3.1. Using AI as a learner

AI applications can give you a competitive edge in your studies and future career—they help you learn more efficiently, foster creative teamwork and critical thinking, and prepare you for a technology-driven work environment.

For a forward-thinking learner, it is crucial to recognise the benefits that understanding and using AI applications can bring, both in terms of academic success and career prospects. Below are some key aspects highlighting how AI is directly relevant to students.

AI applications can enhance learning, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, provide a competitive edge in job applications, and help develop critical thinking.

• Future career. Many industries already use AI or plan to integrate it soon—including fields not immediately associated with such technology, such as healthcare, environmental protection, finance, and education. Understanding and learning how to use AI applications can give students an advantage in the job market, as employers increasingly expect workers to be proficient with AI.

• Learning partner. AI can support students in gathering and processing information—if used intentionally for self-improvement rather than merely for completing assignments. For instance, AI can summarise complex information, suggest additional learning materials, or generate new content. It can act as a personal assistant that explains complex concepts and encourages reflection on one’s current level of knowledge. By leveraging AI for personal growth, students can receive instant feedback and explore complex topics interactively. AI can also be a study partner, offering exercises and self-assessment tests.

• Teamwork and problem-solving. Students who use AI can be more successful in collaborative activities, as they can share AI-generated ideas and insights. AI fosters creativity by supporting brainstorming sessions, project planning, and collaborative research writing.

• Ethical awareness and critical thinking. As AI use becomes increasingly widespread, students must understand its ethical implications, such as bias and misinformation. Engaging with AI applications helps students develop critical thinking about AI’s role in society. It ensures they become informed, responsible digital citizens.

Practical applications of AI in learning

Be curious about AI’s potential but always uphold academic integrity and ethical considerations. Remember, the responsibility for using AI lies with the user.

AI applications offer various opportunities for students to enhance their study strategies. Here are some ways to make learning more diverse and meaningful with AI:

• Use AI for learning, not for completing assignments. AI can help process data, create visualisations, translate texts, and refine your ideas. Since AI-generated text often appears fluent and confident, detecting logical and factual errors can be difficult. This is why it is essential to think through your ideas independently (e.g., draft an initial version) and seek AI feedback later.

• Develop an understanding of how AI applications work and how they can be meaningfully integrated into academic work. AI literacy is becoming essential, and future employers may expect proficiency in AI applications.

• Always follow ethical guidelines and critically evaluate AI-generated content. Double-check AI-generated results carefully, as they may be misleading, incorrect, contain fabricated references, or reflect stereotypes and biases.

• AI use should be transparent and aligned with academic and personal integrity. If you use AI in an assignment, cite it appropriately. If an instructor sometimes advises against using AI, respect that guideline.

• You are ultimately responsible for AI-generated content. When using AI applications, you agree to their terms of service. Unauthorised parties may access any information or personal data shared with an AI application.