As we continue to evolve as a society, our reliance on technology grows exponentially. One such technological advancement is Artificial Intelligence (AI), which has rapidly benefited various industries including education.
In the field of education, AI has been leveraged to help students in a multitude of ways, including improving study habits, acing standardized tests, and even mastering the art of essay writing.
So, without any further delay, let’s take a look at the top seven free AI tools for students that can be used to optimize their learning experience:
These are just a few of the many AI tools that can help the academic journey of students. By incorporating these tools into their study regimen, students can not only save time but also enhance their learning potential and improve their overall academic performance.
Otter.AI
The manner that students take notes is changing thanks to Otter.ai, a cutting-edge AI transcription service.
Otter.AI can transcribe lectures, meetings, and other audio recordings with unmatched accuracy and speed thanks to its cutting-edge speech-to-text engine.
Otter.AI is a must-have tool in today’s fast-paced world, whether you’re a student trying to optimise your workflow or a professional searching for a more effective approach to document your meetings.
PROS
Efficiency: Otter.AI can transcribe lectures and meetings quickly, saving students valuable time and reducing the need for manual note-taking.
Accuracy: The AI technology used by Otter.AI is quite accurate and can pick up on different voices and accents, making it easier for students to transcribe their recordings with minimal errors.
Accessibility: Otter.AI is available for free and can be accessed on both desktop and mobile devices, making it a convenient tool for students to use on-the-go.
CONS:
Limited features on free version: While the free version of Otter.AI is useful, it comes with limited features compared to the paid version, which can be a downside for students who require more advanced functions.
Dependence on technology: Otter.AI is dependent on technology and can be affected by poor internet connectivity or other technical glitches that can compromise the accuracy of the transcription.
Learning curve: While Otter.AI is relatively easy to use, there may be a learning curve for some students who are unfamiliar with transcription software or technology in general.
User Guide
Pricing
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Quillbot:
Quillbot, the paraphrasing tool, is an innovative solution for those who are struggling with their writing skills.
This tool utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to transform text into a more succinct and captivating form from a variety of different options.
With Quillbot, students can revolutionize their writing style and take their compositions to new heights.
PROS
Ease of use:
Quillbot is perfect for those struggling with the painstaking task of rewriting text. Jut simply copy and paste your text into the tool and let its artificial intelligence do the heavy lifting, automatically transforming your text into a newly-minted masterpiece.
Once the task is complete, you may further tailor your results to achieve your goals with the tool’s versatile settings. Truly, Quillbot is an asset for any student seeking to enhance their writing styles.
Improves writing skills:
Quillbot gives pupils a range of tools to assist them rework their text, which can boost students’ writing abilities. You can use Quillbot, for instance, to:
– Rephrase your text to make it clearer and more interesting.
– Work on your spelling and grammar.
– Look for synonyms for the terms you plan to use.
– Think of fresh concepts for your writing.
Variety of styles:
Quillbot can be used to rewrite text in a variety of styles. For example, you can use it to:
– Write in a more formal style for academic writing.
– Write in a more informal style for social media posts.
– Write in a more creative style for poetry or fiction.
CONS
Overreliance on the Tool:
One potential downside of using Quillbot is that students may become too reliant on the tool, and their writing skills may suffer as a result.
Limited Language Support:
While Quillbot supports many languages, it may not be as effective in some languages as it is in English. Students who need help with non-English writing may need to look for alternative tools.
Inaccurate Suggestions:
While Quillbot is generally reliable, there may be times when it provides inaccurate suggestions for rewriting text. As a result, students should always double-check the suggestions provided by Quillbot.
User Guide
Pricing
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Grammarly
Grammarly is an amazing tool that can scrutinize and rectify any and all grammatical errors present in your writing, be it spelling or punctuation.
The tool utilises artificial intelligence to examine and analyze text. Best of all, this magical aid is free of charge. Serving as a boon to students who wish to deliver captivating and accurate grammatical pieces of literature.
