SOME ChatGPT subscribers have reported a new tool called “Study Together” appearing in their available features list. This feature seems to shift the chatbot’s focus toward educational use. Rather than simply responding to prompts, “Study Together” reportedly encourages users to engage more actively by asking them questions. There is speculation about a potential group study mode for multiple participants, though this has not been confirmed by OpenAI. The “Study Together” feature fits into a broader trend in AI education tools that prioritize active learning over passive information delivery. The shift from AI systems focused on “knowledge” to those centered on “learning” has been developing for decades, with empirical studies of AI in education rising from 5% in 1994 to 71% by 2014. ChatGPT’s approach with “Study Together” — asking questions instead of just providing answers — aligns with modern educational theories emphasizing engagement and collaborative problem-solving rather than rote memorization. Similarly, Google has positioned its LearnLM technology with features such as personalized tutoring and interactive quizzes designed to make learning more active and tailored to individual needs. The timing of ChatGPT’s “Study Together” rollout coincides with growing concerns about AI’s impact on academic integrity. Recent surveys show that 96% of U.S. college instructors believe students have used AI to cheat within the past year. In response, educational institutions are increasingly seeking AI tools that promote legitimate learning while discouraging academic dishonesty. Currently, 68% of teachers use AI detection tools to identify potential cheating cases. The rumored “study group mode” in ChatGPT aligns with a documented rise in educational AI research focused on collaborative structures and synchronous interactions among students. Google’s similar approach with LearnLM illustrates how major AI providers are converging on interactive, socially-oriented learning experiences as the future of educational technology. This shift toward collaborative AI-assisted learning addresses a long-standing critique that educational AI has focused too heavily on individual interaction with technology, neglecting the social aspects vital to effective learning.(SD-Agencies) | 