In the 'TikTok generation' we live in today (yes, students, I know what you guys are scrolling in my classes! 😊), we as humans tend to look for fast and easy solutions to things that bring us instant gratification.
Now while this inherently isn't a bad thing, it's certainly revolutionized how studying is done at home and in the classroom.
An AI helper is a tool designed to assist in comprehension and task completion, but at what point do we draw the line on whether these tools are helpful or harmful to our learning? That's what we'll cover here today.
Features Of AI Helpers
Accurate: The tool should provide reliable, well-researched solutions by leveraging large academic databases, ensuring the information aligns with educational standards. This is a bare minimum nowadays.
User-friendliness: features like copy-paste support and intuitive interfaces, these tools should make studying more efficient and accessible for students. It's got to be easy to use.
Cross-Platform Accessibility: A modern study AI should integrate with popular Learning Management Systems (LMS) and be compatible across devices, offering flexibility for students to study on the go. This is where CollegeTools comes in.
Considerations In AI Usage
Responsible Use Of AI Tools
Everybody talks about this topic, but I'm going to put a spin on this. Here's my take: the problem isn't using AI, it's overusing AI. Hear me out.
At some point you have to ask yourself - "is this actually helping me learn? Or am I just using this AI solver to pass my quizzes?"
If its not actually deepening your understanding of the topic at hand and you're forgetting all the material as soon as the exam ends, you're not using AI correctly.
Despite the existence of these tools, effort shouldn't be disrespected I feel. AI should help you learn, not help you in avoiding learning, so finding a balance is critical here.
Maintaining Academic Integrity
So AI is here to stay. It's changing how we study. But how do you maintain academic honesty here? Obviously writing your paper and pawning it off as your own is a no-go.
So what's the solution here?
Acknowledge, acknowledge, acknowledge.
Give credit where credit is due. This tip doesn't just apply to AI (assuming you look at it as a human), this applies to dealing with anyone in all walks of life.
If you're upfront about using a study AI, you generally won't run into issues with plagiarism (keyword here being "generally").
One guide written by the Brown University library states that: "You should always check with your instructor before using AI for coursework" and I couldn't agree more.
Key Features of a Good AI Helper Tool
Pricing
Always pick a tool that strikes a balance between quality and budget friendliness.
One that stands out from the crowd is CollegeTools. For just $19.99 a month, you get access to a 98% accurate AI trained on 260 million academic articles, a Chrome Extension, and a dedicated mobile app.
Ease of use
Consider what features matter most to you. For many students, it's the ability to snip and paste to get instant analyses of their problem. The CollegeTools AI ChatBot happens to fully support this feature.
Good Reviews
Checking user reviews helps gauge whether it's an effective AI solver before you commit any long-term subscription plans.
Look for feedback on accuracy, support team responsiveness, and general comments that people make after using the tool themselves.
FAQ
What are the main selling points of CollegeTools?
Our subscription doesn't just come with an AI chat. It also gives you a downloadable Chrome extension and a mobile app.
Additionally, it's LMS-compatible for Top Hat, Blackboard, Canvas, Schoology, Moodle and many more popular learning platforms, so you'll have instant solutions and step-by-step explanations to all your course material.
How do I not get caught?
Well our Chrome Extension comes with camouflage mode, making it 100% undetectable so far.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, subject-specific AI helper can really up your studying game. But remember, while these tools are super handy, you still need to put in your own effort in refining your understanding.
I hope students can take the learnings from this article and apply the principles so that they steer away from the trap of overly relying on AI.