5 Authentic Ways to Use AI in Education
By Ayo Bamgbose ACIM, Assoc CIPD, MA, MSc, BSc
Whether you're all for AI, dead against it, or somewhere in the middle, this article is for you. I’m not here to convince you to use it. I’m here to show you how I’ve made it work for me.
As someone with dyslexia, learning hasn’t always been straightforward. There are days when I can’t retain what I’ve just read or find myself rereading the same line over and over. AI hasn’t replaced the work I need to do. It’s simply made that work more manageable, less overwhelming, and, in some cases, even enjoyable.
In this article, I want to share five very real, very practical ways I use AI to support my learning journey. These aren’t shortcuts. They’re strategies. And they’ve helped me feel more in control of my studies while giving me space to actually learn and grow.
1. Breaking Down Complex Ideas
One of the most frustrating parts of learning is when something just doesn’t stick. I might read a sentence three times and still not get it. That’s where AI steps in.
I’ll ask ChatGPT to explain a concept like “conceptual frameworks” in simple terms, using analogies or even stories to help it land. Sometimes, I’ll say, “Pretend I’m a beauty therapy student” or “Explain it like I’m five.” That’s not about dumbing it down—it’s about making it accessible.
How it helps: It removes the mental block. Instead of staring at something that doesn’t make sense, I get a clearer version to build from.
Example: When I first came across the term “epistemology,” I was lost. I asked AI to explain it using a beauty analogy. It said, “Think of epistemology like your skincare approach. It’s how you decide what works and what doesn’t, based on your experience, research, and beliefs.” That clicked instantly.
2. Brainstorming and Organising Ideas
Ideas float around in my head, but getting them onto paper isn’t always smooth. AI has become a thinking partner.
I’ll brain dump my thoughts and ask it to help organise them into themes or bullet points. Sometimes, I’ll even say, “Here’s what I want to say—can you help me structure it into an intro, middle, and end?”
How it helps: It gives me momentum. I don’t get stuck trying to find the “perfect” starting point. I simply just start.
Example: When planning my DET (Diploma in Education and Training) assignment, I used AI to organise my initial thoughts about learner engagement. I shared a rough paragraph, and it helped me see which parts were strong and which ones needed shaping.
3. Reinforcing What I’ve Learned
This is one of the most empowering ways I use AI. After I’ve studied something, I’ll explain it back to ChatGPT and ask if I’ve got it right. If I’ve missed something or misunderstood, it gently guides me without judgment.
How it helps: It’s like a revision buddy that is always available. I get to reflect in my own words, which helps my memory, and I get feedback instantly.
Example: I did this recently with a section on research methods. I explained what I thought qualitative data meant, and AI helped refine my understanding by giving follow-up questions I hadn’t considered.
4. Creating Learning Plans and Study Breakdowns
Big tasks feel smaller when I can break them down. I use AI to help create mini-learning plans or revision checklists. I’ll say, “Here’s my goal..help me turn it into five clear steps.”
How it helps: It gives me structure when unsure of where to start. Especially with memory and concentration challenges, having bite-sized steps helps me stay on track.
Example: When preparing for my writing retreat, I asked AI to help me turn my introduction section into daily writing goals. That gave me a sense of direction and stopped me from getting overwhelmed.
5. Turning Ideas into Drafts I Can Work With
This one is about saving time and energy. If I have an idea but can’t find the words, I’ll share it with AI and ask for a draft. It’s never the final version, but it gives me something to edit, reshape, and make mine.
How it helps: It gives me a head start. And when I work from something, rather than starting with a blank page, I feel less anxious.
Example: I used this approach when writing LinkedIn articles. I’d say, “Here’s my topic, here’s my story, help me get started.” Then, I’d rewrite it in my voice, adding my experience and personal reflections.
A Quick Word on What Not to Do with AI
As a learner or an educator, I find it tempting to use AI as a quick fix. But here’s where I draw the line:
Don’t use it to replace your thinking. If you ask it to write your entire assignment or explain something and then copy and paste the response without engaging with it, you’re missing the learning altogether.
Don’t assume everything it says is correct. AI tools can sound confident, even when they’re wrong. I’ve learned to double-check facts and only take the advice that aligns with my study goals.
Don’t lose your voice in the process. I always rewrite what it gives me. That’s how I learn. I use it to clarify my thinking, not to speak for me.
As an educator, I’ve also noticed students sometimes rely too heavily on tools like this, thinking it’ll do the work for them. But it’s important to remember that understanding comes from grappling with ideas, questioning them, and making them your own.
So…
These five ways I’ve shared are how I use AI authentically to support, not replace, my learning. It's helped me retain information, stay organised, and, most importantly, feel empowered in a system that wasn't built with my learning style in mind.
I’m curious to know… how you use AI in your learning or teaching journey. Or have you avoided it altogether? Either way, I’d love to hear your perspective. Let’s open the conversation.