OpenAI launches study mode to improve student learning

On July 29, 2025, in an effort to address concerns regarding the impact of ChatGPT on educational integrity, OpenAI introduced a new feature called study mode on its chatbot application. This initiative is aimed at providing a more supportive learning experience for students by focusing on fostering understanding rather than offering direct answers. The introduction of study mode comes as a response to criticism that ChatGPT has contributed to instances of cheating among students since its launch in 2022, which some claim has resulted in a decline in academic rigor and critical thinking skills. Study mode seeks to redefine how students engage with the platform by utilizing techniques informed by educators and specialists. It incorporates methods such as Socratic questioning, guiding prompts, and interactive quizzes, which are tailored to meet individual learning objectives and skill levels. As stated in OpenAI's blog, the intention is to facilitate a deeper comprehension of the subjects at hand, rather than allowing students to shortcut their learning through easy answers. Leah Belsky, the vice president of education at OpenAI, emphasized that the tool also aims to provide users with constructive feedback. Although study mode appeared to be a step in the right direction for educational purposes, there remains uncertainty regarding its effectiveness. For instance, Glenn Kleiman, a senior adviser at Stanford University's graduate school of education, expressed his skepticism about the outcomes of the feature implementation, noting that many questions about its success still linger. Currently, this feature is available to all logged-in users across various subscription tiers including Free, Plus, Pro, and Team, with plans to introduce it to the educational version in the near future. OpenAI acknowledged that while there are no mechanisms in place for parents or administrators to restrict access to this study mode, potential for such controls may be evaluated for future enhancements. As educators and experts continue to analyze the impact of this feature, the ultimate goal remains clear: to improve educational engagement and outcomes for students while mitigating cheating concerns.