ChatGPT's new study mode aims to curb student cheating and encourage critical thinking

The big picture: As summer winds down and students prepare to head back to class, OpenAI has introduced a new feature for ChatGPT meant to address one of the thorniest challenges facing educators in the AI age: the temptation for students to use chatbots as shortcut machines. Wired's Reece Rogers, who has closely covered the intersection of AI and education, reports that "study mode" is an attempt to steer student activity toward meaningful engagement rather than rote answer-seeking.

Rogers concludes, however, that despite the platform's earnest attempt to encourage deeper learning, the responsibility for authentic understanding ultimately remains with the user. Even as technology companies roll out features meant to support learning, the option to sidestep careful study in favor of quick answers is never more than a toggle away.

In an era when artificial intelligence grows increasingly capable and accessible, students face a greater challenge than ever ...