PROS
Improved writing:
Students can use Grammarly to help them improve the clarity and impact of their writing as well as identify grammatical, spelling, and punctuation issues.
Additionally, it can provide recommendations for enhancing the writing’s content and organisation.
Time-Saving:
Grammarly can save students time by automatically checking their writing for errors, allowing them to focus on the content and structure of their work rather than on proofreading.
Accessibility:
Grammarly is available as a web-based application and can also be downloaded as a browser extension or as a mobile app, making it accessible for students to use on various devices.
CONS
Overreliance:
Some students may become too reliant on Grammarly, relying on it to catch all errors and not taking the time to learn grammar and punctuation rules themselves.
Inaccuracy:
While Grammarly is a very useful tool, it may not catch all errors and can occasionally make incorrect suggestions. I have noticed on a few occasions that it requests spelling changes, thinking you are based in a different geological region.
Cost:
While the basic version of Grammarly is free, some of its more advanced features, such as the plagiarism checker, are only available with a paid subscription.
User Guide
Pricing
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Chegg
Formally Cramster, Chegg stands tall as a beacon of hope for students seeking academic assistance. This platform utilizes advanced AI technology to provide a comprehensive range of services, including textbook rentals, online tutoring, and study resources.
By utilizing machine learning algorithms, Chegg can customize its offerings to suit the specific needs and learning styles of individual students, providing tailored support that can improve their chances of academic success.
Furthermore, Chegg’s AI-powered tools offer additional benefits, such as effective plagiarism detection, robust grammar and spelling checks, and even automated essay grading.
Thanks to these powerful features, Chegg has become a go-to resource for students across the globe, eager to take their academic pursuits to the next level.
PROS
Personalized Assistance:
Chegg employs AI to offer students tailored suggestions and guidance based on their unique learning preferences and requirements, which can be very beneficial in raising their academic achievement.
Multiple Services:
Chegg serves as a one-stop shop by providing a variety of services like textbook rentals, online tutoring, and study resources.
Plagiarism Detection and Essay Grading:
Chegg’s AI-powered tools can help students with tasks such as plagiarism detection, grammar and spelling checks, and even automated essay grading, which can save time and effort for both students and educators.
CONS
Cost:
For the most part, Chegg offers a free service. However, some of Chegg’s services require a subscription or payment, which may not be feasible for all students.
Overreliance on AI:
While AI can be a useful tool for academic support, students should not solely rely on it and must develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills on their own.
User Guide
Pricing
Chegg offers a 60-day free trail. What is perhaps the greatest benefit of signing up to Chegg however is the ability to purchase text books at a small fraction of the usual cost. The pricing structure is as follows:
- Sign up for a free trial: Chegg offers a 60-day free trial to new users. This is a great way to try out the service before you commit to a paid subscription.
- Use a student discount code: Chegg offers a variety of student discount codes that can be found on the Chegg website or on social media. These codes can save you up to 20% on your purchase.
- Refer a friend: Chegg offers a referral program that can save you and your friend money. When you refer a friend to Chegg, you will both receive a $10 discount.
- Sign up for an annual membership: Chegg offers a 20% discount on annual memberships for students. This can save you a significant amount of money over the course of a year.
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Khan Academy
Khan Academy, a non-profit organization, has a lofty goal of providing a first-rate education for everyone, anywhere, free of charge.
This noble mission is supported by thousands of lessons covering a range of subjects such as math, science, and the humanities, catering to students of all ages.
With its engaging and effective videos and interactive exercises, Khan Academy’s resources are being used in over 190 countries worldwide.
The organization utilizes the cutting-edge technology of artificial intelligence (AI) to tailor the learning experience of each student.
By tracking their progress through AI-powered tools, it can pinpoint areas where students require additional assistance.
Furthermore, AI-generated recommendations are also provided for extra resources and activities to support students’ learning.
