Introduction to Study Mode
OpenAI has introduced a new feature called Study Mode, which is designed to provide users with a 24/7 tutorbot. This feature was inspired by "power users" who were already using ChatGPT as a personal tutor or test prep tool by adapting specific sets of prompts. The goal of Study Mode is to give less technically minded users access to a personal tutor that never gets tired of their questions.
How Study Mode Works
OpenAI worked with pedagogy experts to evaluate the mode’s behaviors and provide the model with "golden examples" of how ideal tutors would respond in certain situations. The company also consulted with groups of college students who were given advance access to the new feature. These students reported that Study Mode helped them gain confidence in their ability to learn and pushed them toward the next important bit of knowledge.
Benefits of Study Mode
One of the benefits of Study Mode is its flexibility. Students can access the feature at any time of day, which can be especially helpful for those who may be embarrassed or vulnerable about seeking help from a teaching assistant (TA) during office hours. Study Mode also allows for multi-hour tutoring sessions, which can be tailored to the individual student’s needs.
Can You Trust Study Mode?
Some people may be hesitant to use Study Mode due to the tendency of large language models (LLMs) to confabulate completely false information. However, OpenAI claims that the risk of hallucination is lower with Study Mode because the model goes through information in smaller chunks, calibrating along the way. While Study Mode was not designed explicitly to address concerns about ChatGPT being used to cheat on assignments, it could help allay educators’ fears that students are simply using LLMs to get out of doing their own work.
Future Developments
Study Mode will be added to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu product in the near future, which will provide subscribing schools with a different kind of AI experience for students. The specialized Study Mode system prompts are a "first step" to training similar behaviors "directly into our main models" in the future.
Conclusion
Study Mode has the potential to revolutionize the way students learn and access information. With its flexibility, personalized approach, and ability to provide confidence-boosting support, Study Mode could be a valuable tool for students of all ages. While there may be some concerns about the accuracy of the information provided, OpenAI is working to address these issues and provide a reliable and trustworthy resource for students.
FAQs
- What is Study Mode?
Study Mode is a new feature introduced by OpenAI that provides users with a 24/7 tutorbot. - How does Study Mode work?
Study Mode uses a combination of pedagogy expert evaluation and "golden examples" of ideal tutor responses to provide personalized support to students. - Is Study Mode trustworthy?
While LLMs have a tendency to confabulate false information, OpenAI claims that the risk of hallucination is lower with Study Mode due to its chunking and calibration approach. - Will Study Mode be available to all users?
Study Mode will be added to OpenAI’s ChatGPT Edu product in the near future, which will provide subscribing schools with access to the feature. - Can Study Mode help with cheating concerns?
Study Mode could help allay educators’ fears that students are using LLMs to cheat on assignments by providing a more transparent and supportive learning experience.
