By Dr. Aikyna Finch | 01/05/2026
The learning process has changed significantly with technological advances in education. In the past, traditional classrooms mainly depended on face-to-face teaching and printed materials. Now, online education combines digital tools, intelligent systems, and human interaction to offer more personalized learning experiences.
At its core, learning remains a human-centered activity. Students engage with complex concepts, practice problem-solving, and develop critical thinking skills during the learning process.
What has changed is the environment in which learning takes place. Modern learning environments now include:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Machine learning models
- Natural language processing
Now, AI-powered tools are designed to support student needs and improve learning outcomes.
Online learning places more responsibility on learners to manage their time, participate independently, and ask for clarification when needed. AI is a valuable tool to support this process by offering structure, feedback, and guidance, while the role of teachers and valuable human interaction is still maintained.
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Artificial intelligence has become an essential tool in many industries, including education. In online learning setups, AI technologies facilitate:
- Instruction
- Assessment
- Engagement
- Data gathering
However, both students and educators are wondering how artificial intelligence can be incorporated into current systems without sacrificing quality education or ethical standards.
A typical student question is, “How do I use artificial intelligence tools to improve my learning?” That question is now being asked by millions of learners navigating increasingly digital training programs and degree pathways.
Generative AI, predictive analytics, and AI-driven learning tools have expanded access to information while also raising concerns about ethical use, data privacy, and academic integrity.
Leaders in online education are actively using AI to monitor each student's progress, evaluate performance, and enhance student outcomes. When used responsibly, AI enables educators to prepare students for learning in a fast-changing world.
Generative AI
Generative AI refers to the AI systems capable of creating content, responding to student queries, and supporting learning through conversational interfaces. Using natural language processing and large-scale machine learning, artificial intelligence tools can explain ideas, summarize materials, and answer questions in real time.
However, these AI models lack understanding or intent. They depend on probabilities learned from training data and large datasets.
As a result, critical thinking remains crucial. Learners should evaluate responses, verify information with reliable sources, and use AI to support their learning, rather than simply completing assignments without understanding classroom material.
When used appropriately, generative AI acts as an intelligent assistant. It helps learners to engage with challenging material and encourages deeper learning, instead of replacing student effort or curiosity.
Artificial Intelligence Tools
A wide variety of artificial intelligence tools are now accessible to support online learning and teaching. Many popular platforms are linked to major technology companies and address general needs.
Some examples include:
- Microsoft Copilot® – integrating AI-powered tools into productivity workflows
- ChatGPT® – developed by OpenAI® with Microsoft® as a major investor
- Claude® – created by Anthropic® and supported by Google® and Amazon®
- Google Gemini® – offering AI-powered research and learning support
- Perplexity® – designed to support data dissemination and source-aware responses
These AI-powered tools are versatile and adaptable across fields ranging from STEM education to the humanities. While these tools provide significant benefits, they should be used with clear guidelines and ethics in mind.
How Artificial Intelligence Tools Can Assist Learners
AI technologies can assist students and enhance learning in multiple ways, including:
- Brainstorming
- Constructing AI-driven outlines for papers
- Finding and summarizing articles
- Creating deeper learning experiences and personalized support
Brainstorming
AI-powered learning tools are handy during the brainstorming stage. Learners often have difficulty generating ideas or narrowing their topics, particularly in online learning settings where it’s difficult to obtain immediate instructor feedback.
Generative AI can assist learners in exploring ideas, identifying research directions, and considering multiple perspectives. By engaging with AI systems during brainstorming, students gain momentum and clarity while retaining ownership of their ideas. This use of AI allows learners to focus on creativity and strategic thinking.
Constructing AI-Driven Outlines for Papers
Creating well-structured outlines is another area where AI supports student learning. A clear structure helps learners to:
- Handle complex assignments
- Meet learning outcomes
- Communicate ideas effectively
AI can recommend logical sequences, helping students visualize how arguments or explanations should flow. These personalized learning experiences in education promote student engagement and reduce cognitive overload – especially for individual students facing complicated subject matter – while providing immediate feedback.
Finding and Summarizing Articles
Research remains vital in higher education. AI can assist the research process by helping students to clarify focus areas and summarize articles once they identify credible sources. While AI should not replace academic databases or authoritative materials, it can aid student comprehension and increase efficiency as students complete assignments.
