OpenAI has launched Study Mode in ChatGPT, a new feature designed to cultivate critical thinking skills in students. Instead of directly providing answers, Study Mode engages users with questions and challenges them to interact with the material before offering assistance.
The rollout of Study Mode commenced Tuesday for logged-in users across various ChatGPT subscription tiers, including Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans. OpenAI anticipates extending Study Mode to its Edu subscribers in the coming weeks. Edu subscriptions primarily cater to younger users within educational institutions where administrators have procured ChatGPT access for the entire student body.
Study Mode represents OpenAI’s response to the extensive use of ChatGPT within academic environments. While research indicates that ChatGPT can serve as a beneficial educational tool, concerns have arisen regarding its potential impact on critical thinking abilities. A research paper published in June revealed diminished brain activity among individuals employing ChatGPT for essay composition compared to those utilizing Google Search or refraining from technological assistance.
The initial release of ChatGPT in 2022 triggered apprehension among educators due to its widespread adoption in schools. This led to the implementation of generative AI bans across numerous school districts in the United States. During 2023, some of these institutions reversed their policies, acknowledging the integration of ChatGPT into students’ lives.
With the introduction of Study Mode, OpenAI aims to transform ChatGPT into an enhanced learning resource, shifting its primary function from a straightforward answer-providing system. In April, Anthropic released a comparable feature, known as Learning Mode, for its AI chatbot, Claude.
The effectiveness of Study Mode is subject to certain limitations. Students retain the ability to revert to the standard ChatGPT mode, enabling them to obtain immediate answers to their inquiries. OpenAI’s VP of Education, Leah Belsky, stated in a TechCrunch briefing that the company currently refrains from providing tools that would permit parents or administrators to enforce the use of Study Mode. Belsky indicated, however, that OpenAI might consider administrative or parental control features in the future.
Successful implementation of Study Mode relies on the user’s commitment to learning, requiring students to actively engage with the material rather than merely seeking task completion. As Belsky articulated, “That means it will take a committed student to use Study Mode — the kids have to really want to learn, not just finish their assignment.”
OpenAI has emphasized that Study Mode is the initial step in refining ChatGPT as a learning platform. The company intends to disseminate further information regarding student utilization of generative AI in their education.
