OpenAI is launching a new feature in ChatGPT called study mode. This tool is designed to help users learn more effectively by guiding them through questions in a step-by-step way instead of just giving a quick answer.
According to OpenAI’s announcement, study mode is now available for everyone using ChatGPT Free, Plus, Pro, and Team. It will also roll out to ChatGPT Edu users in the coming weeks.
When study mode is turned on, ChatGPT responds differently. Instead of providing a straight answer, it uses prompts that include thoughtful questions, learning hints, and self-reflection steps. The goal is to help users understand the subject and build problem-solving skills. OpenAI says answers will be organized into easy-to-follow sections that connect key ideas clearly. The tool can even quiz you to reinforce learning.
This move comes as more AI companies are trying to appeal to college students and educators. Back in April, OpenAI’s competitor Anthropic released a similar feature called Learning mode for its Claude chatbot. With features like study mode, AI tools could become more than just a shortcut to quick answers and instead act as real learning companions. Still, since users can turn study mode on and off anytime, they will need to choose whether to use it to learn or just get direct answers.
Leah Belsky, OpenAI’s vice president of education, told TechCrunch that for now, there is no option for parents or schools to lock students into study mode. The feature is built to encourage self-motivated learning.
Study mode is powered by a set of custom instructions created by OpenAI in collaboration with teachers, scientists, and learning experts. OpenAI says this approach allows them to quickly adjust and improve the feature based on real student feedback, even if it means some occasional inconsistencies.
Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to add more features to study mode. These include better visuals, support for setting learning goals across chats, and deeper personalization based on each user’s progress.
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On the same day, Google also announced new AI features that could help students. A new canvas mode in AI-powered search can help create study guides, and NotebookLM now includes a video overview tool that turns information into narrated slide shows.
