OpenAI has launched Study Mode in ChatGPT, a feature aimed at promoting critical thinking skills in students by engaging them with questions and withholding direct answers until they actively participate in the learning process.
The rollout of Study Mode started on Tuesday for logged-in users on ChatGPT’s Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans, with plans to extend it to Edu subscribers, including students whose schools have adopted ChatGPT through administrator-purchased plans, in the coming weeks.
This development is a response to the widespread adoption of ChatGPT among students, with research indicating that while it can be a useful tutor, there are concerns it may hinder critical thinking skills. A June research paper found that individuals using ChatGPT for essay writing showed reduced brain activity compared to those using traditional search methods or no assistance.
The initial launch of ChatGPT in 2022 triggered apprehension among educators, leading to bans on generative AI in numerous American school districts. However, by 2023, some schools reversed these bans, recognizing the integration of ChatGPT into students’ lives.
With Study Mode, OpenAI aims to transform ChatGPT into a more effective learning tool, moving beyond its function as a simple answer provider. This move is not isolated, as Anthropic introduced a similar feature called Learning Mode for its AI chatbot Claude in April.
