ChatGPT has introduced a new 'study mode' designed to encourage responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic settings, as universities report a surge in AI-related cheating. The feature, accessible via the chatbot's tools button, provides step-by-step guidance on complex subjects rather than delivering complete essays or answers.
In a demonstration, the chatbot responded to a query about Bayes' theorem by asking the user their comfort level with maths and their learning objectives. This approach aims to foster understanding rather than simply providing solutions, according to OpenAI, the chatbot's developer.
The launch comes amid growing concerns over AI misuse in education. A Guardian survey of UK universities found nearly 7,000 proven cases of AI-assisted cheating in 2023-24, equivalent to 5.1 per 1,000 students, up from 1.6 per 1,000 the previous year. In the US, over a third of college-age adults use ChatGPT, with about a quarter of messages related to learning.
Jayna Devani, OpenAI's international education lead, stated that the company does not want the tool to be misused and sees study mode as a step toward constructive academic engagement. She acknowledged that tackling cheating requires a broader industry conversation on assessment changes and clear guidelines on responsible AI use.
Study mode is particularly useful for homework help, exam preparation, and learning new topics, and can interact with uploaded images, such as past exam papers. OpenAI collaborated with teachers and education experts to develop the feature but warned of potential inconsistencies.
