OpenAI announced on the 29th (local time) that it will introduce a 'Study Mode' feature in ChatGPT to support students' learning.
OpenAI described 'Study Mode' as a new experience that helps students learn by solving problems step by step rather than simply providing answers. Starting today, not only free users but also subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Teams can access this feature after logging in, and it will be available on ChatGPT Edu within a few weeks.
OpenAI noted, "ChatGPT has become one of the most widely used learning tools in the world, and students turn to ChatGPT when tackling difficult homework, preparing for exams, or exploring new concepts." However, it raised the important question of whether AI truly helps with learning in educational settings or if it merely provides answers, leading to the development of 'Study Mode' to address this question.
Lia Belsky, vice president of OpenAI's educational institutional sector, said, "If ChatGPT is utilized to teach or act as a tutor, it can significantly boost academic performance," but added, "If it is simply used as an answer machine, it can hinder learning."
OpenAI emphasized that by using 'Study Mode,' students can build a deeper understanding through tailored questions and guidance that align with their goals and abilities, making the learning process itself more engaging and encouraging active thinking rather than just finishing homework.
Developed in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and educational experts, this feature provides information in stages to stimulate thinking instead of providing answers through interactive questions and makes complex topics easier to understand. It adjusts learning according to user levels based on previous conversation history and skill assessment questions, and checks learned material through quizzes and open-ended questions while strengthening application abilities through feedback.
OpenAI stated that one in three college-age individuals already uses ChatGPT and noted that 'Study Mode' was designed with college students in mind. However, it was mentioned that as the first step to enhance learning features in ChatGPT, inconsistencies or errors may occur during conversations. OpenAI plans to research providing visual materials for complex or lengthy concepts, goal setting, progress tracking, and personalized learning tailored to individual students' abilities and goals.
Meanwhile, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, mentioned in a recent podcast that AI could dramatically change the future of education. A dropout from Stanford University, Altman remarked that his young children "probably won't go to college," adding, "Many people already feel that colleges do not function effectively, and 18 years from now, it will look very different from now."