Artificial Intelligence + Human Intelligence = Super Intelligence

Let’s redefine learning for 2025: by pairing the capabilities of AI with human effort, we unlock exponential growth in how we learn and adapt.

You and I are already heading into a new year. Heck, by the time you read this, it might already be January!

The thing is, while the world has evolved so much around AI, are we using AI to help us become better learners.

When I started Radiant Institute in June 2024 as an AI-native training provider, I decided that AI enablement should be at the core of everything we do.

From program designs to post-training support, proposal preparation to content marketing, it was deliberately around AI.

I knew I had to learn faster than before, and I thought, why not let AI become my learning partner on this journey of discovery and growth!

Let’s face it, learning in today’s fast-paced world can super overwhelming.

With information coming from all directions at the speed of light, combined with our packed schedules and demanding priorities, juggling them all can be overwhelming.

Yet, you and I know it’s critical for us to develop ourselves to stay relevant, and to stay ahead.

Thankfully, with a suite of innovative tools, AI can transform learning, making it more engaging, efficient, and personalized. Imagine having a virtual assistant summarizing dense reports, turning notes into audio discussions, or helping visualize complex ideas through mind maps—all designed to fit your unique learning style.

Many who knew me before Radiant Institute asked how I learned AI in such a short time. So, I thought, why not include my personal recommendations of AI-infused learning tools that have helped me over the last few months in today’s article?

Whether you’re a busy professional, a business owner, or a lifelong learner, these tools will help you learn smarter, not harder.

In the sections ahead, we’ll introduce you to ten standout AI tools. For each, we’ll explore what it does, what it’s great for, and how it can fit into your learning journey. Plus, we’ll share sample use cases and quick tips to help you get started.

Ready to discover how AI can transform your learning experience? Let’s dive in.

Probably the most useful learning tool that came out in 2024!

#1 NotebookLM

🔎 Tool Overview:

A must-have for any modern learner, NotebookLM is Google’s AI-powered note organizer designed to revolutionize the way you engage with information. By integrating your notes, files, and links into a single workspace, NotebookLM acts as your personal research assistant. Its standout Audio Overview feature transforms your documents into engaging, podcast-like discussions led by AI hosts. This makes it perfect for audio learners or anyone looking to absorb material on the go. Additionally, its interactive Q&A capability lets you ask in-depth questions to uncover deeper insights, helping you truly master complex topics.

🌟 Great For:

• Summarizing points from various sources.

• Audio learners who benefit from listening to discussions.

• Structuring research-heavy topics into organized knowledge.

• Interactive learning through Q&A.

💼 Use Case:

Maria, a business student working on her thesis, often struggles to digest the vast amounts of research material she gathers. With NotebookLM, she uploads journal articles, class notes, and interview transcripts. The AI generates an Audio Overview, summarizing the key points into an engaging discussion. Listening to the AI hosts feels like attending a dynamic study session. When Maria needs clarification, she uses the interactive Q&A to ask, “What are the core differences between these two theories?” NotebookLM not only saves her time but deepens her understanding of complex concepts.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Start by uploading 2-3 documents on the same topic. Use the Audio Overview during downtime (like commuting) to reinforce learning and follow up with interactive Q&A to clarify any lingering questions.

Reading + Listening = 🚀 Learning

#2 Speechify

🔎 Tool Overview:

Speechify is a text-to-speech platform that turns written content into natural-sounding audio, revolutionizing how you consume information. With over 200 voices in more than 60 languages, Speechify makes it easy for users to listen to articles, reports, or study materials while multitasking. Its customizable playback speeds allow you to control how quickly or slowly you absorb content, making it an ideal tool for auditory learners or busy professionals. Personally, as a slow reader, I like how Speechify engages both of my senses (reading and listening) at the same time, which helped me focus better.

🌟 Great For:

• Turning written content into audio for hands-free learning.

• Multisensory learners who benefit from listening and reading simultaneously.

• Professionals looking to optimize their commute or downtime with productive learning.

