How to Learn-Smart in age of Artificial Intelligence

The impact of AI on education and how the Learn-Smart App enhances the learning journey.

We are living in the age of (AI), a revolution distinct from previous ones. AI is not only automating repetitive tasks carry out by but also taking over complex cognitive processes.

Since the , most people have come across artificial intelligence and recognised its potential. Initially, many viewed AI as an advanced information retrieval tool, akin to a self-searching dictionary capable of answering questions. However, much has changed since then. As we approach the end of 2024, we are witnessing a new wave of innovation, with capable of fully automating a wide range of tasks across industries with a high degree of independence.

Delegating tasks to AI often feels liberating. Life is complex, and AI can reduce our workload and responsibilities. Imagine a future where bureaucracy and many mundane tedious tasks are fully automated. The promise of less stress and greater efficiency is undeniably appealing.

However, this reliance on AI comes at a significant cost: it reduces opportunities for hands-on practice and active learning, both of which are vital for developing independence and fostering personal growth. Although it is improbable that humans will ever become entirely dependent on AI, an over-reliance on these systems could gradually weaken our ability to solve problems, think critically, and adapt to challenges on our own.

Think of all the students who rely on ChatGPT today to write school essays or solve math problems (, ). Without practicing these fundamental skills, how will they develop the ability to articulate their thoughts or reason logically?

Similarly, a person who relies too much on AI in their day-to-day work may become more efficient, be praised and promoted. However, there may come a time when that is not enough. How will that person handle answering questions at their next job interview when AI has done most of the work? And if interviewing evolves to the point where you can use AI during the interview, what will set them apart from anyone else who can come up with decent prompts?

Even in a future where becomes a reality, humans will still strive to learn, practice, and master specific fields. I strongly believe that expertise, driven by curiosity and the need for independence, will remain a defining trait of humanity.

This brings us to a crucial question about the future: how can we leverage AI not to forget concepts, but to help us learn, practice, and retain knowledge?

How learning works

Let's break down the learning process into three basic steps, along with a crucial 'zero' step that is often overlooked.

Step 0 - Selecting. Identify what you want to learn

The first step in learning is deciding what knowledge or skill to focus on. This may sound silly, but it’s not. This selection process often involves identifying gaps in your current understanding, aligning with your goals or interests, and prioritizing based on relevance or urgency. Without clear intent, learning can become scattered and inefficient.
Step 1 - Understanding. Structure concepts that well into your brain

Once a subject is selected, the next step is comprehension. This involves breaking down complex ideas into manageable parts and organizing them in a way that aligns with your mental framework. Analogies, patterns, and connections to existing knowledge are often key here, as they make new concepts easier to grasp and integrate.
Step 2 - Studying. Repeat and practice

True learning requires reinforcement. Through active engagement—whether by revisiting material, solving problems, or practicing skills—information moves from short-term memory to long-term retention. Repetition, spaced over time, strengthens neural pathways, making it easier to recall and apply knowledge in the future.
Step 3 - Mastering. Create deep expertise

Mastery goes beyond basic understanding and repetition. It involves achieving a deep and intuitive grasp of a subject or skill, to the point where it can be applied flexibly and creatively. This stage often requires sustained effort, deliberate practice, and a willingness to tackle challenging problems. Mastery transforms knowledge into expertise.

The learning process will remain fundamentally the same in the age of AI because the human brain itself won’t change. I believe that, despite technological advancements, primary education will still rely heavily on traditional methods like pencil and paper, as these tools effectively support the cognitive processes essential for learning. Meanwhile, the world will undergo a profound transformation, and so is higher education and learning at work.

Learn Smart: an app to leverage AI to learn, and not to forget

Learn Smart is an AI app that aims to support the learning process.

Users can effortlessly transform notes or rough ideas such as "I want to learn more about SQL" into easily digestible, memorable chunks of knowledge in the form of question-answer pairs. Users can review the material in a focused, distraction-free interface or by engaging with it in a conversational podcast format.

