OpenAI introduces ChatGPT for Teens. What do teachers think?

Since ChatGPT’s introduction in the fall of 2022, educators have been trying their best to navigate artificial intelligence’s explosion into the classroom. 

On one hand, AI proponents say, when used appropriately, the technology has the capacity to transform education for the better, enabling students to learn subjects more quickly and take in new educational experiences.  

On the other, AI skeptics say the technology can be extremely detrimental to student’s ability to critically think for themselves and easily help them cheat. Chatbots are also notorious for sharing false information, they argue. 

To help combat negative perceptions about the technology and cater more directly to schools, companies including Google and Anthropic have developed tools and services designed specifically for the education market. 

This week, OpenAI added new features to ChatGPT geared toward those teenagers using the chatbot for homework and studying, aptly named ChatGPT Teens. 

The company said ChatGPT Teens is “designed to help teens learn, think critically, deepen understanding and use AI with confidence.” One of the hallmarks features of the new software suite is “Study Mode,” which prompts the chatbot to provide students with “guiding questions” and “step-by-step” support when reviewing homework instead of providing them with direct answers.