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How to study with AI (without cheating): study mode, outlines and quizzes

Honest ways to learn with AI: ChatGPT’s study mode, notebooks with your notes in Gemini Notebook, revision quizzes and step-by-step explanations. With UNESCO’s recommendations.

By Cognenza editorial team · Updated · 4 min read · Sources cited

The golden rule: make it make you think

Studying with AI works when AI asks and you answer. If it’s the other way round (you ask and copy), you learn little and risk breaking your school’s rules. UNESCO, in its guidance on generative AI in education, calls for a human-centred approach, with data protection and a minimum age for independent use.

ChatGPT’s study mode

OpenAI introduced study mode on 29 July 2025. Instead of giving the answer, it guides you with questions, quizzes and checks. You turn it on by choosing “Study and learn” in the chat tools, and it’s available on every plan, including free. More on how to use ChatGPT.

Your notes as the source: Gemini Notebook

Gemini Notebook (formerly NotebookLM) answers based on the documents you upload: PDFs, documents, presentations, audio or YouTube videos. That reduces the risk of it making up things that aren’t in your syllabus. Google asks you not to upload documents you don’t have the rights to.

5 honest uses

  1. Explanations at your level: “Explain [concept] as if I were 15, then at university level.”
  2. Revision quizzes: “Give me 10 multiple-choice questions on these notes and mark me at the end.”
  3. Outlines: “Turn these notes into a three-level outline.”
  4. Flashcards: “Create 15 question-answer flashcards with the most important points.”
  5. Study plan: “I have an exam in [n] days and these topics: [topics]. Make a realistic plan of 1 hour a day.”

What to avoid

  • Handing in generated text as your own if your school doesn’t allow it.
  • Accepting an explanation without cross-checking with the textbook or teacher.
  • Uploading personal data, such as grades, classmates’ names or reports. See what data never to paste.

Frequently asked questions

What is ChatGPT’s study mode?

A feature OpenAI introduced in July 2025: instead of giving the answer, it guides you with questions, quizzes and knowledge checks. You turn it on with “Study and learn” in the tools and, according to the pricing page, it’s available on every plan.

Is using AI to study cheating?

It depends on the use and your school’s rules. Having it explain a concept or quiz you is learning; handing in AI-made work as your own is usually not allowed.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, and it depends on the service: for example, Google states 18 for the Gemini app within its AI plans and for Deep Research in Gemini Notebook. UNESCO recommends setting a minimum age for independent use of generative AI in education.

Keep reading

Sources

Official sources are linked in their original language.

  1. Introducing study mode — OpenAI
  2. ChatGPT Pricing — OpenAI
  3. Fuentes admitidas en Gemini Notebook (NotebookLM) — Google
  4. Guía para el uso de IA generativa en la educación y la investigación — UNESCO

Change log

  • : First published.

Educational content, prepared with the help of AI tools, with sources cited. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Tools change fast: if you spot something out of date, write to us at contacto@cognenza.com. How we work.