OpenAI Launches 'Study Mode' to Transform ChatGPT Into an AI Tutor That Makes You Think

OpenAI has launched a new feature called Study Mode for ChatGPT, which aims to transform the AI from a simple answer machine into an active learning tool. This mode is designed to challenge students rather than provide immediate answers, encouraging them to think critically and engage more deeply with the material. Do you think it will change how schools and Universities will use or allow AI in the future?

How Study Mode Works

Instead of giving direct solutions, Study Mode prompts users with questions, pushing them to work through problems on their own. For example, suppose a student asks for an answer to a math problem. In that case, ChatGPT might respond with a hint or ask a clarifying question, withholding the final answer until the student demonstrates understanding. This approach is similar to how a tutor might guide a student, fostering a more robust learning experience.

This shift in functionality addresses a growing concern that students have been relying too heavily on AI to complete their work. Recent research indicates that individuals who use AI for tasks like writing essays show less brain activity compared to those who use traditional research methods or their critical thinking skills. By making ChatGPT a more interactive and less passive tool, OpenAI hopes to counteract this trend.

Availability and The Future of AI in Education

Study Mode is currently being rolled out to Free, Plus, Pro, and Team users, with educational plans (school-wide subscriptions) set to receive access in the coming weeks. While there are no forced restrictions to keep students from turning off the mode, OpenAI's VP of Education, Leah Belsky, says the goal is to make the tool so effective that students will want to use it.

This development also highlights a growing trend in the AI industry. Earlier this year, Anthropic introduced a similar feature called Learning Mode for its AI, Claude, showing that the race to create AI that actively teaches and challenges users is heating up. This is seen as just the first step in a larger effort to redefine how AI fits into the classroom, aiming to turn it from a cheat sheet into a tool that genuinely helps build a student's knowledge.

"Now that ChatGPT has a 'Study Mode' designed to be a tutor instead of a cheat sheet, will this change how you use AI for your schoolwork?

Do you think students will actually use it for genuine learning, or is the instant-answer temptation too strong?"