As students increasingly turn to technology for educational support, the role of artificial intelligence in learning has become a hot topic. OpenAI’s recent introduction of “study mode” for ChatGPT, alongside Google’s suite of educational tools, is reshaping the landscape of student resources. But where does this leave traditional study aids like textbooks and platforms like Chegg and Quizlet?
ChatGPT’s new “study mode” is designed to function more like a tutor, employing the Socratic method to guide students through learning, while also offering quizzes and study plans. When asked about its effectiveness, ChatGPT suggested, “Yes, I can absolutely be a useful study tool, but the best results come from knowing how and when to use me alongside textbooks and edtech platforms.”
How companies are adapting
Chegg, known for selling textbooks and offering digital learning tools, recently reduced its workforce by 22% due to the rise of generative AI usage among students. Chegg CEO Nathan Schultz noted, “We were trying to be everything to every student in a pre-AI world.” Now, the company aims to offer more customized services for a subscription fee, likening their approach to fitness apps that guide users towards specific goals.
In an effort to stay competitive, Chegg is integrating AI models into its platform. A new feature allows students to compare Chegg’s solutions with answers from other platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude.
Similarly, Macmillan Learning, which provides textbooks and e-books, is incorporating AI into its offerings. Their AI tool encourages critical thinking through open-ended questions rather than providing direct answers, aligning with the Socratic method to enhance students’ problem-solving skills.
How students are adapting
Students are finding ways to blend AI tools with traditional study aids. Bryan Wheatley, a Prairie View A&M University graduate, used ChatGPT alongside Quizlet and Socratic for his studies. Initially skeptical, Wheatley found ChatGPT helpful for tasks like outlining essays, though he noted it was only “correct about half the time,” necessitating cross-referencing.
A survey by the Digital Education Council in July 2024 revealed that 66% of students in various degree programs regularly use ChatGPT. However, over half of the respondents expressed concerns that over-reliance on AI might harm their academic performance.
Not all students are embracing generative AI. Sally Simpson, a Ph.D. student at Georgetown University, prefers traditional tools like Quizlet and SparkNotes, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking skills. “It cheapens people’s education,” she says of AI reliance. “I think it’s an important skill to be able to read an article, or read a text, and not only be able to summarize it, but think about it critically.”
How professors are adapting
Professors are also adjusting to the AI-driven educational environment. Amy Lawyer from the University of Louisville encourages her students to use ChatGPT for editing while implementing more in-class, handwritten assignments to prevent plagiarism. Ayelet Fishbach of the University of Chicago notes that while students have always sought shortcuts, the clarity between efficiency and cheating is now more blurred, leading educators to offer additional support.