PROS
High-quality:
An effective and entertaining online learning environment has been produced by Khan Academy. Their interactive tasks are skilfully created to be demanding without being unduly taxing, and their movies are made to be clear and succinct while also being brief.
A team of professionals create and evaluates the organization’s content, which is of the highest calibre.
This makes sure that the information is constantly correct and up to date, giving students the peace of mind that they are getting the greatest education possible.
Personalized:
Khan Academy uses AI to personalize the learning experience for each student. This means that the videos and exercises that you see are tailored to your individual needs and learning style.
Accessible:
Khan Academy’s vast resources can be accessed anytime and anywhere, making it convenient for those on the move or with limited computer access. The online platform is available on various devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and laptops.
No longer do students need to be confined to traditional classroom settings or computer labs to access quality educational materials. With Khan Academy’s mobile availability, the world of education is truly at your fingertips.
CONS
It can be difficult to stay motivated.
Khan Academy is a self-paced learning platform, which means that students are responsible for their own learning. This can be a challenge for some students, who may find it difficult to stay motivated without the structure of a traditional classroom setting.
It can be difficult to get help when you need it:
Khan Academy does offer some support options, such as forums and live chat, but these options may not be enough for students who are struggling with a particular concept. If you are a student who needs a lot of help, you may want to consider working with a tutor or taking a class..
Limited Subject Coverage:
While Khan Academy offers a wide range of educational resources, its AI tool may not be suitable for all subjects. Some subjects, such as language learning or creative arts, may require a more interactive and hands-on approach that cannot be provided through an AI tool.
User Guide
Pricing
Khan Academy is completely free 🙂
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Socratic
Socratic, a robust AI tool, offers an immense value proposition for students seeking homework and study aid for a variety of academic fields such as math, science, literature, and social studies.
Socratics AI technology is capable of comprehending natural language queries. Allowing for effortless retrieval of step-by-step explanations and solutions to an extensive array of academic problems.
PROS
Personalized learning:
Socratic’s AI technology can provide personalized recommendations for resources and activities based on a student’s individual learning needs and progress.
Convenience:
Socratic’s mobile app allows students to access its resources and assistance anywhere and anytime, making it a convenient tool for on-the-go learning.
Quick and accurate:
Socratic can quickly and accurately solve academic challenges by understanding natural language questions, saving students time and frustration.
CONS
Limited scope:
Although Socratic has a sizable knowledge base and wealth of resources, it might not cover all academic topics or provide answers to all kinds of issues.
Steep learning curve:
Socratic, although packed with powerful features, has been deemed as a difficult tool to navigate by some. The intricacies of this program are such that users often require an extensive amount of time to familiarize themselves with its various functions and features.
Premium plan costs:
There is also a premium subscription that offers additional features, such as:
– Unlimited access to all of Socratic’s content
– No ads
– The ability to ask questions and get answers from experts
The free version is a highly valuable resource for those on a budget. If you are after a more personalised and comprehensive experience, then you would benefit from the premium plan.
User Guide
Pricing:
Socratic is completely free 🙂
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Memrise
Memrise, an AI-powered platform for language learning, has emerged as a highly sought-after tool among students who seek to learn new languages with ease.
This cutting-edge platform is transforming conventional methods of acquiring language skills by introducing a fun and engaging approach to learning.
Memrise harnesses the power of advanced AI techniques, including spaced repetition, gamification, and mnemonics (memory aids for learning). This equips students with an efficient means of memorizing new vocabulary and grammar.
Its innovative features and unique approach to language learning make it a valuable tool for students who aspire to excel in language acquisition.
PROS
Effective Learning:
Memrise uses AI techniques like spaced repetition, gamification, and mnemonics to help students learn new vocabulary and grammar more effectively.
This can help students progress faster and retain information better.
User-friendly Interface:
Memrise, with its user friendly interface, is making it easy for students to navigate and track their progress.
This makes the platform accessible to a wide range of users, regardless of their technological experience.