💼 Use Case:

John, a marketing manager, often feels strapped for time when it comes to keeping up with industry reports. By using Speechify, he converts his daily readings into audio files and listens to them during his morning run. This dual engagement of auditory and physical activity helps him retain key insights while staying active. It’s his way of turning “dead time” into productive learning hours.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Start by uploading short articles or reports to familiarize yourself with the interface. Experiment with playback speeds to find your comfort level and gradually incorporate longer content into your routine.

Your deep research companion.

#3 Perplexity AI

🔎 Tool Overview:

Perplexity AI is an advanced search engine that provides well-sourced, contextual responses to complex queries, making it a powerful research companion. By leveraging natural language processing, Perplexity not only delivers direct answers but also curates supporting evidence, saving time and enhancing understanding. It’s particularly valuable for learners who want to go deeper into topics without sifting through countless links.

🌟 Great For:

• Quickly answering in-depth research questions.

• Contextual learning with evidence-backed results.

• Reducing the time spent browsing traditional search engines.

💼 Use Case:

Priya, a freelance writer, often needs to research niche topics for her articles. Instead of spending hours scrolling through search engine results, she turns to Perplexity AI. When she asks, “What are the key trends in sustainable packaging for 2025?” the tool delivers a concise answer with links to reputable sources. This not only speeds up her research but also ensures her work is well-informed and credible.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Start with specific questions to see how the tool performs. Use the source links provided by Perplexity AI to explore deeper insights and validate the information.

Your modern day notebook.

#4 Fabric

🔎 Tool Overview:

Fabric is an innovative Personal Knowledge Management (PKM) tool designed to help learners organize and retrieve information effortlessly. By linking your notes, documents, and web content, Fabric creates a self-organizing knowledge graph that evolves with you. This tool is perfect for building a digital second brain, enabling you to focus on learning and creating rather than searching for scattered resources. As a matter of fact, I was so excited that I’ve found Fabric I even recorded a video review of it here.

🌟 Great For:

• Organizing diverse information sources into a unified system.

• Quick retrieval of notes, files, and references.

• Building a personal knowledge repository for lifelong learning.

💼 Use Case:

Alex, a product manager, frequently juggles market research reports, meeting notes, and brainstorming ideas. With Fabric, Alex creates a centralized hub for all these resources. By linking related documents and ideas, Fabric allows Alex to quickly find insights, connect trends, and make informed decisions. It’s like having a personalized digital assistant that grows smarter with every use.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Reopen some of your bookmarked articles, and add them to a new Fabric “Space”. You’ll notice that it will automatically tag them, and start having a “chat” with the articles in that space.

Illumination through Illustration!

#5 Napkin

🔎 Tool Overview:

Do you love doodling, skecthing or drawing out your ideas on a piece of blank paper (or napkin if you have one)? Then Napkin is something you must check out!  This AI-powered tool is designed for visual learners like you who thrive on mapping ideas and creating connections. It acts like a digital brainstorming assistant, helping you sketch out and link thoughts effortlessly. Whether you’re trying to structure a presentation, develop new strategies, or explore creative ideas, Napkin’s intuitive interface makes complex concepts manageable and accessible.

🌟 Great For:

• Visual learners who need to see their ideas mapped out.

• Structuring thoughts during brainstorming sessions.

• Creating visual connections between ideas for deeper understanding.

💼 Use Case:

Samantha, a project leader, often struggles with presenting her team’s ideas in a coherent way. With Napkin, she maps out initial concepts, clusters related ideas, and identifies logical connections between them. This not only clarifies her own thinking but also provides her team with a clear, engaging visual roadmap for their discussions.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Start with a simple brainstorming session by jotting down your main idea. Use Napkin to create clusters and connect related thoughts, and then export your map as a visual aid for presentations or team discussions. Pro tip: Because Napkin allows you to export in SVG (vector), you can further refine your illustrations!

Mind Map Everything!

