Cited by 101Artificial Intelligence in EducationIntelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive LearningArtificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education

Large Language Models in Education: A Systematic Review of Empirical Applications, Benefits, and Challenges

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Shi, Yuhong, Yu, Kun, Dong, Yifei, Chen, Fang·2026·Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The rapid advancement of Large Language Models (LLMs), particularly following the release of ChatGPT in November 2022, has significantly transformed educational methodologies. This systematic review aims to synthesize empirical studies published between November 2022 and March 2025, examining the implementation and effectiveness of LLMs in educational settings. 88 empirical studies identified key applications, benefits, and challenges associated with LLM integration in education. Our findings reveal that LLMs are utilized across various educational contexts in six primary applications, with Intelligent Tutoring Systems being particularly prominent. The benefits include improved academic performance, increased student engagement, enhanced accessibility, optimized resource utilization, and strengthened cognitive and skill development. However, challenges such as student over-reliance on AI, technical reliability issues, assessment fairness, and privacy concerns were identified. This review provides educators, researchers, and policymakers with evidence-based insights and practical guidance for effective LLM integration, contributing to the ongoing transformation of teaching and learning in the era of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technology.

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Crossref · 10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100529

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Authors
Shi, Y., Yu, K., Dong, Y., & Chen, F.
Affiliations
University of Technology Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author
Shi, Yuhong
Venue
Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2026-06
Volume
10
Pages
100529
ISSN
2666-920X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W7115077557
Cited by
80
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 79 · 2025: 1
FWCI
12.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Artificial Intelligence in Education
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Intelligent Tutoring Systems and Adaptive Learning
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Health Informatics › Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare and Education
Keywords
large language models, generative AI in education, intelligent tutoring systems, ChatGPT, student engagement, academic performance, accessibility, overreliance on AI, assessment fairness, privacy concerns, technical reliability, AI in teaching

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