Six secrets and techniques to supercharge your revision – with a little bit assist from AI

The vast majority of students are using AI this exam season, with 77% believing it helps them understand difficult subjects more easily and also helps reduce the pressure

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It’s the not-so-secret tool that 90% of GCSE and A-level students are using to help with revision. But getting the most out of AI may not be as simple as it looks, with experts saying the real impact comes down to not just looking for quick answers.

Jon Kemp, director of computing at Currys, said: “AI can guide revision, but it shouldn’t replace it. Students tell us AI takes the stress out of revision, whether that’s summarising tricky topics or helping them plan what to do next.

“But the students who get the most out of it aren’t using AI for quick answers. They’re using it to test themselves, structure their time, and build deeper understanding.”

Research by Currys found that the vast majority of students are using AI this exam season, with 77% believing it helps them understand difficult subjects more easily. It also helps reduce the pressure – 71% said it makes the high-stress period feel less overwhelming.

But there is a downside to the AI revolution; 52% of students are worried that they rely on it too much. Experts said the best approach is to focus on building confidence and clarity, rather than trying to replace real learning by asking it for answers, especially as Large Language Models (LLMs) can often make mistakes.

To help supercharge your revision, here are six key ways to use AI to make your study sessions more effective, organised and engaging.

Turn messy handwritten notes into AI-powered flashcards: Students can snap a photo of handwritten notes using an AI-enabled tablet and instantly convert them into clear, colour-coded flashcards. For example, a page of biology notes on cell structure can be transformed into quick-fire quiz cards with definitions on one side and labelled diagrams on the other, ideal for revising on the bus or between classes.

Use AI headphones that “learn” your distractions: Adaptive noise-cancelling headphones adjust to crying siblings, road noise or loud kitchens, ideal for revising in busy homes or on the move.

Let your Chromebook build your revision mind-maps for you: AI-ready Chromebooks can convert long articles or class notes into visual maps, summaries and bullet-points in seconds, perfect for visual learners. For example, history notes on the Cold War can be instantly organised into key events, causes and consequences, making it easier to see connections and revise effectively.

Use an AI laptop to track your focus (and nudge you back on task): Some laptops can detect when concentration drops, time revision bursts, suggest break moments or recommend switching subjects to stay productive. AI study companions can guide students through math problems step-by-step rather than giving answers, helping them stay mentally engaged instead of zoning out.

Turn your smart speaker into a voice-activated quiz master: Students can ask their smart speaker to test them on key facts, definitions or equations while moving around. For example, it can run a quick-fire quiz on Spanish vocabulary or science formulas, ideal for active learners.

AI webcams help with virtual study groups: AI-enhanced webcams and microphones auto-focus, sharper video and reduce background noise, making online revision sessions clearer and more collaborative.