Users can then practice in a flashcard-based learning experience that encourages repetition to reinforce learning. Throughout the practice process, users receive continuous feedback and support from an AI agent, who can also act as a professor and mimic an oral exam experience.

How does Learn Smart differ from …?

. ChatGPT, or similar chatbots, excel in providing broad, general knowledge but lack the focus required for a structured learning process. While chatbots can answer almost any question, they often bombard users with excessive information, preventing deep engagement. Humans, unlike AI, need to narrow their focus to specific topics and undergo an intense, iterative learning process to master concepts. Chatbots fail to activate the brain in a way that fosters true learning, practice, and mastery.

. Quizlet is an education platform to learn with flashcards. Quizlet is the closest comparison to Learn Smart, as both tools rely on breaking knowledge into manageable chunks and reinforcing it through repetition. However, Quizlet has significant limitations. It primarily relies on community-generated material, offering little flexibility and support for creating personalized learning content, which could be a long, tedious process. During practice, it lacks interactivity or guidance, leaving learners to progress on their own. To quickly understand the difference between Learn-Smart and Quizlet, imagine a Quizlet that creates quizzes for you, supports Markdown to better format coding and maths-related quizzes, and always has ChatGPT open on the side for support and to test your skills.

Target audience

Students and professionals eager to acquire new knowledge.
Age range: 18-35 years old.
Tech-savvy individuals who prefer digital tools, especially computers, for learning, and not just pen and paper.
Learners seeking personalized feedback and support during their studies.
Learners who love Markdown/LaTeX format

Snapshots of Learn Smart capabilities

Let’s now expand on Learn smart capabilities.

Quickly transform ideas or notes into memorable chunks of knowledge

First, why is chunking knowledge important?

Breaking knowledge into smaller, digestible pieces improves comprehension and retention. It aligns with how our brains process and store information efficiently.

Second, why does speed matter?

In today’s fast-paced environment, quick knowledge transformation saves time and keeps the learning process engaging and effective.

Key features

Automated quiz creation: Specify what you want to learn, and AI will suggest topics you may want to learn about.
Customizable quiz templates: Create question-and-answer formats tailored to your preferences, with AI refining suggestions over time based on your learning habits.
Quiz generation from your notes: Add notes or paste any text, and AI will convert it into quizzes effortlessly.
Create complex quizzes in seconds: Generate intricate question-answer pairs instantly, and reformat them with the click of a button.
Markdown support: Seamlessly write math equations or code snippets using markdown.
Keyboard shortcuts: Speed up quiz creation and navigation, making the process entirely mouse-free.

Artificial intelligence helps users create personalised, sophisticated quizzes in seconds.

An interface for revision

Distraction-free revision mode: Switch to revision mode for a focused and immersive learning experience. The distraction-free interface minimizes interruptions, helping you concentrate better while revising. You will only see quizzes and can ask AI for explanations or listen to audio summaries.
Transform quizzes into a comprehensive and engaging podcast: Turn your quizzes into an audio format, allowing you to review content passively. This feature is inspired by , making your revision more engaging and flexible.

Focus mode clears the screen of distractions.

Personalized quiz-based learning experience

Key features

Tailored to your preferences: Personalize quiz options to suit your style of learning.
Memory-based algorithms: AI adapts quizzes to reinforce areas where your knowledge needs improvement.
Interactive learning modes: Use flashcards or write out answers to ensure better recall and retention.

AI teacher for feedback and support

Key features

Simulated exam experience: Take a mock test and receive detailed feedback from an AI teacher.
On-demand support: Struggling with a concept? Ask AI for clarification and adjust quizzes to match how your brain memorizes.

Progress tracking

Key features

Monitor learning progress: Keep track of what you’ve learned and your growth over time.
Track forgetting: Forgetting is natural. As time passes, it's inevitable to forget certain things. However, by identifying forgotten material, you can focus on what really needs to be revisited to ensure a deep understanding of the subject.

Do you want to try Learn Smart App?

The app is in early access. Please contact me (Emile Courthoud) here and I will give you access.