OpenAI is on a mission to revolutionize education with the introduction of Study Mode, a transformative feature within ChatGPT designed to foster critical thinking among students. This new approach shifts the focus from merely providing answers to engaging students in a more interactive learning process.

Starting this week, users subscribed to ChatGPT's Free, Plus, Pro, and Team plans will have access to Study Mode. The feature is also expected to reach Edu subscribers, predominantly young students, in the coming weeks as school administrators increasingly embrace the tool.

Study Mode comes as a response to the widespread use of ChatGPT in educational settings. While research indicates that ChatGPT can serve as a valuable tutor, it also poses a risk to students' critical thinking abilities. A June research paper revealed that individuals using ChatGPT to write essays showed reduced brain activity compared to those using Google Search or no tool at all.

The initial launch of ChatGPT in 2022 sparked concerns among educators, leading to bans on generative AI in many American school districts. However, by 2023, some of these bans were lifted, as educators recognized the inevitability of ChatGPT's presence in students' lives.

With Study Mode, OpenAI aims to enhance ChatGPT as a learning tool rather than just an answer engine. The company's VP of Education, Leah Belsky, confirmed that there are no plans to lock students into Study Mode, but OpenAI may consider administrative or parental controls in the future.

The effectiveness of Study Mode hinges on students' commitment to learning. It requires a genuine desire to engage with the material, rather than simply seeking to complete assignments. OpenAI considers Study Mode as the first step towards improving learning in ChatGPT and plans to release more information on how students utilize generative AI throughout their education journey.