The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of education is growing rapidly. Now AI is not limited to getting information or getting answers to questions but is also helping students in their studies. The results of a study have been revealed in the Digital Education Outlook 2026 report of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). According to this, students studying with the help of AI tutors learned more in less time compared to students studying in traditional classrooms. Apart from this, their enthusiasm and participation in studies was also high. However, the report also said that the benefits of AI depend on its proper use and design.
The OECD report cites research conducted on 316 American university students. All these students were studying in an introductory level physics course. During the research, the students were divided into two groups. The first group was taught through active learning in a traditional classroom, while the second group studied with the help of an online AI tutor.
The purpose of this is to enhance learning ability
This AI tutor was specially designed with the aim of explaining the subject to the students and enhancing their learning ability. Studies have found that students who study with AI tutors learn more in less time. His motivation and engagement in studies was also good. The study reported an effect size of 0.63, which the OECD considers a large effect.
Tutors are also getting help from AI
The report also provides an example of a ‘tutor copilot’ developed by Stanford University researchers. This AI tool is designed to help teachers teaching online. About 900 teachers in America used it while teaching 1,800 needy students. As a result, there was an average increase of 4 percent in the pass rate of students. At the same time, there was a 9 percent improvement in the success rate of students from tutors with less experience and a 7 percent improvement in the success rate of students from tutors who had previously received low quality ratings.
AI needs to be properly designed
According to the report, there is a difference between a general chatbot and an AI tutor designed for studies. Normal chatbots can answer questions, but tailored AI tutors can provide students with the information, examples, and feedback they need. However, these results do not mean that AI can replace teachers. Examples from the report show that AI can also be used to help teachers and educators. Its usefulness depends on how it is designed to improve learning and understanding.
