This meta-analysis examines the diverse effects of artificial intelligence (AI), notably ChatGPT, on intelligent learning in the education industry over the last four years. Despite the rapid integration into education of AI tools such as ChatGPT, which have the potential to enhance personalized learning and administrative efficiency, there remains a dearth of comprehensive, evidence-based research evaluating their long-term educational impacts. This study sought to address this gap by examining the subtle impacts of AI on different educational levels, geographical regions, and functionality. This project employed a meta-analysis methodology to thoroughly examine peer-reviewed articles published between 2020 and 2023. Its objective was to measure the efficacy of AI applications in enhancing critical thinking and personalized learning. The key findings suggest that AI technologies, such as intelligent tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms, greatly improve the personalization and engagement of learning. However, we still need to address difficulties related to ethical considerations and potential biases. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing strict ethical norms and strong educational frameworks to guarantee the fair and efficient incorporation of AI into educational processes.