FEATURE FOCUS: EXAMS AI and exam revision: how tech is
changing student learning JOSH BLACKBURN, CEO at TLC LIVE, takes a look at how AI is changing the way students are preparing for their exams.
education should primarily focus on automating tasks, with increased human interactions being the “ultimate goal”.
The Department for Education (DfE) is firmly committed to making technology accessible to all students. Its “Plan Technology for Your School” initiative is already helping schools develop robust digital strategies and make informed decisions about technology implementation. It aims to ensure that schools can realise the benefits of AI in education without compromising equity or the essential human elements of teaching and learning. But what if students could access this outside of school hours?
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rtificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the education sector in ways that were unimaginable just a few years ago. Its integration into classrooms and revision tools provides students with personalised learning experiences while assisting teachers in various aspects of their work too.
Many schools already use AI-powered teaching platforms to streamline administrative tasks such as marking and logging scores, reducing the burden on teachers. These systems analyse student performance and adjust lesson content accordingly ensuring a more tailored approach to learning.
Beyond grading, schools and local authorities are now exploring AI for deeper integration, such as providing personalised feedback, and aligning content with the curriculum. These tools allow teachers to focus on the most important part of their job: teaching.
One of the most significant advantages of AI in education is its potential to make personalised support more widely available. AI tutoring and revision tools provide cost-effective alternatives to traditional one-on-one tutoring, making additional tutoring more accessible to students who cannot afford private tuition outside the classroom.
However, concerns remain about creating a digital divide and over-reliance on technology. Not all students have equal access to devices or stable internet connections, which could exacerbate educational inequalities if not appropriately addressed.
The UK education sector is approaching AI cautiously, weighing up the benefits while being mindful of potential challenges. The focus is on balancing AI’s advantages with the need for human oversight and ensuring that AI tools align with national curriculum standards and ethical considerations. In a recent roundtable discussion, Stephen Morgan, Minister for the Department of Education, emphasised that technology in
The potential of an AI revision partner AI-powered GCSE revision tools, such as TLC LIVE’s AI tutor, are trained on the UK national curriculum and offer on-demand academic support in core subjects like Maths and English. A significant advantage of these AI tutors is their constant availability; unlike human tutors, they can assist students 24/7, providing help at any time.
These tools provide instant, personalised feedback, helping students identify weak areas of their learning and allowing them to focus their efforts more effectively. Moreover, AI can adapt to different learning styles, suggesting tailored improvement strategies.
Curriculum alignment is a key feature of these AI revision partners. They offer structured questions and prompts, ensuring that students are practising study material that directly supports exam preparation.
Unlike static revision resources, AI tutors can track a student’s progress over time. This ongoing assessment allows the system to adjust study plans dynamically, fostering steady growth and confidence in students’ abilities. As students improve, the AI can introduce more challenging material or revisit areas that require further attention. In addition, AI-powered tools can track a student’s progress over time. If a learner struggles with a particular topic, the system can adjust their study plan dynamically. Another benefit is engagement. AI revision tools incorporate explanations crafted by fully qualified teachers, making the learning process more interactive. By simulating engaging revision sessions, AI can help maintain students’ motivation—an often-overlooked factor in exam preparation.
Limitations and appropriate use Education providers should view the tools as complementary to traditional teaching methods rather than replacements for human teachers and tutors. Essential aspects of learning, such as emotional support and critical thinking development, will always require human interaction with a teacher. AI can’t sense a child’s
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www.education-today.co.uk passions and use them to inspire.
Another key concern is digital equity. Students without access to the necessary devices or internet connectivity risk being left behind if AI- based learning becomes the norm. Schools and education providers must consider accessibility strategies to bridge this gap.
Additionally, screen fatigue and over-reliance on technology are potential pitfalls. While AI- assisted revision can be highly effective, it’s important to encourage students to balance it with traditional learning methods such as handwritten notes and face-to-face revision sessions with tutors and classmates. Furthermore, education providers must carefully monitor and regularly update AI tools to ensure they provide accurate, relevant, and curriculum-aligned feedback. Teacher oversight remains essential in maintaining high educational standards and ensuring that AI-generated content meets the specific needs of the curriculum. Educators and parents must also guide students in using AI responsibly. This includes teaching them to critically assess AI-generated answers and apply their reasoning skills rather than passively accepting suggestions. Consequently, students can learn to use AI as a supporting tool to improve learning while still developing their independent thinking abilities.
Striking a balance
AI-powered revision tools are unlocking new possibilities for personalised and accessible learning. Platforms like Manda, TLC LIVE’s AI tutor, illustrate the potential of these technologies to provide adaptive, curriculum-aligned revision support that can boost student confidence and performance. However, AI is most effective when used alongside traditional teaching methods, ensuring a balance between both teaching and tech in education.
Schools and educators should embrace AI as a valuable tool in their educational toolkit but must also address accessibility challenges and promote its responsible use among students. By striking the right balance between innovative AI technologies and time-tested educational practices, we can create a more inclusive, effective, and engaging learning environment for all students.
May 2025
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