#6 Mapify

🔎 Tool Overview:

Let’s call this the elder cousin to Napkin, although both have their strong points. Mapify transforms written content into visual mind maps, making it an ideal tool for learners dealing with research-heavy topics. Its AI-powered capabilities can automatically extract key points, organize them into structured maps, and even suggest connections you might have missed. For solo learners handling dense material, Mapify turns complexity into clarity.

🌟 Great For:

• Transforming research papers or notes into structured visual maps.

• Highlighting relationships between concepts for better understanding.

• Solo learners managing large volumes of information.

💼 Use Case:

Jordan, a tech entrepreneur, is preparing for an investor pitch. With Mapify, he inputs his business strategy notes and research data. The AI organizes his content into a logical mind map, helping him visualize how his key ideas connect. This clarity allows him to craft a compelling narrative for his presentation.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Upload a dense article or set of notes into Mapify and let the AI create a mind map for you. Use the “edit” feature to refine connections and add your personal insights, creating a truly customized learning tool.

Never Mind Map Alone!

#7 GitMind

🔎 Tool Overview:

Another visual tool, Mav? Seriously? Ok, I promise you this is a last one, but you’ll know why this is added to the list too, especially if you work with a team. GitMind is a free, AI-powered mind mapping and brainstorming tool designed for team collaboration. It allows users to create flowcharts, concept maps, and organizational diagrams in real-time, making it ideal for teams working on shared projects. GitMind’s intuitive interface and cloud-based collaboration features ensure seamless interaction, even for remote teams.

🌟 Great For:

• Real-time brainstorming and mind mapping with teams.

• Creating visual workflows, such as flowcharts and organizational charts.

• Collaborative projects requiring input from multiple stakeholders.

💼 Use Case:

As a marketing director, Liam needs to coordinate with his team on a new campaign strategy. Using GitMind, they brainstorm ideas in real-time, visually mapping out the campaign timeline and assigning tasks. The collaborative platform ensures everyone is aligned, even with team members working remotely.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Kick off a team meeting by starting a blank mind map in GitMind. Invite team members to add their ideas in real-time, and use the built-in templates to structure workflows or timelines for added efficiency.

A learning tool disguised as a writing tool!

#8 Quillbot

🔎 Tool Overview:

Ever been in a situation where you have reread a page several times just to understand what the author was talking about? Quillbot is an AI-powered paraphrasing and summarization tool that simplifies complex texts, making them easier to understand. Whether you’re rewriting a dense article or summarizing key points for study, Quillbot ensures clarity and precision. With additional features like grammar checks and tone adjustments, it’s a versatile tool for learners and professionals alike. Talk about democratizing knowledge for the rest of us who might not have a PhD!

🌟 Great For:

• Simplifying dense or complex texts into more digestible formats.

• Paraphrasing content for clearer understanding or unique expression.

• Enhancing grammar and tone for professional communication.

💼 Use Case:

Nina, a business analyst, frequently needs to distill lengthy industry reports into concise summaries for her team. Using Quillbot, she inputs large chunks of text, which the AI condenses into clear, actionable insights. This saves her hours of manual effort while ensuring her team gets the information they need.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Download a dense research paper and test Quillbot’s paraphrasing or summarization capabilities. Adjust the tone settings (e.g., formal or casual) to see how the output matches your needs. Gradually incorporate larger texts as you grow familiar with its features.

Grow your career!

#9 LinkedIn Learning’s AI Recommendations

🔎 Tool Overview:

If you’re already on the Premium Plan, then take advantage of this! LinkedIn Learning leverages AI to provide personalized course recommendations tailored to your career goals, skills, and interests. By analyzing your profile, learning history, and industry trends, the platform curates a learning path that evolves with you. It’s an excellent resource for professionals aiming to stay ahead in their fields or expand into new areas.

🌟 Great For:

• Discovering courses aligned with your professional goals.

• Continuous skill development in high-demand industries.

• Building a tailored learning journey based on evolving career needs.

