OpenAI wants ChatGPT to help students learn, not just look up answers

OpenAIhas rolled out a new ChatGPT feature called ‘study mode’, turning the chatbot from a simple answer machine into an interactive learning partner, marking a notable development in how AI can support education.

“Study mode is designed to help students learn with ChatGPT, not just get answers. It guides users step by step, asking thoughtful questions and adapting to each student’s goals and skill level - much like a tutor would,” said Leah Belsky, Vice President - Education, OpenAI, in a LinkedIn post.

This launch positions OpenAI more directly in the edtech space, with tools that overlap with what several edtech companies, such as ALLEN, PhysicsWallah, Vedantu, LEAD and Infinity Learn, provide or plan to provide, including personalised tutoring, interactive problem-solving, and exam preparation support. 

In addition, OpenAI is also collaborating with edtech startups in India and the United States to support the development of educational tools built on top of ChatGPT via its APIs.

OpenAI describes its AI chatbot as “one of the most widely used learning tools in the world” with students using it to tackle homework, revise for exams, and explore new ideas.

Belsky noted that the study mode feature was developed in collaboration with learning scientists, teachers, students, and researchers, with the aim of encouraging deeper thinking and supporting meaningful learning.

According to her, the study mode was tested on IIT and other competitive exams in India to assess its performance. The feature, available in 11 Indian languages with multi-modal support, has been tested by Indian students across various use cases, from learning to exam preparation.

Study mode supports learning through interactive prompts that encourage active thinking, using questions, hints, and reflection instead of giving direct answers. It is designed to break down complex topics into clear, structured sections that highlight key connections, making information easier to follow and less overwhelming. Lessons are personalised to each user’s level, drawing on past interactions to offer the right level of support, said the company.

To help with retention and application, study mode includes quizzes and open-ended questions with tailored feedback. It’s also flexible, so learners can switch it on or off at any time to suit their learning goals at the moment, the company added.

This feature is available to logged-in users across Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans.

OpenAI said this is just the first step in improving learning with ChatGPT. It is exploring ways to make study mode more engaging and useful for students. Planned features include clearer visuals for complex or text-heavy ideas, goal setting and progress tracking across chats, and deeper personalisation based on each student’s level and learning goals.