recommendations by Type:
For Memory-Intensive Subjects (e.g., languages, medical terms): Anki or Brainscape.
For Engaged, Social Learners: Kahoot! (fun, interactive learning) or Quizlet (gamified and easy to share).
For Research-Heavy Fields: Google AI Tools (for custom quizzes and notes).
For Quick Answers and Summaries: ChatGPT/OpenAI (for explanations and practice questions on the go).
Ultimately, the best platform depends on how you prefer to learn:
Anki is great for independent, disciplined learners.
Quizlet and Kahoot! are better for more social or interactive learners.
OpenAI. (2024). AI platforms for study tools: Flashcards, quizzes, and more. OpenAI ChatGPT.