Gen Z Ha Tinh reviews for exams with technology - When YouTube and AI act as "teaching assistants"

Many students use social networks and online learning platforms to prepare for exams.

In addition to traditional classroom learning and textbook review, many students, especially grade 12 students today, have expanded their approach to knowledge with new, more flexible and creative methods. With the support of digital technology, they proactively search for learning materials from many sources, use online learning platforms, apply artificial intelligence and digital tools to plan their exam preparation scientifically . No longer learning by passive memorization, Gen Z students are gradually turning exam preparation into a personalized process, suitable for their own learning pace, demonstrating a spirit of autonomy and outstanding adaptability in the digital age.

Realizing that learning today is not limited to traditional classrooms, Vu Hai Hung - a student of class 12A2, Cam Xuyen High School, has proactively expanded his learning space by making the most of online platforms.

Vu Hai Hung (in black shirt) often reviews lectures on Youtube to reinforce his knowledge.

“In addition to being taught by teachers in class, I often review lectures on Youtube to consolidate my knowledge, especially for parts that I am not really sure about. Videos can be rewinded and fast-forwarded, helping me grasp the content better. In addition, I often do additional practice tests on learning apps to check my understanding of the lesson,” Hung shared.

Not only that, Hai Hung also often watches lectures by famous teachers via livestream on Facebook or Tiktok. During live lessons, he can interact with teachers, ask questions right at the time of inquiry and receive feedback quite quickly.

Nguyen Bao Ngoc proactively uses artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini... to support in the process of practicing and doing tests.

Like Hung, Nguyen Bao Ngoc - a student of class 12A1, Phan Dinh Phung High School ( Ha Tinh City) chose to learn using technology to save time and increase efficiency.

In addition to studying in class, learning through videos and online platforms, Ngoc also proactively uses artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini... to support the process of practicing and doing tests. Bao Ngoc shared: "ChatGPT cannot replace teachers, but it can quickly suggest ways to introduce the lesson, analyze the main idea or provide many different approaches. However, I still have to check the information and compare it with the lecture in class. But if I know how to use it correctly, this is a very convenient and effective tool." Above all, for Bao Ngoc, technology is not only a means of learning but also a smart "teaching assistant", helping me learn faster, be more proactive and more confident on the journey to conquer the upcoming high school graduation exam.

Proactivity, flexibility and quickness in choosing the right learning method are becoming outstanding characteristics of Gen Z students. With easy access to technology from an early age, they are not afraid to experiment with new methods. Young people can study together through computer screens, solve problems together in Zoom meeting rooms or share lecture files via Google Drive...

However, it is because of the constant "attachment" to electronic devices that many parents are concerned. Mr. Nguyen Van Hung (Cam Quan commune, Cam Xuyen district) expressed: "Except for the time spent reviewing in class, the rest of the time I see my child holding the phone quite a lot so I am worried. I don't know if he is studying or surfing social networks. Before, it was easy to control by looking at books, but now he can study anywhere, do homework anywhere, so it is more difficult for parents to grasp."

Students need to master technology, instead of becoming dependent on it.

From the perspective of an educator, Mr. Ong Khac Chinh - teacher of Ha Tinh University's Primary, Secondary and High School - said: "Technology is an irreversible trend, but the important thing is to equip students with the skills to master technology, instead of being dependent on it. Many students have proactively participated in livestream lessons with teachers, using artificial intelligence to refer to problem solving methods, knowledge systems... This is a positive signal. However, not all students know how to select and use technology effectively. Some students download a lot of lecture videos to their phones and tablets but rarely open them to watch again. Some others are easily distracted by social networks, leading to a loss of control over their study time."

According to Mr. Chinh, schools and families should accompany students by guiding them on how to use technology appropriately, suggesting reputable platforms, encouraging planned self-study, and regularly checking their learning results. “It is impossible to separate students from digital devices, the more we forbid them, the more counterproductive it is. What needs to be done is to teach them smart learning skills, learning with goals, and knowing how to self-evaluate their effectiveness,” Mr. Chinh shared.

In a world that is open to technology, Gen Z students have more advantages than previous generations. But along with that comes greater responsibility in choosing how to study, controlling time and maintaining a disciplined learning spirit. No one else but the students themselves must decide whether they will use technology as a “lever” to break through or let themselves be swept away by countless unfiltered content, reducing learning efficiency.