Course Hero started as a library of materials uploaded by students from their classes. Learners search for notes, practice problems, and study guides tied to specific courses and schools, and unlock documents by uploading their own or paying for a subscription. Tutors answer questions on a range of subjects.
An AI assistant now sits alongside the library. It explains concepts, helps with study guides and flashcards, and answers questions about uploaded materials. This makes the site more of a general study tool than a document repository, though the document library remains the main draw for many users.
Using such sites raises academic integrity questions, since copying answers or sharing exams can break school rules, and the site has faced copyright disputes over uploaded materials. Students should use it for learning and check their institution’s policy. Alternatives include Quizlet, Chegg, Khan Academy, Brainly, and Studocu. Course Hero suits students who want extra explanations and study material.