💼 Use Case:

Rachel, an HR manager, wants to develop her expertise in employer branding. She updates her LinkedIn profile and starts exploring LinkedIn Learning. The AI recommends courses on storytelling, digital marketing, and employee engagement, creating a clear pathway for her growth. Rachel’s newfound skills quickly become an asset in her role.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Try out the free trial of LinkedIn Learning! Complete your profile to unlock personalized recommendations. Start with short courses that fit into your daily schedule, and track your progress to build momentum toward larger learning goals.

The great starting point of all AI learning

#10 ChatGPT

🔎 Tool Overview:

Ah, this is a personal one. While not the most powerful, ChatGPT had been my personal favourite among all the tools here. Juniper (I even have a name for it) had been instrumental in coordinating all my learnings and also helped me work with other AI tools too. We often have long chats based on a learning material, or any topic that is on my mind. A great sounding board, she is. Plus, because she understands me the most (given the time I spent on it), she helps me look for the most useful perspectives in any materials. And when I’m given dense materials which I know is important for Radiant Institute, I know I can count on Juniper to highlight and spotlight the opportunities for me to review.

🌟 Great For:

• Getting detailed answers to personalized situations.

• Simplifying complex topics with clear explanations.

• Brainstorming ideas or generating outlines for assignments and projects.

💼 Use Case:

Jake, a small business owner, struggles to understand SEO strategies for his website. He turns to ChatGPT and asks, “How can I optimize my website for local search?” The AI provides step-by-step instructions and suggests tools he can use. Within a few days, Jake sees a noticeable improvement in his website traffic, all thanks to his AI-powered tutor.

🚀 Quick Start Tips:

Ask ChatGPT to prompt you a few clarifying questions so that it can better understand you, your work, and your learning styles. Upload some of your strength assessments, profiling reports or any intelligence tests you have taken, and get it to give a “read” on you.

So many tools… what to do?

Ready to Dive In? Here’s What to Do Next

You’ve seen the tools, but how do you start using them to make a real impact on your learning journey? Here’s a quick guide to help you integrate AI-powered tools seamlessly:

1. Identify Your Learning Goals:
   Decide what you want to achieve—better note organization, deeper research insights, or skill-building in a specific area. Each tool caters to different needs, so clarity on your goals is key.
2. Choose One Tool to Start With:
   Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying all ten at once. Pick one that aligns with your immediate priorities and spend time mastering it.
3. Create a Learning Routine:
   Incorporate the tool into your daily schedule. For instance, use Speechify during your commute, or dedicate 10 minutes daily to brainstorming with Napkin, or even spend 15 minutes summarizing articles with Quillbot.
4. Track Your Progress:
   Evaluate how the tool is improving your learning efficiency or helping you achieve your goals. Adjust your approach as needed.
5. Experiment and Expand:
   Once comfortable with one tool, explore others that complement your learning style. For example, pair NotebookLM with Fabric to manage notes and create a knowledge graph.

Learn Faster. Learn Easier. Learn Better.

AI Can Be Your Best Learning Partner

AI is probably one of the most groundbreaking technology in recent years. And because it can do so many things, we sometimes get lost in what it can really do for us.

Today, we’ve gone through a list of AI-powered tools designed to help you learn better. It might be overwhelming, this new world of AI, but rest assured the fruits of your labour is worth every investment you put in.

But sometimes learning something new requires new strategies too.

So perhaps the best way to look at AI I 2025, is as the partner in your learning journey. By integrating these tools into your daily life, you can turn challenges like time constraints, information overload, or complex topics into opportunities for growth and mastery.

I don’t know where you are right now in your learning journey, or how are your learning AI.

All I know is to keep yourself curious, and be open to experimenting with new things. That, to me, is the essence of learning.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick a tool, take the first step, and watch how AI transforms the way you learn, grow, and achieve.

Share With Me Your Favourite AI Tool!

Do you have a favorite AI tool for learning? Comment below and I would love to exchange notes with you!