20 years later: How AI is revolutionising my ‘Back to College’ experience


A split image contrasting two learning experiences separated by two decades. On the left, titled "20 YEARS AGO," a man in a cluttered study sits at a wooden desk with an old CRT monitor and stacks of physical books, diligently reading. On the right, titled "TODAY: THE AI REVOLUTION," the same man, now older, sits in a sleek, futuristic study, wearing AR glasses and interacting with holographic displays and a laptop that shows complex AI interfaces, symbolizing a transformed "back to college" experience. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
For returning students, the “back to college” experience has been profoundly revolutionised by artificial intelligence over the past two decades. This image starkly contrasts traditional learning methods from 20 years ago with today’s AI-enhanced academic environment, highlighting how AI tools, from personalised learning platforms to advanced research assistants, are reshaping education for adult learners. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

TechRadar

Summary

Tech writer Paul Hatton reflects on how AI-driven tools have transformed the student experience since his own university days. Testing Genio Notes, an AI-powered note-taking app, he explores how technology now supports learning through features like real-time transcription, searchable notes, automated lecture summaries and quizzes. The app’s design reflects a shift toward integrated, AI-assisted study methods that enhance engagement and retention. While praising its accuracy and convenience, Hatton notes subscription costs and limited organisational options as drawbacks. His personal experiment captures the contrast between analogue education and today’s AI-augmented learning environment.

Key Points

  • Genio Notes uses AI to record, transcribe and organise class content.
  • Features like “Outline” and “Quiz Me” automate revision and knowledge checks.
  • The app enhances accessibility and efficiency in study routines.
  • Hatton highlights the growing normalisation of AI-assisted learning.
  • Some limitations remain, including cost and folder structure flexibility.

Keywords

URL

https://www.techradar.com/computing/websites-apps/20-years-later-how-ai-is-revolutionizing-my-back-to-college-experience

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5


6 Smart Ways I Use AI for Learning (Without Becoming Lazy)


A multi-panel image illustrating smart ways to use AI for learning. The top panel shows a large screen displaying six distinct AI applications: "Personalized Tutor," "Concept Explainer," "Creative Brainstormer," "Language Partner," "Language Partner," and "Feedback Coach." The bottom two panels show individuals actively engaging with these AI tools on their laptops in study environments, utilizing holographic interfaces for tasks like personalized tutoring and receiving feedback, all without appearing lazy. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.
This image showcases six intelligent and active ways individuals can leverage AI for enhanced learning without succumbing to intellectual laziness. From personalized tutoring and concept explanation to creative brainstorming and language practice, these methods highlight how AI can be a powerful tool to augment, rather than replace, human effort in the pursuit of knowledge and skill development. Image (and typos) generated by Nano Banana.

Source

PCMag UK

Summary

Brian Westover explains how AI can enhance learning when used as an active partner, not a shortcut. Drawing on studies from MIT and Microsoft, he warns that offloading critical thinking to AI weakens understanding. Instead, Westover outlines six practical ways to use AI as a learning aid—digitising handwritten notes, organising study materials, creating flashcards, simplifying complex topics, engaging in Socratic dialogue, and practising the Feynman technique. These methods turn AI into a reflection tool that reinforces comprehension, memory, and independent reasoning rather than replacing them.

Key Points

  • AI note-taking should complement—not replace—handwriting, which improves retention and understanding.
  • Use AI to digitise notes, compile key concepts, and create flashcards for spaced repetition learning.
  • Simplify complex topics via prompts such as “Explain like I’m 5” or “In simple English”.
  • Apply Socratic dialogue and Feynman techniques to build reasoning, self-explanation, and mastery.
  • Treat AI as a study partner to deepen thinking, not as a shortcut for completing tasks.

Keywords

URL

https://uk.pcmag.com/ai/160379/6-smart-ways-i-use-ai-for-learning-without-becoming-lazy

Summary generated by ChatGPT 5