Book review: Thorpe, J. (2024) AI for students: creative hacks for academic success: an illustrated guide. Glasgow: Promptly Books

This review examines Josh Thorpe's book, "AI for Students: Creative Hacks for Academic Success," which offers practical guidance for students navigating the evolving landscape of Generative AI (Gen AI) in higher education. Thorpe, drawing from his tutoring experience and extensive reading, presents a series of AI 'hacks' aimed at fostering good academic practices. The book's comic format, while seemingly simple, is underpinned by scholarly insights and practical experimentation, providing a counter-narrative to the often misleading study tips found on social media. Thorpe's work addresses the initial institutional resistance to Gen AI and highlights the emerging recognition of AI's potential to enhance learning. The book is particularly relevant for early-stage undergraduates, offering tips on using AI for quizzes, note management, critical thinking, and assignment planning. It emphasizes the importance of ethical AI use and encourages students to engage in active learning and critical discussions about AI's limitations and ethical considerations. While the book's format may limit its depth on complex topics like systemic bias and data privacy, it remains a valuable resource for students and educators alike. Thorpe's engaging approach, using comic characters to represent diverse student voices, fosters an inclusive and dialogic learning environment. This review underscores the book's relevance in equipping students with the skills to ethically and effectively integrate Gen AI into their academic pursuits.