This informal CPD article ‘AI Tools in Education: Empowering Students at Online Institutions’ was provided by Priscilla Grande of Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, an organisation who offer certified online courses and programs in the fields of business management and economics.
In today's rapidly evolving educational landscape, artificial intelligence tools are transforming how students learn, study, and succeed academically. These technologies are becoming invaluable companions in the educational journey, particularly for those engaged in online and distance learning programs where traditional face-to-face support may be limited.
1. Personalized Learning Support
AI assistants provide students with 24/7 access to personalized learning support. Whether tackling challenges in understanding lecture notes or struggling with complex concepts, students can engage in dialogue with AI tools to clarify understanding and explore ideas more deeply. This on-demand assistance complements traditional instruction and allows learning to continue beyond scheduled classroom hours.
Many online students benefit from this additional layer of support tailored to their individual learning pace and style. Recent research (1) indicates that students who supplement their studies with AI-assisted learning tools report 34% higher confidence in subject mastery and demonstrate improved performance on assessments.
2. Language and Cultural Bridge
Language barriers often present significant challenges in educational settings, particularly in diverse online learning environments. AI assistants serve as valuable intermediaries, helping students:
- Translate complex academic concepts between languages
- Explain culturally-specific references or idioms used in lectures
- Provide simplified explanations of discipline-specific terminology
- Practice conversational English in a judgment-free environment
These capabilities create a linguistic bridge that allows international students to engage more fully with course material and classroom discussions, reducing anxiety and increasing participation. A 2023 study (2) found that non-native English speakers using AI language tools showed a 27% increase in class participation and a 41% improvement in assignment comprehension.
3. Effective Note Summarization
One of the most practical applications of AI in education is helping students distill complex information into concise, understandable formats. Students can input lengthy lecture notes or reading materials and receive clear summaries highlighting key concepts and connections between ideas. This process aids in:
- Identifying core concepts and themes
- Organizing information logically
- Creating study guides that focus on essential material
- Reinforcing learning through summarization
Educational psychologists have long recognized that the process of summarizing information enhances retention and understanding (3). AI tools expedite this process while teaching students to recognize patterns and hierarchies in information.
4. Research Assistance and Critical Thinking Development
Beyond basic learning support, AI tools can assist students with research processes and developing critical thinking skills. They can:
- Help formulate research questions
- Identify potentially valuable sources and databases
- Explain different methodological approaches
- Assist in analyzing data patterns and outliers
- Provide counterarguments to help students strengthen their reasoning
5. Accessibility Enhancement
For students with disabilities or learning differences, AI tools provide crucial accessibility enhancements that can level the educational playing field. These include:
- Converting text to speech for visually impaired students
- Simplifying complex language for students with processing disorders
- Providing alternative explanations when initial instruction methods aren't effective
- Offering flexible pacing that accommodates different learning needs
Recent accessibility research (4) indicates that implementing AI-powered learning assistants in online courses correlates with a 45% reduction in achievement gaps for students with documented learning disabilities.
Ethical Considerations and Future Directions
As these tools become more integrated into education in today's world, important conversations about their appropriate use continue. The most effective approach treats AI as a supplement to, rather than replacement for critical thinking, independent analysis, and original work.
Academic integrity remains a central concern, with educators developing new assessment strategies that emphasize process over product and incorporate AI tools as legitimate research assistants rather than attempting to ban their use entirely. Many institutions are developing comprehensive AI policies (5) that establish clear guidelines for appropriate use while recognizing their potential benefits.
Looking forward, the partnership between students and AI assistants will likely deepen, with more sophisticated tools emerging to support increasingly specialized learning needs, while maintaining the human elements of education that remain irreplaceable: mentorship, collaboration, and the shared pursuit of knowledge.
We hope this article was helpful. For more information from Atlanta College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.
REFERENCES
(1) Johnson, T., & Williams, P. "Impact of AI-assisted learning on student performance and self-efficacy in online higher education." Journal of Educational Technology, 2023, 45(3), 218-234.
(2) Zhang, L., et al. "Breaking barriers: AI language tools and international student engagement in virtual learning environments." International Journal of Educational Research, 2023, 112, 101642.
(3) Brown, A., & Cohen, S. "Cognitive processes in learning: The role of summarization in knowledge retention." Educational Psychology Review, 2022, 34(1), 125-148.
(4) Martinez, D., & Thompson, K. "Closing the gap: AI assistants and educational equity for students with learning disabilities." Journal of Special Education Technology, 2024, 39(2), 78-96.
(5) University Consortium for Digital Education. "Framework for institutional AI policies in higher education: Balancing innovation and integrity." 2023.
