I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Most of the AI study tools out there are garbage.
There, I said it.
As an investor who has looked at the pitch decks and financials of over a dozen EdTech companies, I’ve seen what goes on behind the scenes. I’ve seen the data, the user engagement metrics, and the actual learning outcomes. And frankly, a lot of it is not pretty.
I’m Sahin Boydas. I’ve built and sold two tech companies, one of which was in the remote work space and was acquired by Gusto. I’ve also been an angel investor in over 200 companies, including some of the biggest names in AI like Anthropic and OpenAI. I’ve also written a book, “Becoming Top 1%,” on how to achieve success in your career. So when it comes to technology and education, I have some skin in the game.
And I’m tired of seeing students and parents waste their money on slickly marketed AI study tools that are little more than glorified flashcards. So, I’m pulling back the curtain to show you what actually works.
The Problem with Most AI Study Tools
Let’s be honest. The promise of AI in education is huge. The idea of a personal tutor for every student, available 24/7, is incredibly appealing. But the reality is that most companies are just slapping an “AI” label on their products to ride the hype train.
They’ll show you fancy dashboards, personalized study plans, and impressive-looking analytics. But when you dig deeper, you’ll find that the core of their product is often just a simple algorithm that spits out multiple-choice questions.
I remember one company I looked at. They had a beautiful user interface and a charismatic founder. They had raised millions of dollars in funding. But when I asked to see their data on student learning outcomes, they couldn’t provide any. All they had were vanity metrics like “time spent on the app” and “number of questions answered.”
That’s not learning. That’s just busywork.
The 3 Features That Actually Work
So, what does work? What are the features that actually boost retention and lead to real learning? After looking at countless companies and talking to experts in the field, I’ve identified three key features that are consistently present in the most effective AI study tools.
1. Spaced Repetition
This is probably the most important feature of all. Spaced repetition is a learning technique that involves reviewing information at increasing intervals. The idea is that you review the material just as you’re about to forget it. This strengthens the neural pathways in your brain and helps you remember the information for longer.
I first learned about spaced repetition when I was trying to learn to code. I was struggling to remember all the different commands and syntax. I tried everything from flashcards to taking copious notes. Nothing seemed to work. Then, I discovered a program called Anki, which is a simple spaced repetition software. I started using it to review coding concepts, and the results were astounding. I was finally able to remember what I was learning.
An effective AI study tool will use a sophisticated algorithm to determine the optimal time to show you each piece of information. It will track your performance and adjust the intervals accordingly. If you’re struggling with a particular concept, it will show it to you more frequently. If you’ve mastered a concept, it will show it to you less frequently.
2. Active Recall
Active recall is the process of actively retrieving information from your memory, rather than passively reviewing it. This is a much more effective way to learn than simply rereading your notes or highlighting a textbook.
Think about it. When you’re rereading your notes, you’re not really engaging with the material. You’re just passively absorbing it. But when you’re trying to recall information from memory, you’re forcing your brain to work. You’re strengthening the connections between neurons and making the information more accessible in the future.
I saw this in action when I was mentoring a high school student who was struggling with history. He was spending hours rereading his textbook, but he couldn’t seem to remember any of the key dates or events. I told him to try a different approach. Instead of rereading the chapter, I told him to close the book and try to write down everything he could remember. At first, he could only remember a few things. But after a few sessions, he was able to recall almost the entire chapter.
An effective AI study tool will incorporate active recall into its learning process. It will ask you open-ended questions, force you to fill in the blanks, and make you explain concepts in your own words. It won’t just give you multiple-choice questions.
3. Personalized Learning Paths
Every student learns differently. Some students are visual learners, while others are auditory learners. Some students learn best by doing, while others learn best by reading. A one-size-fits-all approach to education is simply not effective.
This is where AI can really shine. An effective AI study tool will use data to create a personalized learning path for each student. It will identify your strengths and weaknesses and tailor the content accordingly. It will provide you with the right information at the right time, in the format that is most effective for you.
I invested in a company called a while back that was doing some really interesting things with personalized learning. They were using AI to analyze student essays and provide them with targeted feedback. The AI could identify grammatical errors, suggest improvements to sentence structure, and even provide feedback on the overall clarity and coherence of the essay. The results were incredible. Students who used the tool saw a significant improvement in their writing skills.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Now that you know what to look for in an effective AI study tool, let’s talk about the red flags. Here are a few things to watch out for when you’re evaluating a new product:
- Over-reliance on multiple-choice questions: As I mentioned earlier, multiple-choice questions are not an effective way to learn. If a study tool is primarily based on multiple-choice questions, it’s probably not worth your time or money.
- Lack of data on learning outcomes: If a company can’t show you data on how their product has improved student learning, that’s a huge red flag. Don’t be fooled by vanity metrics like “time spent on the app.”
- Slick marketing and empty promises: Be wary of companies that make grandiose claims about their product but can’t back them up with evidence. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Future of AI in Education
I’m still incredibly optimistic about the potential of AI to revolutionize education. I believe that we are on the cusp of a new era of personalized learning, where every student will have access to a world-class education. But we’re not there yet.
For now, it’s up to us as consumers to be discerning. We need to do our research, ask the right questions, and demand more from the companies that are building these products. The future of education depends on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this guide designed for?
This guide is written for founders and operators who want practical, actionable advice rather than theoretical frameworks. Whether you're just starting out or scaling an existing business, the principles here apply across stages.
How should I work through this guide?
Don't try to absorb everything in one sitting. Read through once to get the big picture, then go back and work through each section as it becomes relevant to your current challenges. Bookmark it and return to it regularly.
What if I disagree with some of the advice?
Good. That means you're thinking critically, which is exactly what a good founder should do. Take what resonates, test it, and discard what doesn't work for your specific situation. No advice is universal.
Is this guide based on real experience?
Every recommendation in this guide comes from direct experience, either from building and selling my own companies, or from patterns I've observed across 200+ angel investments. I don't write about things I haven't personally tested.