Google's new AI tool could be your new favorite learning aid - and it's free

While working on a master's degree not long ago, I found one of the greatest challenges was getting used to learning complex topics outside my comfort zone. Even today, as a tech journalist, getting up to speed quickly on unfamiliar topics is an essential skill in my line of work.

Also: Google's new AI tool transforms dense research papers into accessible conversations

Recently, Google has been developing -- within its Google Learning platform -- new artificial intelligence-powered tools that transform learning and research processes for students, educators, and professionals. Google Learning's latest offering, "Learn About" -- which the tech giant describes as an "adaptable, conversational, AI-powered learning companion" -- works much like an AI chatbot or search tool but is more personalized to your learning capabilities and needs. 

What is Learn About?

Google's Learn About opens with the phrase "What would you like to learn today?" Then in the search box in the center of the page, you can insert any topic, subject, file, or image to delve deeper. Here, Google uses experimental AI technology to help you approach any topic and subject better informed.

The interactive AI model is designed to be a conversational learning companion that answers questions and provides in-depth responses for even one-word terms. Each answer is tailored to a specific user's level of knowledge, making the platform quite user-friendly as it attempts to create highly personalized conversations. Users are guided through challenging concepts and subject matter with a variety of interactive guides, images, videos, and articles, producing an engaging and flexible learning environment for each user. 

How to use Learn About

To get started, sign in using your Google account. You can begin by asking a question in the search box, uploading an image, or document, or exploring the curated topics below. 

When I tried out the tool, I entered the following in the search box: "What does Silvia Federici mean by the 'feminization of poverty' in her text, Caliban and the Witch

According to Learn About:

"In Caliban and the Witch, Silvia Federici argues that the transition to capitalism led to a feminization of poverty. What she means by this is that women were disproportionately impoverished during the rise of capitalism. This wasn't an accident. Federici argues that it was a deliberate process that helped capitalism develop."

But the AI learning companion didn't stop there, as it further defined "feminization of poverty" and detailed factors that contributed to this phenomenon with an interactive list. 

This is an AI tool I wish I had during my schooling because it would have made studying for exams and developing reading and study guides easier. Moreover, I think it would be a great learning aid if you are a student or lifelong learner trying to keep your mind sharp beyond academia. 

How to access Learn About

You can access Learn About at learning.google.com/experiments/learn-about. You must have a Google account to sign in.