Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the world, allowing us to work smarter, not harder. You can gather vast amounts of information in seconds, and tedious tasks that might have taken a long time can now be automated.It’s only natural that students looking to learn new things quickly or revise before exams are curious to see how AI technology can help them work more efficiently. This article will explain how AI can help prepare you for exam season. You’ll discover the wide range of benefits different tools can offer you, and you’ll also learn of some risks you need to be wary of.
The rising popularity of AI in studying
More and more industries are embracing the power and potential of AI, including in education, where many students are already using it to learn and study. Research from KPMG found that over 87% of students who used AI for schoolwork found their quality improved. Furthermore, over 81% saw developing AI skills as an essential part of the future. So, what about AI makes it an ideal study partner? Below are four benefits you can expect:
1. Improved time management
Effective studying is all about using your time wisely. Especially when exams are on the horizon, it’s essential to cover a large content area quickly. Rather than skulking through textbooks and online articles, AI can consolidate learning materials and package them into small, manageable lesson plans. This allows you to focus on revising material rather than on collecting information. Moreover, AI tools can help you track and optimize your studying time. For example, they can create and optimize your study schedule, track your progress, and ensure you spend enough time on each subject you need evenly.
2. Active testing of your knowledge
Until now, revising for exams was passive. You stared at pages, hoping they would prepare you for upcoming questions. AI technology changes this, becoming an incredible engagement tool. For example, chatbots like ChatGPT can help make studying interactive and active. You can ask questions and get feedback immediately, allowing you to test your knowledge in real time and learn from mistakes. AI tools can send you constructive feedback on areas where you might have performed poorly and offer suggestions on different topics or exam questions you should prioritize. This can help inform your future study plans and boost your confidence in any exam.
3. Fewer distractions
While screen time may have earned a bad reputation for concentration, it is becoming clear that AI tools can help reduce distraction and refocus you on the tasks at hand. AI can be incredibly efficient and shift through large volumes of information in seconds. This eliminates the need to research various sources online or even scan your notebooks and textbooks for the information you need. Especially if you struggle with brainstorming topics and essay ideas, AI tools can offer you a series of prompts and tasks that will inspire you and help get the ball rolling for your study sessions.
4. Task automation
AI technology can be a lifeline for students who don’t have much time to revise. It can automate trivial activities that traditionally took a long time. AI tools can simplify demanding activities like essay writing, as you can proofread and spell-check your answers in real time. Additionally, AI can help condense and create learning resources throughout your study sessions, including flashcards and concept maps. This can help to reinforce revision and ensure you always have a bank of accessible notes moving forward.
The risks of using AI in studying
Despite the enormous advantages that AI can give us in learning and revising content ahead of exams, this convenience can come at a cost. Below are four different risks when using AI to prepare for studying:
1. Privacy concerns
One of the principal concerns over using AI is privacy. After all, the technology constantly uses user activity to improve itself. Any information you voluntarily submit can, in theory, be recorded. Last year, for example, the popular chatbot ChatGPT accidentally shared users’ conversation histories online, exposing sensitive information. As such, be careful just how personal you get with these services. Think twice before submitting identifiable information about yourself.
2. Restrictions and censorship on technology
Another factor you should consider is that internet service providers and network administrators can see what you do online. Some colleges and universities have strict policies to track and limit the use of AI services on their networks. Unfortunately, this can prevent you from using AI tools for exam prep. Thankfully, a simple way to avoid such privacy risks and restrictions is by using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, ensuring no one can monitor your online activity. With the fastest VPN possible, you can bypass blocks placed on AI technologies without any significant slowdowns. All the while, sensitive information, such as your IP address, is kept hidden from any bad actors and services you use.
3. Fraudulent apps and services
New AI services are created each day to keep up with consumer demand. However, the rise of such services has also inspired criminals to create malicious apps to defraud users and steal their information. Remember to verify the authenticity before downloading a tool or linking your email to a service. Stick with well-known providers and only download software from official websites. These will have safeguards in place to protect students from abuse.
4. Incorrect or manipulated data
AI technology is still in its infancy. Some services use incorrect, false, or biased data to answer questions quickly. As such, the information you gather could be incorrect and stunt your revision plans. It’s important to double-check any answers, ask for sources for the information given, and use fact-checking sites and tools to verify its authenticity.
Some final thoughts
Like any technology, AI is not foolproof. And students are reminded there are risks of using incorrect information and privacy to be aware of. That said, students should see advances in AI as a great way to support their learning. Its ability to personalize revision and maximize time can have huge benefits during the stressful exam season.
