OpenAI has launched a “study mode” in ChatGPT that guides students through complex subjects step by step instead of simply supplying answers. The new feature asks users about their existing knowledge and learning goals before offering explanations, encouraging them to think critically and work out solutions themselves. Universities are seeing a spike in AI‑related cheating—nearly 7,000 proven cases in UK institutions in 2023‑24 (about 5.1 per 1,000 students), up from 1.6 per 1,000 the previous year. More than a third of college‑age young adults in the US use ChatGPT, with about a quarter of their messages referring to learning or tutoring, highlighting the need for responsible integration into education.
Study mode aims to support learning rather than replace it. Students can upload images such as exam papers or homework, and the system will help them work through the material, prompting them to fill gaps and reflect on concepts. By fostering active engagement, OpenAI hopes to make ChatGPT a tool for understanding rather than cheating.