Best AI for studying and learning: tutors, notes, flashcards and exam revision
AI can be the best study partner you've ever had: patient, available at midnight, and able to explain the same idea ten different ways. It can also make you lazy if it does your thinking for you. The difference is how you use it.
The best AI tools for studying
| Tool | Best for |
|---|---|
| NotebookLM | Upload your notes, past papers or a textbook chapter; ask questions, get study guides, quizzes and audio summaries based only on your material |
| Chat assistants (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini) | Explaining topics, step-by-step help, practice questions. Several now have learning or study modes that guide you instead of just giving answers |
| Khanmigo (Khan Academy) | A tutor built for learning maths and science, designed not to just hand out answers |
| Quizlet | Flashcards and practice tests, with AI help to create sets |
| Anki | Spaced-repetition flashcards: the best way to remember facts long-term (free on computers and Android) |
| This learning hub | Free lessons with quizzes and a live code editor |
Study methods that actually work (with AI)
Research on learning shows two methods beat re-reading notes:
- Active recall: testing yourself.
- Spaced repetition: reviewing at growing intervals (1 day, 3 days, a week…).
AI makes both easy:
Here are my Biology notes on photosynthesis. Ask me 10 questions one at a time.
Wait for my answer, tell me if I'm right, and explain mistakes simply. Don't show answers early.
[paste notes]Turn these notes into 20 flashcards (question;answer format) I can import into Anki or Quizlet.
[paste notes]Explain it simply (the Feynman way)
Explain how compound interest works as if I'm 12, with a Kenyan example in shillings.
Then ask me to explain it back to you and correct my explanation.Exam revision plan
I have my KCSE / university exams in 6 weeks: Mathematics, Chemistry, English and History.
I can study 3 hours on weekdays and 5 on weekends. My weakest subject is Chemistry.
Make a weekly revision timetable with active recall and past papers, and rest days.Getting help with homework the right way
| Instead of | Ask |
|---|---|
| "Solve question 4" | "Give me a hint for question 4" |
| "Write my essay" | "Give feedback on my essay's structure and argument" |
| "What's the answer?" | "Check my working and show where I went wrong" |
Think about it: A student uses AI to answer every assignment and scores well, but fails the exam. Why, and what should they change?Show answer
In exams there's no AI: they never practised recalling and applying the knowledge themselves. They should use AI for explanations, hints, quizzes and feedback on their own work, and practise past papers without help.
Summary
- NotebookLM for your own notes; chat assistants and Khanmigo as tutors; Anki and Quizlet for flashcards.
- Use AI for active recall (quizzes) and spaced repetition (flashcards).
- Ask for hints and feedback, not finished answers.
- Check accuracy and follow school rules.
Check yourself
What is testing yourself called? (two words: active ___)
Show answer
recall
Which free flashcard app uses spaced repetition? (one word)
Show answer
anki
Instead of "solve question 4", what should you ask for? (one word: a ___)
Show answer
hint