Using AI-driven systems to summarize articles helps students identify main arguments, key findings, and connections between studies. When AI-powered research is combined with direct reading and reflection, this method boosts learning without sacrificing academic rigor.
Creating Deeper Learning Experiences and Personalized Support
One particularly promising use of AI is personalized learning. AI-driven systems can craft customized learning experiences tailored to students’ needs, background knowledge, and learning pace. Some platforms use predictive analytics to identify potential gaps in student knowledge and provide instant feedback to aid progress.
Technological advancements such as virtual tutors, speech recognition tools, and adaptive learning platforms give students hands-on experience with classroom content while getting support outside of traditional classroom hours. These intelligent AI systems can track student progress and create tailored learning experiences accordingly.
When used thoughtfully, AI-powered learning tools improve student performance while maintaining accountability and supporting teachers.
What Students Should Not Do with AI
AI is a powerful aid, not a substitute for learning in education. Students should not use AI to:
- Complete assignments without understanding
- Circumvent standardized tests or academic expectations
- Depend on AI systems without critical evaluation
- Ignore privacy responsibilities
How AI Helps Instructors with Administrative Tasks
For instructors, AI also plays an increasing role in automating administrative tasks and instructional support. Automating tasks like grading, lesson planning support, and data collection helps teachers dedicate more time to teaching, mentoring, and professional development.
AI frees up faculty time while helping teachers to maintain consistent, transparent workflows. Teachers continue to guide learning, handle the grading process, and promote an inclusive environment, but artificial intelligence tools can make the existing system work more smoothly.
AI and Ethical Considerations in Online Education
Ethics considerations should stay at the core of incorporating AI into education. Concerns about data security, data privacy, bias, and the digital divide are still valid.
Students and teachers both need to understand the ethical use of AI. Clear guidelines, transparency, and institutional policies help address privacy and bias concerns while fostering trust and responsibility.
AI tools should never replace teachers or human interaction. Instead, AI should:
- Promote ethics
- Boost engagement
- Foster inclusive learning environments that serve diverse student populations
Preparing Students for Better Learning Outcomes and an AI-Powered Future
As AI technologies continue to advance, online education must focus not only on current skill development but also on preparing students for an uncertain, rapidly changing future. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, augmented reality, and intelligent systems are already transforming workplaces across various industries. Higher education has a responsibility to ensure that students engage with these tools ethically, strategically, and confidently.
AI-driven learning environments can help students build adaptability by offering immediate feedback, hands-on experiences, and exposure to real-world problem-solving scenarios. When students learn to ask better questions, evaluate AI outputs, and apply insights thoughtfully, they develop transferable skills that go beyond a single course or degree.
Equally important is helping students understand the limitations of AI tools wile fostering lifelong learning. AI systems are not replacements for human judgment, creativity, or leadership. Faculty guidance remains essential for helping learners navigate ambiguity, ethical considerations, and complex decision-making.
When institutions integrate AI, they promote lifelong learning experiences rather than dependence. Students are more likely to graduate not only with knowledge, but also with the confidence to continue learning, adapt to technological changes, and contribute responsibly in digital and professional settings.
The aim isn’t automation just for the sake of it. Instead, incorporating AI tools into online education is about providing students with meaningful, human-centered learning aided by innovative tools.
The Bachelor of Arts in Communication at APU
For adult learners who want to improve their knowledge of different forms of communication, American Public University (APU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This degree program provides courses in program include public speaking, ethics in communication, and communication theory.
Other courses include digital tools and media in communication, public relations, and advertising. As a part of their general education requirements, students may also take a course in information and digital literacy.
To learn more details about this bachelor’s degree in communication, visit APU’s arts and humanities degree program page.
Microsoft Copilot is a registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation.
ChatGPT is a registered trademark of OpenAI OpCo, LLC.
Open AI is a registered trademark of Open Artificial Intelligence.
Claude is a registered trademark of Anthropic, PBC.
Google is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.
Amazon is a registered trademark of Amazon Technologies, Inc.
Anthropic is a registered trademark of Anthropic, PBC.
Google Gemini is a registered trademark of Google, LLC.
Perplexity is a registered trademark of Perplexity AI, Inc.
