AUTHOR=Younas Muhammad , El-Dakhs Dina Abdel Salam , Noor Uzma TITLE=The impact of artificial intelligence-based learning tools in academic innovation: a review of Deep seek, GPT, and Gemini (2020–2025) JOURNAL=Frontiers in Education VOLUME=Volume 10 - 2025 YEAR=2025 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1689205 DOI=10.3389/feduc.2025.1689205 ISSN=2504-284X ABSTRACT=Artificial Intelligence-based Learning Tools (AI-LTs) are rapidly reshaping higher education by advancing the learning, teaching, and administrative processes. This paper offers a systematic review of peer-reviewed research, published between 2020 and 2025, by examining the roles, advantages, and challenges of the AI-LTs like ChatGPT, Deep Seek, Gemini, and Meta AI. Using a qualitative method, relevant studies were sourced from databases such as Scopus and Web of Science, by using strict criteria for the selection and extraction of data. The review highlights that the AI-LTs can significantly improve the personalized learning experiences, boost the engagement of students, and streamline the administrative operations. However, they also introduce ethical challenges like algorithmic bias and risks to data privacy. The study underscores the importance of responsible adoption of AI, advocating for the development of faculty algorithmic transparency and the robust collaboration of human-AI. Future research should prioritize empirical investigations to further validate the influence of the AI-LTs across diverse academic environments.