How AI Can Help You Learn
When considered carefully and thoughtfully, AI can support your learning. Students often find that AI tools are helpful for tasks like organization, planning, and tutoring support (Ward et al., 2025).
But, over-reliance on AI can mean you don't engage in productive struggle, which is a necessary part of learning. Research in neuroscience shows that when AI is used at the wrong time—or without active engagement—it can hinder learning outcomes (Kos’myna et al., 2025; Oakley et al., 2025).
The key is a brain-first approach - use AI to extend your thinking, not shortcut it.
“A student with strong internal memory and well-honed thinking skills will use technology more effectively than one who uses it as a crutch.” (Oakley et al., 2025, p. 42)
Working with an ARC Learning Consultant is a great way to practice this brain-first approach. To get started, use the guidelines, reflection questions, and prompt templates below.
Best Practices for Using AI in Learning
Use AI to complement, not replace, active engagement with course material.
Consider the purpose or goal of an assignment
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- Ask your instructor if you are not sure
- Example: if the assignment goal is to develop deep reading skills, an AI summary of the reading is not helpful.
Use AI ethically and responsibly
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- Don't use it in a course unless explicitly permitted
- Always follow your instructor’s AI policy for each class
- Policies vary, so check the syllabus and reach out to the instructor directly if you are not sure
- Review Duke's AI Ethics Learning Toolkit for a deeper look into these and many other topics.
Respect intellectual property
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- Instructor-created materials (like slides and syllabi) should not be uploaded to external AI tools
- Stick to tools from the Duke AI suite (such as Co-pilot and DukeGPT) if in doubt.