Fun and Engaging:
Memrise’s gamified approach to learning makes the platform a fun and engaging tool for students. The use of animations, memes, and other visual aids makes learning feel less like a chore and more like a game.
CONS
Limited language selection:
While Memrise offers courses in a variety of languages, the selection is limited compared to other language learning platforms.
This can be a disadvantage for students looking to learn less commonly taught languages.
Limited grammar coverage:
Memrise’s primary focus is on vocabulary acquisition, which means that grammar coverage can be limited.
This may not be an issue for some students, but those who want a more comprehensive language learning experience may need to supplement their Memrise use with additional resources.
Overreliance on repetition:
While spaced repetition is an effective learning technique, some students may find that Memrise relies too heavily on repetition.
This can make the learning experience feel monotonous and boring for some users.
User Guide
Pricing
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FAQS
What is the best AI tool for assignments?
Grammerly in our view is the best AI tool for student assignments. Leveraging the power of advanced artificial intelligence, Grammarly is a superb tool that can aid students in multiple ways when it comes to their assignments.
It is equipped with a highly accurate grammar checker that can meticulously identify and rectify even the tiniest grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and punctuation faux pas.
This AI tool for students can undoubtedly help ensure that the students’ written works are concise, well-structured, and easily comprehensible, regardless of their complexity or length.
In addition to its powerful grammar-checking capabilities, Grammarly is a multifaceted AI tool that can assist students in a variety of ways. One such way is by offering suggestions for improving sentence structure, vocabulary, and tone.
By doing so, Grammarly helps students elevate the overall quality of their written work, resulting in more effective communication and clearer expression of ideas.
Moreover, Grammarly’s arsenal of features includes a comprehensive plagiarism checker that scans students’ assignments to detect instances of potential academic misconduct.
This feature is particularly valuable in ensuring that students submit original work that is free from any plagiarism, which is a critical aspect of academic integrity.
In summary, Grammarly is an exceptional AI tool for students that not only checks their grammar but also provides suggestions for enhancing the overall quality of their writing, as well as ensures the originality of their work through its plagiarism checker.
Another tool we highly recommend to help with student assignments is Wolfram Alpha. To find out more about this tool and other similar tools, check out our review here.
How is AI used by students?
There are various ways in which AI is being used by students, including:
Language learning: AI-powered language learning platforms like Memrise use advanced techniques such as gamification, spaced repetition, and mnemonics to help students learn new languages more efficiently.
Writing assistance: AI tools like Grammarly and Quillbot can help students improve their writing by providing suggestions for sentence structure, vocabulary, tone, and grammar. These tools can also check for spelling mistakes and plagiarism.
Study and research: AI-powered tools like Zotero and Mendeley can help students manage their research materials and create bibliographies automatically. AI-powered study tools like Socratic can help students study and memorize information more effectively.
Personalized learning: AI algorithms can help students receive personalized learning experiences, adjusting to their individual learning styles and progress. Adaptive learning platforms like Chegg and Khan Accademy can provide customized learning paths for students based on their strengths and weaknesses.
Overall, AI technology is becoming an increasingly important part of the student learning experience, providing new ways to study, learn, and succeed academically.
Can AI be used by Teachers in education?
Yes absolutely, in fact, we have covered a few different AI tools for teachers.
To check out the best AI tools for teachers, click here.
Some of the ways AI is used by teachers include:
Grading and Assessment: AI can be used to automatically grade assignments and assessments, providing instant feedback to students and saving teachers time and effort.
Lesson Planning: AI can help teachers plan their lessons by suggesting resources and activities that are tailored to their students’ learning styles and abilities.
Data Analysis: AI tools can analyze student data to identify patterns and trends, which can help teachers identify areas where students may be struggling and adjust their teaching accordingly.
Virtual Assistants: AI-powered virtual assistants can help teachers with administrative tasks, such as scheduling and grading, allowing them to focus on teaching and student engagement.