OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, unveiled a new “study mode” feature in the app on July 29 that’s designed to turn the generative AI app from an answer engine into a personal tutor, according to an article in Education Week. The study mode guides users to find answers step by step instead of giving them answers.
“Learning requires friction, it takes effort, curiosity, and grappling with ideas,” said Leah Belsky, the vice president and general manager of education at OpenAI, during a July 28 press briefing. “So the question on our minds as we built this product was, how can we guide students toward using AI in ways that encourage true, deeper learning? How do we make it easier and more intuitive for them to use ChatGPT in this way?”
Generative AI experts say the technology can potentially lead to more personalized learning experiences for students.
The ChatGPT study mode is “the first step” in ensuring that there is “real learning” happening when students are using AI tools, Belsky said.
The new ChatGPT feature is useful for homework help, test prep, and learning new topics, according to OpenAI. Keep in mind this isn’t the first generative AI tool to guide students to get to the answer on their own, revise an essay, or have personalized tutoring. The nonprofit Khan Academy launched Khanmigo, a personalized tutor for students, in 2023. Large AI platforms such as Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot can be prompted to guide users to learn rather than just giving away answers.
With ChatGPT study mode, students can type in a question and ChatGPT responds with interactive prompts for active learning. Scaffolded responses help students make connections with topics they already know. Quizzes, open-ended questions, and other ways to test and apply the students’ new knowledge are provided.
For example, a student uses the ChatGPT study mode and asks for help understanding what positive and negative feedback loops mean in biology. The study mode asks a few introductory questions (What grade level are you in? Have you seen these topics before? What’s your goal in learning this topic?) to assess the student’s current knowledge and guides teaching from there.
The idea is to keep helping the student get to the answer, even if the student prompts it to give the answer. A student can just switch off study mode and get to the answer more quickly. There are currently no guardrails against that, according to OpenAI.
ChatGPT study mode has the same age restrictions as the normal version: anyone 13 or older can use it; those ages 13 to 17 need parental consent before using the app, according to OpenAI. The study mode also has the same safeguards when it comes to the creation of explicit, illegal, or harmful content, according to OpenAI. People using ChatGPT for harm or even self-harm has been reported.
“We intend to publish a deeper analysis of what we’ve learned about the links between model design and cognition, shape future product experiences based on these insights, and work side by side with the broader education ecosystem to ensure AI benefits learners worldwide,” the company said in a press release.
One teacher says the only concern he has is the technology’s tendency to get things wrong.
“You’d better be pretty confident it’s going to give you correct answers,” he says.
Teachers should try it and learn its capabilities and limitations and then show their students, he adds.
Education Week
