The AI Edge: using ChatGPT and other AI tools for smarter study sessions

As technology continues to shape how we live and learn, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a transformative force in education. Whether you're grappling with a tough subject, or looking for ways to study more efficiently, AI tools have emerged as invaluable companions for students. One standout in this area is ChatGPT—a conversational AI that helps with everything from answering questions to sparking new ideas. In this blog, we’ll dive into how ChatGPT and other AI tools can supercharge your study sessions, making them smarter, faster and more effective. 

1. Your personal study assistant: ChatGPT for quick answers and clarity 

Imagine having a study assistant that’s available 24/7—one that never tires and is always ready to break down complicated topics. That’s the power of ChatGPT. Whether you're struggling with an economics concept, need help with historical events or want to understand an AI algorithm better, ChatGPT offers clear, easy-to-understand explanations. 

Unlike traditional study methods that involve scrolling through pages of textbooks or multiple websites, ChatGPT delivers instant responses. It can clarify lecture material, simplify definitions, and even explain concepts in different ways until it finds one that you can easily understand. This on-demand assistance lets you focus on understanding rather than searching endlessly for answers. 

2. Breaking through writer’s block: brainstorming and essay planning with AI 

If you've ever struggled to get started on a paper, AI tools can help overcome that hurdle. ChatGPT, along with other AI-driven brainstorming tools, can generate ideas for essays, research papers, and even creative projects. Whether you're looking for inspiration for a thesis topic, or need help structuring an essay, ChatGPT offers suggestions, creates outlines, and even drafts the initial structure for you to build upon. 

For instance, if you're writing about the ethical implications of AI, ChatGPT can provide a list of relevant talking points. While AI won’t do the heavy lifting for you, it gives you the creative boost you need to get started with confidence. 

3. Smarter note-taking: organise knowledge with AI-powered tools 

When assessments and assignments pile up, staying organised is crucial. AI tools like Notion and Roam Research come with built-in AI features that help students take smarter notes. These tools allow you to summarise key information from lectures, arrange topics by relevance, and create links between ideas, building a more interconnected understanding of the material. 

For example, if you’re studying biology, AI can help link cell structure to disease processes, creating a dynamic, evolving knowledge base. This makes it easier to review and recall information later, helping you prepare more efficiently for assessments. 

4. Improving writing and language skills with AI 

Good writing is essential to academic success, and AI tools like ChatGPT and Grammarly can play a pivotal role in enhancing your writing. ChatGPT can help when you’re stuck, by generating sentences or ideas, giving you the nudge you need to move forward. Grammarly, on the other hand, helps polish your writing, identifies grammar issues and suggests more precise wording. 

These tools are particularly useful for international students looking to improve their English skills. They offer real-time feedback, helping you refine your writing as you go, without having to wait for external assistance. 

5. Efficient assessment preparation: study guides and quizzes with AI 

Preparing for assessments can be daunting, but AI tools make the process more manageable. Apps like Quizlet now use AI to create personalised study sets, generating flashcards and quizzes tailored to your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to focus on areas where improvement is needed most. 

You can also use ChatGPT to summarise chapters, create study guides, or break down complex subjects into manageable sections. For instance, ChatGPT can help you create a timeline of key historical events or summarise intricate textbook chapters, saving you valuable time. 

6. Collaborating on group projects with AI 

Group projects can be challenging, especially when coordination is required across different schedules or locations. AI tools can streamline communication and task management. Platforms like Microsoft Teams and Slack, enhanced with AI features, help organise tasks, track deadlines, and ensure everyone stays on the same page. 

ChatGPT can even support group brainstorming sessions by suggesting themes or dividing tasks. With AI’s help, group projects become more organised, reducing stress and boosting productivity. 

Conclusion: harnessing AI for smarter study sessions 

Incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT into your study routine is a smart move that can significantly enhance your academic experience. From organising notes to generating ideas and preparing for assessments, these tools provide invaluable support exactly when you need it most. While AI can't replace your own effort, it can certainly amplify it—helping you achieve your goals with greater efficiency and less stress. 

So why not take advantage of these AI-powered resources? Your study sessions might just become the most productive part of your day. 

Mehrdad studies BSc Computer Science in Oman. 

Using generative AI in assessed work

This blog explores how to use ChatGPT as a tool to support your studies. Please note that all work that you submit for assessment must be your own, expressed in your own words and include your own ideas and judgements. The use of ChatGPT and other Large Language Model chatbots for assessed work is strictly prohibited.

Please refer to the University of London’s AI Briefing and our Student Guide to Generative AI for further guidance.