Students are learning more from AI tutors than from classroom lectures, according to findings from an OECD survey report..

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of education is growing rapidly. AI is no longer limited to merely accessing information or finding answers to questions; it is now actively assisting students in their studies. A study featured in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) *Digital Education Outlook 2026* report reveals that students who learned with the help of an AI tutor achieved greater learning outcomes in less time compared to those in traditional classrooms. Furthermore, these students demonstrated higher levels of enthusiasm and engagement in their studies. However, the report also notes that the benefits of AI depend on its proper design and application.

The OECD report cites research conducted on 316 students at a university in the United States, all of whom were enrolled in an introductory physics course. For the study, the students were divided into two groups: one group received instruction through active learning in a traditional classroom setting, while the other group studied using an online AI tutor.

**Aiming to Enhance Learning Capacity**
This AI tutor was specifically designed to help students grasp subject matter and improve their learning capacity. The study found that students who used the AI ​​tutor learned more in less time, while also exhibiting higher motivation and greater engagement with their coursework. The research recorded an effect size of 0.63, which the OECD classifies as a significant impact.

**AI Also Assisting Tutors**
The report also highlights the "Tutor Copilot," a tool developed by researchers at Stanford University. Designed to support online tutors, this AI tool was used by approximately 900 tutors in the United States while working with 1,800 students in need of academic support. The results showed an average 4 percent increase in student pass rates. Meanwhile, a 9 percent improvement in student success rates was observed for tutors with less experience, and a 7 percent improvement was seen for students of tutors who had previously received lower-quality ratings.

The importance of proper AI design
According to the report, there is a distinction between a general-purpose chatbot and an AI tutor designed specifically for education. While general chatbots can answer questions, purpose-built AI tutors can provide students with information, examples, and feedback tailored to their individual needs. However, these findings do not imply that AI can replace teachers. The examples in the report suggest that AI can also be used to assist teachers and tutors. Its utility depends on how it is designed to enhance the process of learning and understanding.

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