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

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 36 of the 36 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Large language models in education: a systematic review of empirical applications, benefits, and challenges

Open access
Shi, Yuhong, Yu, Kun, Dong, Yifei, Chen, Fang·2026·Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence
DOI 10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100529
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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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36 of 36 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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Show all 36 references

Research works printed but not linked: 25

  1. Adipat, 2025, Challenging conventions: Chatgpt’s controversial impacts on educational and English language teaching practices, Educational Process: International Journal, 14
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  5. Cambaz, 2024, Use of AI-driven code generation models in teaching and learning programming: A systematic literature review, 172
  6. Chen, 2023, Exploring the benefits of chatbots game-based learning in science learning outcomes and motivation, Vol. 2, 400
  7. Chhina, 2023, Navigating the terrain of large language models in higher education: A systematic literature review
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  13. Lin, 2024, Preliminary systematic review of open-source large language models in education, 68
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  22. Wang, 2024, Opportunities and challenges of using Chatgpt as a teaching assistant in English language teaching: A systematic literature review, 375
  23. Xu, 2024, Leveraging artificial intelligence and large language models for enhanced teaching and learning: A systematic literature review, 73
  24. Yang, 2024, Enhancing Python learning with pytutor: Efficacy of a chatgpt-based intelligent tutoring system in programming education, Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence, 7
  25. Zarei, 2025, Chatgpt, a friend or a foe in medical education: A review of strengths, challenges, and opportunities, Shiraz E-Medical Journal

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Metadata

Authors
Shi, Y., Yu, K., Dong, Y., & Chen, F.
Affiliations
University of Technology Sydney (AU)
Corresponding author
Shi, Yuhong
ORCID
Shi, Yuhong
Venue
Computers and Education: Artificial Intelligence
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2026-06
Volume
10
Pages
100529
ISSN
2666-920X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.caeai.2025.100529
OpenAlex
W7115077557
Cited by
80
References
36
Citations by year
2026: 79
FWCI
12.30
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Computers and Education Artificial Intelligence (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Funders
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › 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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